Blog

Our stores may be closed, but our work continues.

Make no mistake – this is a difficult time for everyone. At Goodwill, we’re working hard to continue our steadfast mission of helping people and families in our community by preparing those in need for sustainable, lasting employment.

And right now, when so many in our community are feeling the impact of this health crisis, there is still so much that we can do. At Goodwill, our bottom line is simple – our mission is to provide free job training, education and basic services to those in need. And even though our stores and donation centers are temporarily closed, we are still delivering on that promise. We are helping the most vulnerable in our community to meet critical needs like rent, utility bills, medical care, and food, to help them get through this tough time. Needs that we couldn’t provide without the support of our neighbors and partners throughout the entire north Puget Sound. Our work readiness training and education also continue online, preparing people for available jobs now, and when this crisis is over.

Like so many businesses in our community who no longer have revenue coming in, we have had to temporarily release most of our employees to standby status. Doing so allows them to remain active employees and receive much-needed unemployment benefits while our operations are temporarily disrupted. And if they prefer, we’re putting our expertise and resources to work, connecting students and current employees directly to immediate job placements elsewhere so they can continue to earn and support themselves and their families.

Seattle Goodwill is committed to keeping our community going as we navigate this challenge together. We’ve also established the “Goodwill Hope and Health Fund” as a way that you can provide support—every donation will be used to respond immediately to individuals in our community who need help meeting critical basic needs. And the needs are great, now more than ever.

The power of the human spirit is infinite when we work together. And at Seattle Goodwill, we’re not going to stop working hard to serve the people and families in our community—it’s what we’ve always done, and what we always will.

Sincerely,

Daryl Campbell, President & CEO