Goodwill Industries International Forms Global Partnership to Grow Social Enterprise

Goodwill Teams Up with Social Enterprise Alliance

ROCKVILLE, Md., March 29, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Goodwill Industries International has partnered with the Social Enterprise Alliance (SEA) to further advance social enterprises in communities around the world. Social enterprises are organizations or ventures that apply business methods to achieve their social mission and find solutions to social problems. SEA is the largest member network in North America dedicated to supporting and advancing the field of social enterprise.

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"The social enterprise movement is often represented as cutting edge; but for nearly 110 years,
Goodwill® has used social enterprise to help people earn jobs, build their careers and make positive contributions to their communities," said Jim Gibbons, president and CEO of Goodwill Industries International. "The sale of donated items in Goodwill stores enables Goodwill to serve more than two million people a year."

Goodwill's mission is to provide job training programs and community-based services to people with disabilities, those who lack education or work experience, and others facing challenges to finding employment. Each of the 165 local and independent Goodwill agencies in the United States and Canada builds revenue to provide specialized career and skills training in growing fields specific to their communities. Goodwill advocates on behalf of people with disabilities and disadvantages, and helps them prepare for jobs in many in-demand fields, including green construction, health care, financial services and technology.

The partnership with SEA will allow Goodwill to share ideas and connect with global, national and regional experts on growing social enterprises and leverage resources and programs to support this vital sector. The partnership will also provide co-branding opportunities at SEA events and educational and training initiatives, as well as potential leadership opportunities within the SEA's councils and committees.

"Goodwill's extensive expertise in social enterprise will be a great benefit to our nearly 700 members dedicated to growing business to strengthen social impact," said Lisa Nitze, president and CEO of SEA. "Our global partnership with Goodwill will allow our members to strengthen their communities and the people they serve."

For more information about Goodwill and to learn more about Goodwill programs and services, visit www.goodwill.org. To learn more about SEA, visit www.se-alliance.org/.

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 is one of North America's top five most valuable and recognized nonprofit brands as well as a leading social services enterprise (Source: Cone Nonprofit Power Brand 100, 2009). Goodwill operates more than 2,500 retail stores and the first and only nonprofit Internet auction site, 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. Last year, more than 2 million people in the United States and Canada benefited from Goodwill's career services. Goodwill channels 83 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) 741-0186. Twitter: @GoodwillIntl. Facebook: GoodwillIntl.

About the Social Enterprise Alliance:

The Social Enterprise Alliance is the largest membership organization for social enterprises in North America.  SEA connects the vibrant and growing community of social enterprise by hosting learning and networking opportunities among social enterprises, foundations, lenders, educators, corporations, and service providers in regional hotspots throughout the United States and Canada. It serves as advocate for the field by actively engaging with public officials to develop fertile eco-systems for social enterprises to thrive. With a community of nearly 700 members, it is actively connecting members with potential clients, sources of capital, marketing opportunities, helpful informational resources, and leaders in the field to build your business and strengthen your social impact.

SOURCE Goodwill Industries International