For over 86 years Goodwill of Orange County has been in the business of collecting donated goods for reuse to sell in its retail stores. Today there are 20 retail stores and nearly 30 attended donation sites located throughout Orange County-- and as the creator of shopgoodwill.com, the local organization also holds the distinction of developing, managing and operating the first Internet auction site for non-profits.
Each of these retail venues is a vital source of revenue for programs and an invaluable resource for the individuals Goodwill serves-- by providing thousands of people with disabilities and other barriers the opportunity to achieve their highest levels of personal and economic independence through competitive employment.
As a leader in social enterprise, Goodwill is creating positive social change within the context of sustainable business models. It is developing new and powerful solutions to society’s most challenging social issues. In addition to the many educational, training and employment services, Goodwill of Orange County also provides innovative business solutions, including Document Destruction Services, Packaging and Assembly and E-waste Solutions, which results in new revenue sources while fueling the local economy.
Additional innovative human service programs include the Assistive Technology Exchange Center (ATEC), one of the region’s largest and most comprehensive providers of the latest assistive technology to help children and adults with disabilities reach their maximum potential using equipment or specialized materials to improve functional capabilities. In 2009, the Goodwill Fitness Center, designed for people with disabilities or chronic illnesses, opened its doors to an underserved population, eager to build strength and endurance to do daily tasks and gain the self-confidence they need to be productive. The 12,000 square foot state-of-the art facility is the first of its kind in the area, complete with a fully accessible gym with specialized equipment and fitness and yoga classes.
The effort to be good stewards is paying off in other positive ways. Goodwill of Orange County has recently earned its third consecutive 4-Star rating based on both organizational efficiency and capacity from Charity Navigator, America's premier independent charity evaluator. With thousands of charitable organizations competing for funding in Orange County, it’s reassuring for individuals and businesses that demand more accountability, transparency and quantifiable results to know that Goodwill is an excellent choice-- whether they donate goods, make a financial gift or support one of Goodwill’s smart business solutions. |
