Goodwill Manasota’s Economic Impact Exceeds $91 Million

April 13, 2022 – Sarasota

Goodwill Manasota has released its program numbers for 2021 and the data shows record-breaking impact of $91,039,000 – an increase of $10 million over last year – for the nonprofit organization, which serves Sarasota, Manatee, DeSoto and Hardee counties. Goodwill’s impact is determined through gross receipts for goods and services generated in the economy through all of the organization’s activities, including job placements through its Job Connection program, total wage and salary payments – including benefits – that Goodwill Manasota employees earn and pump back into local economies, construction on and capital improvements to new and existing facilities, and more.

The data was collected through a third-party independent study, conducted by Elliott D. Pollack & Company, of the business operations of Goodwill Manasota along with Goodwill agencies throughout Florida.

Goodwill Manasota provides meaningful, long-term career services and employment opportunities to people who may be struggling to find work or are looking to find better jobs. Last year, Goodwill Manasota served 5,346 people, placing 170 in jobs throughout the region, assisting 381 veterans, diverting 57.4 million pounds of goods from area landfills, providing 102,608 hours in education and training for its team members, and collecting 212,436 pounds of food for local food banks.  

Through coaching, education and training, the organization helps team members overcome barriers that result from disability, lack of education, poor language skills, lack of financial literacy, or a myriad of other obstacles that have kept them from entering or remaining in the workforce. Educational and job skills training programs teach practical, real-world skills needed for career and life success. In 2021, Goodwill provided 102,608 hours of on-the-clock training and education for 112,874 Goodwill Manasota team members and Goodwill partners, enhancing employees’ career prospects and maximizing the efficiency of the operations of organizations throughout the Goodwill network. 

Last year, Goodwill Manasota served 381 veterans through its American Veterans and Their Families program, which has been in operation since 2013. Through this program, Goodwill provides comprehensive case management and free career services as well as networking opportunities through the Lutz Buddy Up program. 

Environmental stewardship is key to Goodwill Manasota’s operations. Goodwill Industries International pioneered the reduce-reuse-recycle effort in order to reduce our carbon footprint and preserve our planet for future generations. Last year, approximately 57.4 million pounds were diverted from local landfills, thanks to Goodwill Manasota’s recycling and salvage efforts, green business practices, and the resale of unwanted items donated by community members. 

“Goodwill Manasota is uniquely positioned to lead the way in ensuring that every individual – regardless of their unique challenges, backgrounds or life experiences – has access to the skills, resources and services they need to get on the road to financial stability and achieve their life goals,” said Goodwill Manasota president Donn Githens. “We are pleased by our 2021 impact numbers but will always strive to do better to serve the community in this and future years. We look forward to continuing in our efforts to change lives through the power of work.”

For more about Goodwill, visit experiencegoodwill.org.