Alabama Goodwill cuts ribbon on two new Huntsville locations
With many nonprofits fishing in the same financial pond, having a niche is an absolute asset. Since it was founded in 1902 by a Boston minister, Goodwill Industries has embraced the tenet of raising educational and workforce-related services to improve the lives of less fortunate citizens.
“Not charity, but a chance” was Reverend Edgar J. Helms’ philosophy when, shortly after the turn of the 20th century, he began collecting donations of goods from wealthier families to improve the lives of others.
That philanthropic pursuit remains true today, as highlighted by two ribbon-cutting ceremonies held within eight days in South Huntsville.
“We absolutely appreciate your support and all of our community partners here,’’ said Kathy Taylor, vice president of marketing for Alabama Goodwill Industries. “This means everything to us. Every time we can put a donation center up in a city, that means more donations and more jobs.’’
That drives at the heart of the organization’s mission: “Through funding partnerships and the kind donations that our communities provide, we create employment opportunities wherein those with barriers to employment and self-sufficiency can learn, develop and grow to become productive members of the community and reach their life goals.’’
The first ribbon-cutting was at 8920 Memorial Parkway in the building once occupied by Mike’s Merchandise. It is a combination drive-thru donation drop, retail store and career center that relocated from 8501 Whitesburg Drive.
David Wells, Alabama Goodwill president and CEO, said the move was made for more efficiency.
“The building over there was not meant for a pretty good sized, donated goods operation,’’ he said. “It didn’t have a dock so we didn’t have a really good donation center.’’
The second ribbon-cutting was held Wednesday for a drive-thru Attended Donation Center (ADC), which operates without a retail store or career center. It is located at 4769 Whitesburg Drive, in the space formerly occupied by an Alabama Credit Union branch in the Piedmont Point Shopping Center.
The ADC is the 17th of its kind in the state. Alabama Goodwill targets ADC sites that offer not only convenience but are in neighborhoods that haven’t always been available to 501(c)(3) nonprofits because of negative bias.
The ADC is Goodwill’s third location in the city. Each local Goodwill organization designs its own programs and services to help people find work near where they live.
“That’s what we do every day and it’s our pleasure to be able to do it,’’ said Doug Prescott, Vice President of Operations and Territory Development. “So we’re proud to be in Huntsville, we’ve been in Huntsville, we’re proud to be expanding into Huntsville.’’
Alabama Goodwill has three autonomous hubs operating out of Birmingham, Montgomery and Mobile that provide job training, job placement, sheltered employment and job readiness classes for people with disabilities or other barriers to employment.
“We hire individuals that come in and provide more opportunities, not only to gain a steady paycheck, but also to gain new skills that will help them improve their lives and their careers,’’ said Sophia Jones, company VP of Organizational Development. “We thank you so much for your support—support in allowing us to do this in your community. And together we can improve lives one job at a time.’’
