Congressman John Sarbanes Recognized By Goodwill Industries®

ROCKVILLE, Md., April 18, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Goodwill Industries International is pleased to honor Rep. John Sarbanes (D-MD) as a recipient of its Goodwill® National Policymaker Award for 2012. The award recognizes a federal lawmaker who has clearly demonstrated support for Goodwill's public policy priorities.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20090716/DC47803LOGO)

Goodwill Industries of the Chesapeake (Baltimore, MD) nominated Sarbanes for his support of Goodwill's public policy priorities since his election to Congress in 2006. He and his staff meet with the Goodwill agency at least three times a year to discuss issues most relevant to them. In addition, the congressman was the keynote speaker at Goodwill's all employee financial wellness breakfast last fall. He spoke about the importance of access to education programs and financial stability, and how Goodwill is an asset for providing those services. Sarbanes is an avid supporter of the job training programs and support services that Goodwill provides for people with disabilities, those who lack education or job experience, and others facing challenges to finding employment.

"Congressman Sarbanes deeply cares about Goodwill's initiatives and programs, and how our organization works closely with federal, state and nonprofit resources to ensure that workers and families have the financial stability and the supports they need to care for themselves and their families," said Lisa Rusyniak, CEO of Goodwill Industries of the Chesapeake.

At a reception in Washington, DC, on Tuesday, April 17, Sarbanes was recognized and thanked for his ongoing support and influence for issues relevant to Goodwill. The reception was part of Goodwill Industries International's sixth annual Advocacy Day, Local to Global: Strengthening our Community.   

"Goodwill creates jobs and provides the tools for people to achieve economic security, allowing them to reach their fullest potential," said Sarbanes.

About Goodwill Industries International:

Goodwill Industries International is a network of 165 community-based agencies in the United States and Canada with 14 affiliates in 13 other countries. Goodwill agencies are innovative and sustainable social enterprises that fund job training programs, employment placement services and other community-based programs by selling donated clothing and household items in more than 2,600 stores and online at shopgoodwill.com. Local Goodwill agencies also build revenue and create jobs by contracting with businesses and government to provide a wide range of commercial services, including packaging and assembly, food service preparation, and document imaging and shredding. In 2011, more than four million people in the United States and Canada benefited from Goodwill's career services. Goodwill channels 84 percent of its revenues directly into its programs and services. To find a Goodwill location near you, use the online locator at www.goodwill.org, or call (800) GOODWILL. Facebook: GoodwillIntl. Twitter: @GoodwillCapHill, @GoodwillIntl.

About Goodwill Industries of the Chesapeake:

For nearly 90 years, Goodwill Industries of the Chesapeake, Inc. has helped others help themselves. Goodwill has collected reusable items for resale in its retail stores, trained people for work and living skills, and instilled dignity and purpose in countless peoples' lives.

Today, Goodwill Industries of the Chesapeake, Inc. employs more than 600 people, operates 24 retail stores, 7 career development sites, and provides a variety of commercial services at various locations. Most importantly, Goodwill annually provides services to more than 8,000 people in need of assistance because of physical, mental or other social challenges and places approximately 2,211 in jobs giving them "Not a Charity, But a Chance." For more information, visit http://goodwillches.org or call (410) 837-1800. Facebook: bmoregoodwill.

SOURCE Goodwill Industries International