Goodwill Industries is a little-known extremely valuable community resource. When most people think of Goodwill they imagine thrift stores but what the majority of people don't know is that Goodwill offers very unique programs that cater to the underserved members of our communities. My experience interacting with Goodwill is a very direct reflection of their mission: providing opportunites for individuals with barriers or disabilities. Goodwill always puts the client first with the philosophy in mind that in order to foster indpendence/success in the workforce, it all starts with the individual. This philosophy is put into practice by highly qualified very passionate employees who come from a variety of backgrounds adding to the diversity and, thus developing a capacity to understand and better serve the needs of any individual who walks through their doors. Regardless of whether or not it is an individual with special needs who needs job placement assistance and coaching, or if it is an individual with special needs (and talents) who would like to open a business, Goodwill Industries has led many individuals to success that may otherwise still struggle with the hardships of disability or economic disadvantage. Thus catering not only to the needs of the economy and workforce, but also fostering independence and an improved quality of life for individuals.
I would like to commend the workers at the store located at downtown in Bakersfield. I am like the store it is clean, smells good and the people who work there are courteous and ready to help you. I had some time left over during my lunch and I found a treasure chest. I work half a block away from Goodwill, my girlfriends and I plan to walk there and as often as possible and look around instead of eating. I do not know who runs the store but my “congrats” to them. Maria De La Cruz