Goodwill Receives $5,000 from Thunderbirds Charities
By Lindsay Hansen -
Monday Aug 15, 2022
Goodwill of Central & Northern Arizona is pleased to announce Thunderbirds Charities has donated $5,000 to help fund My Career Matters, an internal initiative to upskill and eliminate barriers to career advancement for their minimum wage employees, so they can move into new careers that provide higher wages.
“We believe acquiring the skills needed in today’s workforce will enable individuals to earn wages that can transition them out of poverty and above the ALICE threshold,†said Bobby Ghisolfo Vice President of Mission Services, Goodwill of Central and Northern Arizona. “My Career Matters is a holistic approach to employment. We’ll provide individuals the tools they need to feel confident, purpose driven and successful. Our plan is to start with retail and management employees, and we hope to reach 500 employees within the first year of implementation.â€
ALICE households have income above the Federal Poverty Line but not high enough to afford essentials in the communities they live. As a result, they are forced to make tough choices, such as deciding between quality childcare or paying the rent, which have long term consequences not only for ALICE but for all.
“Thunderbirds Charities is excited to support the My Career Matters program, said Michael Golding, President of Thunderbirds Charities. Our mission is to help families in need and this program through Goodwill of Central & Northern Arizona is providing the tools to not only help their employees succeed in the workplace but also foster opportunities for future career growth.â€
My Career Matters is a mobile career center that connects individuals to no cost community resources, training and education and career development. Individuals can access everything from digital skills training, career coaching, resume review and certifications and hiring events from the comfort of their own home. The program is designed for Goodwill employees to work at their own pace after their shift.
Goodwill employees who wish to participate in My Career Matters should contact 1-833-471-2482.
About Thunderbirds Charities
Thunderbirds Charities is a non-profit organization formed in 1986 to distribute monies raised through the Waste Management Phoenix. The Thunderbirds Charities Board consists of 15 board members from varying professional backgrounds. The mission of Thunderbirds Charities is to assist children and families, help people in need and improve the quality of life in our communities. The organization’s giving is directed toward organizations based or with a significant presence in Arizona. The Thunderbirds were founded in 1937 with the mission of promoting the Valley of the Sun through sports. The Thunderbirds consist of 55 “active†members and more than 285 “life†members. For more information on the Thunderbirds or the 2021 Waste Management Phoenix Open, visit http://www.wmphoenixopen.com. For more information on the Thunderbirds Charities, visit http://www.thunderbirdscharities.org.
About Goodwill of Central & Northern Arizona
Founded in 1947, Goodwill of Central and Northern Arizona is one of the oldest nonprofit agencies in Arizona. Our mission is to end poverty through the power of work. Goodwill takes a holistic approach to employment by providing job seekers the tools to feel confident, purpose driven, and successful. Goodwill empowers individuals, strengthens families, and builds stronger communities. Donating or shopping at Goodwill supports our no-cost career services, which are available to anyone looking for a new job, education, or training. Goodwill diverts millions of pounds of material from Arizona landfills, giving them a second life through reuse or recycling. To learn more, find a store near you or make a donation, visit: http://www.goodwillaz.org.