Goodwill Industries of Central Florida, Inc.

#MissionMoment: When David joined Goodwill Industries of Central Florida’s On-the-Job Training (OJT) program, his high motivation and enthusiasm were evident from the start. Beginning his first professional opportunity at the Viera location in Brevard County, David’s positive attitude and eagerness to learn impressed everyone around him. David was cross trained in all areas of stock and the sales floor, quickly mastering new tasks and demonstrating a remarkable ability to adapt. Among his various responsibilities, David gravitated towards the challenging task of pricing items for sale, which required a keen eye for detail and an understanding of market trends. Despite its complexity, David embraced the challenge with enthusiasm, becoming proficient in a short time. In addition to pricing, David enjoyed placing new clothing onto the sales floor and efficiently changing out other merchandise to make room for new items. However, what truly set David apart was his attitude – a true team player, always ready to lend a hand and take on any task with a smile. His ability to work well with both his peers and supervisors made him an invaluable member of the Viera Goodwill team during his 12-week training. David’s journey at Goodwill is a testament to his determination and the power of opportunity. His quick learning and dedication have equipped him with valuable skills and showcased his potential as a highly hirable prospect. On-the-Job Training enables individuals with a disability to build work experience with hands-on job training, to get paid training on an actual job, to get résumé-building experience, to receive personalized training and support, and to provide opportunities that may lead to competitive employment. Learn more about this program and how to enroll at https://lnkd.in/e_4ScZMU. #MondayMotivation #BuildingLivesThatWork #OntheJobTraining #OJT #VocationalRehab #CareersatGoodwill #WorkingatGoodwill #EmployeeSuccess #PowerofGoodwill

We hope you have a wonderful #4thofJuly today! ❤️🤍💙

We're open tomorrow with regular business hours! Pick up any last-minute outdoor finds & festive 'fits for yourself and the family. We'll also be taking your donations at any of our retail stores and Donation Xpress Centers in Brevard, Lake, Orange, Osceola, Seminole, & Volusia counties.

Shaheera experienced tremendous hardships on her path to achieving her career goals. Soon after emigrating with her husband from Jordan to Nashville, TN, in 2011, she endured domestic violence, became homeless and struggled to provide for herself and her four children. She also faced challenges adapting to a new culture and learning English as a second language. Then, after hearing about Goodwill of Middle Tennessee’s Google IT Certification program, Shaheera worked tirelessly to make her dream of becoming an IT professional a reality so she could provide a better life for herself and her family. She earned an apprenticeship with Accenture and now has a full-time position as an application development analyst with Accenture. Hear her story. #2024GradoftheYear #workforcetraining #powerofwork #Goodwill #Google #Accenture

#MissionMoment: Solange had always been passionate about doing nails but lacked the resources to become a licensed professional. Practicing on acquaintances, she dreamed of a career in the nail industry but didn't know how to turn it into a profession. That changed when she met Sandra Marrero, her Prosperity Planner at Goodwill. Sandra informed Solange about the Goodwill scholarship for the Nails Specialty program at Orange Technical College. Solange applied for and received the scholarship, setting her on the path to achieve her dream. Determined and resourceful, Solange reduced her work hours from 40 to 32 per week, made financial adjustments, and arranged for childcare for her daughter. Her strong financial management skills allowed her to cover the reduced paycheck with her savings. During the eight-week program, Solange excelled, gaining significant knowledge and honing her skills. Now a licensed professional, she has started purchasing the necessary products and materials to serve her clients without overspending. Solange invests 50% of her profits back into her business to ensure steady growth. Solange continues to work at Goodwill Industries of Central Florida, Inc. and plans to initially work from home after her shifts. Her goal is to expand her business and serve clients at various locations. Thanks to Goodwill's support, Solange has turned her passion into a thriving and promising profession. #MondayMotivation #BuildingLivesThatWork #ProsperityPlanning #Career #ProfessionalAmbition #DreamJob #EmployeeBenefits #PowerofGoodwill #WhyGoodwill #Education #ProfessionalGoals

Grilling and getting the family together for Independence Day? Goodwill retail stores, Donation Xpress Centers, and Outlets will be open on July 4th with regular business hours to help you get any last-minute needs like grilling utensils and cool 'fits. Come and see us!

Creating new opportunities starts with a simple act of generosity. At Goodwill Industries of Central Florida, Inc., donations of new and gently used items are transformed into funding for career training and job placement services that empower individuals to build brighter futures. 🌟 Discover the powerful stories of transformation and learn how you can contribute to creating new lives at Goodwill.org/New-Lives. #GoodwillNewLives #Donate #BuildingLivesThatWork

#MissionMoment: Leilany's journey with Goodwill Industries of Central Florida, Inc.'s Prosperity Planning program began in February when she met Prosperity Planner David Watson II. Her aspirations were clear: 💳 build her credit, 💰 increase her savings, and ultimately, 🏡 purchase a home David and Leilany worked together to create a comprehensive budget and a detailed plan to tackle her debts. He recommended that she open a separate savings account and offered specific strategies to boost her credit score and reduce her debt. Leilany followed the plan diligently with her eyes firmly set on her goals. One of her first actions was to remove herself as an authorized user from a family member's credit card that negatively impacted her credit. She also paid down her own credit card to below 30% utilization, which is the percentage it needs to be below in order to see an increase in her credit score based on use of the credit card. These steps alone elevated her credit score from 661 to 695 within just 60 days. As her credit limit increased, her score further improved to 715. With her birthday approaching, Leilany sought to fund her trip using a credit card that offered travel rewards. She successfully applied for a Capital One travel card, benefiting from a 0% interest rate on purchases and transfers for 15 months. This allowed her to enjoy a dream birthday trip to Italy and strategically plan to pay off the balance before the interest rate period ended. Additionally, she planned to clear two of her existing credit card balances, reducing her debt to just one card. Although she initially hesitated to open a separate savings account, her birthday trip motivated her to establish a dedicated savings system, ensuring she stays on track towards homeownership. Encouraged by her immediate successes and achievements, Leilany is now focused on saving $3,000-$5,000 to position herself to buy a home, aiming to bypass renting by the age of 23. She has already scheduled a meeting with a mortgage broker and a realtor to explore her next steps. #BuildingLivesThatWork #MondayMotivation #ProsperityPlanning #DebtManagement #Homeownership #EmployeeBenefit #AchieveYourGoals #WhyGoodwill #PowerofGoodwill #BuildingCredit

𝟭𝟰,𝟬𝟬𝟬 𝗽𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗳𝗼𝗼𝗱 𝗰𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝗻 𝟭,𝟳𝟬𝟬 𝗳𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗳𝗲𝗱 🥫🌽🍊 We are so proud to have partnered with Hearts, Hands and Hope, Inc. and Stanley Steemer on this Seminole County food drive to support families who face food insecurity during the summer months. Thank you to all the donors who participated by dropping off their canned goods at our retail stores in Longwood, Oviedo, downtown Sanford, West Sanford, and Fern Park. #BuildingLivesThatWork #Community WFTV Stanley Steemer

As we observe this day of freedom for African Americans, we’re reminded that today is more than a holiday from work. It’s an opportunity to celebrate emancipation, embrace culture and continue learning. Check out these podcasts to understand the significance of #Juneteenth and listen to other conversations about race.