A Message from our CEO – November 2019

Thanksgiving and the holiday season is a great time to pause, give thanks, and celebrate the people of San Diego County who support our mission all year. I am very grateful for the collaboration we have with our community. When I say, “Together, we are Making Good Happen” it is more than a catchy phrase, it is our business model. We cannot improve lives and strengthen families by providing employment opportunities, job placement assistance, training and much more without the generosity of San Diego County residents. This year we provided free job placement assistance and training to over 6,200 job seekers.

Together, we are Making Good Happen!

Toni Giffin

President and Chief Executive Officer

Core Values: Credibility • Creativity • Collaboration

FLAG CEREMONY

Goodwill San Diego’s corporate offices, community employment center, and retail store are located on Rosecrans Street, which leads to Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery. Fort Rosecrans is a federal military cemetery in the city of San Diego. With that in mind, we installed a 30 foot flag pole on the corner of Rosecrans Street and Sports Arena Boulevard to honor those who sacrificed and gave their all for our freedom. On Monday, November 18, we had a flag raising and dedication ceremony. A plaque at the base of the flag honors our military, first responders, board members, Goodwill ambassadors (employees) and our donors. Members of our Navy Color Guard were on hand to raise our flag. We are incredibly grateful to have had in attendance Officers from the Marine Corps., Members of the San Diego Police Department, Veterans, Board Members, and our Ambassadors. This flag will always fly as a symbol of Goodwill San Diego’s gratitude to our community. Together, we are Making Good Happen.

COMMUNITY COLLABORATION

The San Diego Regional Center (SDRC) and Goodwill San Diego collaborate to provide work experience for people with developmental disabilities. SDRC refers candidates to Goodwill San Diego and are responsible for ensuring eligible individuals with qualifying disabilities have opportunities to achieve independence. SDRC provides coordinated support throughout a participant’s entire life. Their services are customized for each individual through third party partners who provide life services or work opportunities.

At Goodwill, job coaches are trained to support participants through their progress towards Competitive Integrated Employment (CIE). CIE is the final phase of our work program for participants with developmental disabilities who are interested in working independently. We provide paid training in both hard and soft skills to prepare participants for CIE. All participants earn minimum wage while in the program.

Our collaboration with SDRC helps us fulfill our mission to provide employment and training opportunities to people with disabilities and other barriers to employment. Together, we are Making Good Happen.

COLLABORATE WITH US

VETERANS PROGRAM SUCCESS STORY

John is a former United States Navy veteran who struggled to find a job. John noticed a Goodwill Community Employment Center and learned about Goodwill’s Veterans Program. He then met with a Goodwill Job Developer who specializes in assisting veterans and was coached in the steps needed to become independent. John’s goal was to obtain a well-paying job. The Job Developer encouraged him to start by accepting an entry level job, “It is much easier to get a job when you have a job” the Job Developer shared with John. With this mindset and the support of Goodwill, John landed a job at Gate Gourmet, a company that prepares food for airlines.

While this may not have been John’s dream job, it did allow him to get back on his feet. This was an impressive entry level job because it was at an airport with multiple levels of security. John was interested in a security job, specifically being a California Guard that would include riding a bike and traveling, things he enjoys. This job would require a California Guard Card. John’s Job Developer helped him obtain his Guard Card through Goodwill. With his Guard Card in hand, John earned a job with Allied Universal, unfortunately, due to a family emergency, he had to relocate.

It wasn’t long before John reached out to his Job Developer and told him he received his “Dream Job” as a Merchant Marine. He had built up the necessary skills to pursue this job on his own. John now works on a research vessel, which allows him to travel the world and earn good pay.

With the combination of John’s passion and his Job Developer’s assistance, John gained the confidence to pursue a career path that accelerated his life. Together, we are Making Good Happen.

VETERANS PROGRAM