Goodwill SWFL to Re-Open its Retail and Donation Centers and Community Resource Centers in May

FORT MYERS, Fla. - May 1, 2020 - PRLog -- Goodwill Industries of Southwest Florida will re-open its Retail and Donation Centers and its Community Resource Centers in May. In its first phase of opening which will be May 1st, 17 out of 24 Retail and Donation Centers, plus the Outlet Center and the Midway Plaza Attended Donation Center will open seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.. The Community Resource Centers (CRCs), located within six stores, will also open Monday through Friday with hours of operation dependent on location.  Goodwill CRCs and the Retail stores will open and operate under CDC guidelines keeping the safety of customers and clients as a top priority.

Goodwill's Community Resource Centers provide free assistance with unemployment applications, free access to computers and the internet, resume development, job search, soft skills and digital skills training and connections to employers seeking candidates.   In addition, the CRCs provide application assistance with LIHEAP (utilities) and SNAP (food stamps).  People needing assistance can go in person or call the help line number in their area. For a complete list of locations and help line numbers, visit www.goodwillswfl.org.

Goodwill provides critical employment services as well as value shopping options for people in our community.   The re-opening of Goodwill Retail stores will generate much needed funds to support these essential employment programs and services for people with disabilities and disadvantages in Southwest Florida.

"We are looking forward to safely opening our doors again and providing services for the most vulnerable in our communities.   With unemployment at a record high and basic needs in jeopardy for so many, we are ready to open our stores that support our mission of providing employment and educational services that help people rebuild their lives," states John Nadeau, CEO of Goodwill SWFL.

Goodwill depends on the revenue from stores to fund its Community Resource Centers and other services to the community. As a self-funded social service organization, Goodwill collects donated items and sells them in its stores to support programs and services that empower people to become self-sufficient.  As families face layoffs and an uncertain future, Goodwill's job services, and the stores that fund them, will be more vital than ever.

Goodwill Industries of SWFL is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that covers the five county areas of Lee, Collier, Charlotte, and Hendry and Glades.  Its mission is to offer people with disabilities and disadvantages life-changing opportunities to achieve independence.   For more information about Goodwill SWFL, visit www.goodwillswfl.org.