FOCUS: Palmetto Goodwill plans for another 40 years of impact

Rickey Watson, left, received a scholarship check from Board Chair Lee Deas and CEO Bob Smith. Watson now will now be able to attend a welding certification course offered as part of Palmetto Goodwill’s Career Credentialing Program. (Photo provided.)

Staff reports  | October 16 was a special day for Palmetto Goodwill as it celebrated 40 years of service to coastal South Carolina. When the organization opened its doors in 1979 with six employees and a $90,000 budget, few envisioned the impact it would have four decades later through training, employment and community services to more than 400,000 people.  During the span, Palmetto Goodwill placed 19,157 into new jobs., according to a press release.

“I want to thank every person who has ever donated to Palmetto Goodwill, supported our events, shopped in our stores, partnered with us or volunteered their time,” Palmetto Goodwill President and CEO Robert Smith said.  “The Goodwill model only works with a supportive and engaged community and we are lucky to have had that these past 40 years.”

Donations and revenues have grown through the years allowing to provide an annual impact of over 41,000 services to more than 15,000 individuals.  It also assists placing more than 3,000 people into new jobs. The organization’s unsold donations received each year also result in over 16 million pounds of waste and e-waste being diverted from area landfills.

“I truly believe Goodwill founder Rev. Edgar Helms would be proud of the work we have done over the past 40 years,” Smith said.  “But I also believe he would encourage us to continue moving forward with new initiatives that help more people overcome their barriers to employment and become more self-sufficient and prosperous.”

The organization celebrated its 40-year milestone by having a breakfast with community leaders, including Charleston Mayor John Tecklenburg, and business partners, reflecting on its history with several success stories.  Also participating were Tim Zarzecki, a Source America National Award Winner who has worked for Palmetto Goodwill since 2005; Irene Gillispie, a recent graduate of the AbilityOne program of whichPalmetto Goodwill is a part; and Walter Barnwell, an Army veteran who graduated from Palmetto Goodwill’s first Culinary Kick-Start class. The breakfast ended with a scholarship award to Rickey Watson, who will now be able to attend a welding certification course offered as part of Palmetto Goodwill’s Career Credentialing Program.

Palmetto Goodwill is a non-profit social enterprise whose mission is to help people achieve their full potential through the dignity and power of work. In operation since 1979, Palmetto Goodwill operates 31 thrift stores/donation centers, 12 Career Opportunity Centers and 14 commercial contracts to support its mission throughout coastal South Carolina.  Learn more here.

• Have a comment?  Send to: editor@charlestoncurrents.com