Goodwill Industries-Suncoast, Inc.

I volunteered for service hours! It was a great learning experience!!

Goodwill SWFL is MUCH more than just retail stores! I was surprised to find out how they've been helping thousands of people in SWFL every year.
Since 1966, They have been "committed to serving people with disabilities and disadvantages by offering life-changing opportunities to achieve independence" through its mission programs:
Eight Community Resource Centers, and a Mobile unit, provide:
- Job and family strengthening assistance
- Work skills/Digital skills training
- Credentialing certificates
- Free tax preparation
Pathways to Opportunity (PTO): An adult day training program based on participant needs and interests
MicroEnterprise Institute: for aspiring entrepreneurs with limited incomes to learn how to start a business
Pathways to Work: On-the-job training and employment services for youths and adults
Goodwill SWFL retail stores (25) and businesses train individuals with barriers to gain employment and advance their careers.
Community outreach for three at-risk communities helps residents overcome disadvantages.
Accessible Housing at 18 sites for low-income seniors and people with disabilities
Home for Good: Lee County Rapid Rehousing Program assists those referred by Lee County who are experiencing homelessness to obtain and retain permanent housing and obtain financial self-sufficiency
GIVE Employee Resource Center, person-centered services to disadvantaged employees

I love going to read to children who may have no books at home to call their own. I also volunteer at the local library and got a laugh out of a little boy who stared at me (when I was working there); he nudged his mom, saying, "See? I told you she lives at the library!"

"Bookworks" a part of Goodwill Industries is topnotch. This volunteer program is dedicated to stamping out illiteracy in every household. I feel privileged to be a "reader" volunteer in the schools and to be a part of this great program. Hurrah and five stars for "Bookworks".

Goodwill's Bookworks Program builds a love of reading literacy for preschool children in Wildwood. The anticipation and joy of each reading day carries over to the children's home as they receive a free book to build their own home library. The benefits of this worthwhile program adds to a foundation of learning for the future of these children. I'm proud to be associated with them.

I am a volunteer in the Bookworks program. Here in the electronic age it is so important for children to be exposed to appreciating books. We visit daycare centers and read to the children. When the reading session is over, each child receives a book to take home. The books are donated to Goodwill, where other volunteers sort and clean the books. The children really look forward to the reading sessions, and so do I. Thank you Goodwill.