Goodwill® Remembers Our Veterans Today And Every Day

ROCKVILLE, Md., Nov. 11, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- For Goodwill Industries International and its 158 local agencies across the United States, each and every day is an occasion to honor America's veterans and military families. As the nation's largest provider of job- and skills-training programs, Goodwill is dedicated to helping serve those who have served our nation.

In communities throughout the country, Goodwill strives to provide holistic programs and services to veterans, allowing them to re-enter civilian life as seamlessly as possible.

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs estimates that each year, more than a quarter million service men and women return to civilian life. For many, the transition is a difficult one, whether due to physical and emotional disabilities, a skill set that is mismatched for the current labor market, or a lack of access to health care, child care and housing.

Goodwill understands that successful reintegration is a team effort. That's why Goodwill provides a variety of services to veterans and military family members to ensure their specific challenges are addressed.

"Goodwill exists to help anyone who is struggling to find a job," said Jim Gibbons, president and CEO of Goodwill Industries International. "That includes America's veterans. We work with the veterans in our area to provide job coaching, résumé help, skills training and more. We even offer services after they find work as well, which helps keep them and their families on a path toward economic self-sufficiency."

One tool that many veterans have available to them is Operation: GoodJobs, a joint venture between the Walmart Foundation and Goodwill Industries International. The goal of the program is to serve more than 4,000 veterans and military families through July 2016, by equipping military veterans and their families with the tools they need to earn employment and ensure long-term financial wellness.

Goodwill also recognizes the unique challenges that women veterans face as they reintegrate into civilian life. That's why Goodwill Industries International is in the midst of a two-year initiative to engage 3,000 women veterans with the services and supports they need for economic self-sufficiency.

"Veterans Day is a time to honor and express our gratitude to all the men and women who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces," Gibbons added. "At Goodwill, we think the best way to say thanks is to work with our heroes to help them and their families build their careers and economic security, and reach their full potential through the power of work."

About Goodwill Industries International
Goodwill Industries International is a network of 165 community-based agencies in the United States and Canada with a presence in 14 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 3,000 stores and online at shopgoodwill.com^®. Goodwill also builds revenue and creates jobs by contracting with businesses and government agencies to provide a wide range of commercial services, including packaging and assembly, food service preparation, and document imaging and shredding. In 2013, more than 9.8 million people in the United States and Canada benefited from Goodwill's career services. Goodwill channels 83 percent of funds to support employment, job training and other community services.

To find a Goodwill location near you, use the online locator at http://www.goodwill.org, or call (800) GOODWILL. Follow us on Twitter: @GoodwillIntl and @GoodwillCapHill, and find us on Facebook: GoodwillIntl.

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SOURCE Goodwill Industries International