On October 10th, 2021, Goodwill Industries of the Valleys, non-profit serving individual communities across the region, will be celebrating its 90th anniversary! Originally consisting of a facility that had a cabinet, shoe shop, store, mission hall, and 32 rooms for the homeless in the old Union Mission in Roanoke on Norfolk Avenue, Goodwill Industries of the Valleys has grown to be one of 156 fully independent, community-based Goodwill agencies committed to serving people in need.

In 2020, for example, Goodwill Industries of the Valleys served 63,078 youth, adults, and seniors in Goodwill training and employment programs to help them get back to work and attain independence, assisted 2,598 individuals in finding employment as a result of Goodwill services, and empowered 6,321 individuals across the Lynchburg region to achieve industry credentials which will enable them to be more competitive across regional job markets and to find higher-paying employment. Due to a merger with four organizations with similar goals, the New River Valley Workshop, Developmental Center of Franklin County, ARC, and Goodwill Industries of Tinker Mountain, Goodwill has been better equipped to meet the needs of communities throughout the organization throughout the service area, which includes the Lynchburg region.

In the past year alone, Goodwill Industries of the Valleys assisted 17, 760 individuals last year through virtual services created to empower members of the community to find help across the region during the pandemic. You can also view stories of individuals who were helped by Goodwill’s employment and job placement services HERE.

As Goodwill looks towards the future, the non-profit organization plans on holding a range of seminars to help empower members of the community to develop essential skills that will assist them in finding meaningful employment across the Lynchburg region. These seminars highlight critical important topics such as basic computer skills featuring Microsoft Office products (PowerPoint, Word, Excel), virtual career fairs, interview training seminars, professional communication, mental health, navigating conflict in the workplace, and emotional intelligence. To find more about Goodwill Industries of the Valley’s events and seminars, click HERE.

As Goodwill Industries celebrates its 90th anniversary this week, it is clear the non-profit organization has an impressive record of service to the community across the region both to celebrate and to build upon for the future. To view upcoming volunteer opportunities and events, view Goodwill Industries of the Valleys’ page on SHARE Greater Lynchburg HERE.

Goodwill Industries of the Valleys is located at 174 River James Shopping Center, Madison Heights, VA 24572.  You can reach them by phone at (434)-200-9920, or you can send them a message HERE.