Goodwill Organization, Essay Example

Introduction

Goodwill is a non-profit organization that supports people who are trying to find their way into employment. According to the organization’s website (Goodwill, n.d.), the mission statement of Goodwill is:

“Goodwill works to enhance the dignity and quality of life of individuals and families by strengthening communities, eliminating barriers to opportunity, and helping people in need reach their full potential through learning and the power of work.”.

The below paper will look at the aims, objectives, tools, support systems, leadership approaches, and results of Goodwill to evaluate the organization’s strategies.

Strategy and Vision

Goodwill operates 165 community-based offices nationwide and in Canada. The organization has strict accreditation guidelines, and it provides adequate training for its volunteers. All Goodwills are located within the community, and provide a one-stop information hub for those who need to improve their English, would like to train for a specific industry, or need employment advice. In 2013, the organization’s revenue was made up of government grants, private donations, retail sales and industrial/service work, and corporate foundation funds. With the help of the above funds, Goodwill has managed to provide employment and training programs for 9.8 million people. More than a quarter of a million people earned jobs through the support of Goodwill.

Impact and Limitations

The organization is able to make a positive impact in people’s lives for long term. It is serving communities, and supports those who are disadvantaged on the job market. Those with limited English proficiency, no qualification, or low self-esteem. The success of Goodwill can be measured through the number of people supported and the number of workers finding employment. Backer (2001, p. 66) state that community engagement and evaluation are the main challenges of non-profit organizations. Building competencies and capacities within communities is only possible if the organization is able to engage with the population served. The main limitations of Goodwill Inc. are the low number of offices, while this can be overcome by introducing online and phone support services.

Theoretical Background

Reisch (2011) stated that people living in poverty are not only affected by the lack of funds, but the lack of power, as well. Empowering individuals to be able to use opportunities for their own development is a good approach for setting up a non-profit service. Instead of providing short term solutions, such as aids, organizations should be looking into enabling people to gain skills to make a living for themselves. That is exactly what Goodwill Inc. does: they do not give people fish; they teach them fishing through employment-focused training.

Further, low wages, compared to increased worker productivity have created a challenge for many workers in America, between 2000 and 2006, according to Tracy (2014). When reports state that a fifth of Americans go hungry, feeding people is a challenge. Enabling them to improve their skills, train for better paying jobs is a more feasible option.

Conclusion

Goodwill is an example of a non-profit social enterprise that has a clear mission, vision, and a transparent budget. The organization uses social media to connect with volunteers, donors, and members of the community. Through regular press releases and news posted online, the leadership creates not only an open and transparent communication schedule, but also successfully informs stakeholders about ongoing projects and results. Through reviewing the mission and program of Goodwill Inc, I understand that empowering people is only possible through community engagement; understanding the needs of diverse people looking for support.

References

Backer, T. (2011) “Strengthening nonpro?ts. Foundation initiatives for nonpro?t organizations” In DeVita, C., Fleming, C. (eds)  Building Capacity in Nonpro?t Organizations.

Goodwill Inc. (n.d.) Website. Retrieved from http://www.goodwill.org/

Tracy, James F.  (2013) “Plutocracy, Poverty and Prosperity” in Mickey Huff and Andy Lee Roth Censored 2014. New York: Seven Stories Press, 2013.  Pp. 85-99(*)

Reisch, M. (2011) Being a radical social worker in reactionary times” In Social Workers and Social Change: History and Present Context Social Welfare Action Alliance, 2011