United Way Cuts Funding to Goodwill – Help Us Keep Texas Working!
One of the clients served through the United Way funding was Christine B.
Christine was a single mother in her fifties struggling to pay her rent and feed herself and her 9 year old daughter. Having a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, she was surprised by how hard it was to find work after being laid off from her job as an Office Manager. Christine felt her age was a major barrier to finding employment, and she needed assistance updating her résumé and improving her interview skills. Goodwill also helped her with emergency financial assistance and transportation while she was looking for work in order to get to interviews and put food on the table.
Christine stated, “When I came to Goodwill all broken up, beat down, and frustrated, my case manager had a kind spirit that made me feel better. She took the extra step just to say that she cared.”
Christine was able to receive the support she needed to finally get a job as a temp for the University of Texas at Austin in the Development Department. Her hard work and determination led her to obtaining full time employment as a Development Assistant. Christine now has a stable income, health benefits for her and her daughter, and a career path with room to grow.
When asked about her future Christine stated, “I’m on to great things all I needed was a chance.”
Last week we received some alarming news. Our longtime partner, the United Way for Greater Austin, eliminated $85,000 in funding for Goodwill Industries of Central Texas due to budget shortfalls, effective immediately. While we are saddened by this blow to our organization and the community, Goodwill remains optimistic. We are determined to continue raising the funds we need to fulfill our mission - generating lifelong connections to work. Will youmake a gift of $25, $50, $75, or more this week? We greatly appreciate your generosity and support of our mission.
Over the years, United Way funding has been critical to our success. Their support has enabled us to provide our neighbors living in poverty with essential job training and placement services, financial literacy education, and access to traditional banking accounts. Clients served through the United Way grant include people lacking education and job skills, experiencing homelessness, and those with criminal backgrounds seeking a second chance. This unanticipated $85,000 budget cut directly impacts Goodwill’s ability to provide services. These most vulnerable members of our community need help to overcome these barriers and build independence through the power of work.
Every day five Central Texans secure employment through the help they received at Goodwill. To accomplish this, we rely on financial contributions from people like you to provide much needed services. Unemployment rates are holding steady, and a reduction in Goodwill programs is harmful to our economy and workforce. The greater Austin area needs Goodwill, and right now,Goodwill needs your help more than ever.
You can also help by donating gently used clothing, decorations, toys, computers, and household goods. Collect these donations of goods from your family, friends, neighbors, and colleagues as well to increase your impact!Donations from the community are at the foundation of Goodwill’s history and our growth. We estimate that it will take more than 100,000 pounds of donations to make up for this lost funding.
Finally, will you spread the word? Please share what Goodwill means to you and why this is so important to our community. Forward this email. Post it to Facebook. Tweet it. You can even pick up the phone. Telling others that Goodwill needs help now can make a big difference.
On behalf of our board, staff, and most importantly our clients – thank you. We couldn’t do it without you, and we are honored to be part of a community that pulls together when the going gets tough.
With gratitude,
Gerald L. Davis, President and CEO
Goodwill Industries of Central Texas
PHONE: 512.637.7100 · FAX: 512.637.7400 · TOLL FREE: 877.464.4660 · RELAY TEXAS: 711 OR 800.735.2989
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Goodwill Industries of Central Texas is a 501(c)(3) tax exempt organization and donations are fully deductible.
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