Goodwill of Southwestern Pennsylvania’s Give Back Program Empowers Communities Through Regional Partnerships

Since the program’s launch in July 2021, Goodwill of Southwestern Pennsylvania and regional nonprofits in SWPA and West Virginia have worked together to eliminate barriers to opportunities and strengthen their communities. To date, the program has allocated $785,000 to 114 organizations, resulting in a direct benefit to 25,706 individuals. The Give Back program’s goal is to facilitate participants’ journey toward self-reliance and empowerment.

“The Give Back Program fosters community support through Goodwill vouchers, enabling recipients to embrace new beginnings,” said Monique McIntosh, President and Chief Executive Officer of Goodwill of Southwestern Pennsylvania. “The vouchers can be used for things like outfitting a child for school, dressing for success in job interviews, or creating a new living space after homelessness. “By offering these vouchers, we bolster our nonprofit partners, enabling them to address the urgent needs of the people they serve. Together, we’re dismantling barriers and fostering a more resilient, interconnected community.”

“In Fayette County, the program has been successful in supporting nonprofits like the Fayette County Community Action Agency. In this case, a single mother of three was having a difficult time getting much-needed household items after a recent move. The program helped her get the items the family needed without straining the family’s limited budget,” said Amy Donaldson, FCCAA Community Based Care Manager. “FCCAA is thrilled to be partnered with Goodwill for the Give Back Program. Having the ability to offer these gift cards to our clients in need is a much-needed resource. We are so thankful for this program.”

FOR NONPROFITS: HOW TO GET INVOLVED

Nonprofit organizations interested in partnering with Goodwill through the Give Back Program are encouraged to apply by visiting the Goodwill of Southwestern Pennsylvania website, and submitting their application by 5pm on Wednesday, May 15. The selected organizations will then be given Give Back Cards, pre-loaded with $25, to be distributed to individuals and families they serve. Upon selection, organizations receive two installments of Give Back Cards, each pre-loaded with $25, to be redeemed at any Goodwill thrift store within the service territory. Partners are then equipped to distribute Give Back Cards to their participants in amounts up to $100 per household, thereby enabling individuals and families to access essential items without additional financial strain.

Existing partners must submit a new application for the current program year to continue participation and further support their communities. For more information on the Give Back Program and to apply, visit www.goodwillswpa.org/give-back.

About Goodwill of Southwestern Pennsylvania

Goodwill of Southwestern Pennsylvania is a nonprofit organization that operates a network of donation centers and thrift stores to fund vocational rehabilitation and job placement services for people with disabilities and other barriers to employment. Goodwill of Southwestern Pennsylvania offers life and work skills to help individuals develop the abilities they need to obtain and maintain jobs in the community.