Goodwill Secures $65K Grant to Empower Local Workforce Through Coaching

Bradenton, Florida, USA - Goodwill Manasota continues to make waves in the community, thanks to its ongoing commitment to support individuals facing barriers to stable employment. Recently, the organization received a generous $65,000 grant from The Ralph S. French Charitable Foundation for its esteemed GoodPartner Coach program. This marks an impressive fourteen years of support from the Foundation since its inception in 2011, underscoring a long-standing partnership dedicated to making a difference in the lives of many.

The GoodPartner Coach program is a vibrant initiative designed to provide employability skills training and case management services. Approximately 70% of Goodwill’s workforce—made up of over 800 dedicated employees—faces various challenges that hinder self-sufficiency. Through this program, participants are empowered to gain essential workplace skills, earn paychecks, build meaningful work histories, and acquire skills necessary for higher-paying jobs, making a considerable impact on their lives.

Impact and Success Stories

In 2024, Goodwill’s efforts bore fruit as it served over 7,000 individuals. Of those, 1,563 successfully secured jobs, demonstrating the program’s effectiveness. The organization also provided crucial assistance to 463 veterans and played a role in diverting an astounding 98.4 million pounds from landfills, further showcasing its dedication to both community and environmental wellbeing. Participants in the GoodPartner Coach program are experiencing significant achievements, such as earning GEDs and degrees, and many are engaging in ESOL and financial literacy classes to enhance their skills and opportunities.

Goodwill’s team member, Paunyne Xavier, exemplifies the potential for growth that the program fosters. After 17 years with the organization, she progressed through various roles to become a GoodPartner Coach herself, showcasing how one can rise through the ranks with the right support and guidance.

Looking Ahead

As Goodwill looks to the future, the goals for the GoodPartner Coach program in 2025 are both ambitious and heartening. The organization aims to serve all its team members in goal setting, achieve a 75% retention rate within the first 90 days of employment, and enroll more individuals in GED, ESOL, and certification classes. The drive to foster personal and professional development remains central to its mission.

Beyond the GoodPartner Coach program, Goodwill Manasota offers a variety of services tailored to assist individuals in their employment journey. From vocational evaluations to job placement services, programs are designed to uncover suitable job options based on individual skills and interests. For those entering the workforce, digital skills training is available, preparing participants for a tech-driven job market. Additionally, youth transition services help school-aged children develop the skills needed to smoothly move into their careers.

As this nonprofit organization strives to enhance the employability of every participant, its various initiatives—from job fairs to job coaching services—make it a beacon of hope and opportunity. Goodwill Manasota proves that with the right support, there’s something to be said for the transformative power of community and commitment.

For more on how Goodwill Manasota is changing lives, visit Patch to learn about the recent funding and program initiatives, or check out Sarasota Magazine for additional insights into their ongoing impact. If you want to explore their pre-employment services further, take a look at Goodwill GoodSkills.