Working for a fashion company, I first came to know Goodwill like most people, because of the thrift stores and their recycling of clothes. Given the dire environmental state of the planet, sustainability is critically important to me, and I was glad that Goodwill had been hard at work for 100 years providing clothing with a second and third life and keeping it out of the landfills.
But I came to learn that the stores are only half the Goodwill story. When a friend came to me to discuss serving on the Board 1 ½ years ago, I was introduced to other part of the mission of Goodwill, and that is putting people who are unemployed or underemployed to work. Giving them a chance of a livelihood, and a way to become independent, oftentimes for the first time in their lives.
These are people with severe mental illness, developmental and learning disabilities, people on public assistance or who were formally incarcerated, veterans and many others who want a job rather than a handout. Not only does Goodwill provide them with job training, interviewing and resume writing skills, opportunities to apply for jobs, and job coaching once they secure a job, but Goodwill also provides people with disabilities with skills to build rewarding relationships, manage their finances, take public transportation, and many other life skills that will enable them to successfully keep a job.
I have a nephew with Down’s Syndrome and, as an HR Executive myself, I know how difficult it is for people with disabilities to find a job without resources and support. I also know how fundamental a job is to a person’s sense of purpose, and that it impacts every element of a person’s life and future. If you have a job, you will have better stability and, with that, better mental health, security and a place in society.
When I think of my nephew who will need a job one day, and the environment, that needs rapid fixing, I thank my lucky stars for Goodwill NYNJ. We are all so blessed to have the organization in our community. This is what we call Goodwill’s “Double Impact”.
I also came to learn that the stores provide only half of the revenue needed to run the employment programs and behavioral health programs. The other half must be sought from grants and gifts from donors like me and you. That is why I decided to put Goodwill in my will --to enable all these wonderful programs to continue and grow.
When you think about your legacy, and what is important to you, and what you would like to preserve and even build up after you are gone, a gift in your will is the best gesture and the most important gesture that you can make. It’s such an easy thing to do, too. It’s all on the Goodwill website, on the Planned Giving pages, with easy-to-follow instructions.
To help all these life-changing programs at Goodwill continue to benefit our community members and grow as the need grows, we need your support. When making your estate plan, won’t you consider putting Goodwill NYNJ in your will? You will reap the joy and pleasure for the remainder of your life. And afterwards, so many people in need will have their lives changed because of your kind gesture. I thank you for considering my request.
My warmest regards,
—Beth Stankard