I’m pleased to report after 40 years of service, our organization continues to make a significant community impact. Our performance in 2019 was fueled by operational excellence of our social enterprise business model which derives mission revenues from retail, commercial services and grants.
At our core, the problem we are solving is clear. Eliminating barriers to employment (for example, disabilities, limited education, criminal history, or minimal work experience) will augment financial and social independence in the job market. What complicates this problem is the recent economic downturn making it even more difficult for these
jobseekers to find meaningful employment.
Through the dedication of the Leadership Team and guidance of our Board of Directors, we are laser focused on our path forward. By continued execution of our mission with purposeful intention, we will create organizational sustainability leading to positive
community impact. We will continue to strengthen families through education, impactful programs and holistic services. We remain excited about the potential to significantly
enhance public stewardship focusing on our core principles of being customer centered and innovative. Lastly, we continue to ramp up benefits to our valued employees, as they are our greatest asset.
We are forever grateful to our stakeholders who support, guide, and advocate on behalf of Palmetto Goodwill.
Thank you and Goodwill Strong!
Dear Friends of Goodwill,
Robert Smith,
President & CEO
YEAR IN REVIEW
STASH & SHARE
INITIATIVE
“It’s wonderful to have local businesses like STASH that care about our community and see the value of partnering with Goodwill. Collecting these items and donating them to Goodwill helps in two important ways. The revenues we generate from the sale of these items goes directly towards helping people with job training and employment services, and it keeps the items out of area landfills, which of course benefits our environment.”
40TH
In 2019, Palmetto Goodwill celebrated 40 years of service to coastal South Carolina. When Palmetto Goodwill opened its doors in 1979 with six employees and a $90,000 budget, nobody envisioned the immense impact it would have 40 years later providing training, employment and community services to hundreds of thousands of people.
ANNIVERSARY
DIVERSITY
Palmetto Goodwill President & CEO Robert Smith received the 2019 Diversity and Inclusion Award at Goodwill Industries International’s annual meeting of the Delegate Assembly, held in late June. The Goodwill Diversity and Inclusion Award is presented to a Goodwill executive in recognition of inclusive leadership and outstanding diversity practices and accomplishments.
INCLUSION
AWARD
VETERAN
From finding companies committed to employing veterans to crafting resumes that incorporate military accomplishments, Palmetto Goodwill under the Palmetto Warrior Connection has helped veterans find employment and meaningful career opportunities.
EMPLOYMENT
CAREER
Goodwill’s Career Credentialing Program provides job seekers with the skills they need to find, get and keep a job. Focus is on achieving certifications in fields such as Hospitality, Culinary, Manufacturing, Welding, HVAC and CDL. Our goal is to provide a clear path to a better and brighter future for people in our community.
CREDENTIALING
NEW DINING
On February 1, Palmetto Goodwill celebrated the opening of the Gaylor Dining Facility at Charleston AFB. Palmetto Goodwill is a sub-contractor of Sodexo at the site and will be providing custodial, cashier and scullery duties. The contract employs twenty-five Goodwill employees, ready and truly grateful for the opportunity to serve those who defend our country.
FACILITY
3RD ANNUAL
The Hippie Dash, fun run/walk that raises awareness and funding for people with disabilities.was held March 9 at James Island County Park. Close to 300 runners and walkers braved the 5k course (and the gnats) to participate in the event.
HIPPIE DASH
11TH ANNUAL
On September 15, more than 140 motorcycle enthusiasts participated in the 11th Annual Undy 500, a self-guided charity ride organized by Palmetto Goodwill and Palmetto Warrior Connection (PWC) to help raise awareness of veteran homelessness. Funds raised are used to support PWC programs that assist homeless veterans.
UNDY 500
GOLDEN ANGEL
Palmetto Goodwill provided a holiday meal and gifts to 80 disadvantaged seniors at the Charleston Area Senior Center, located at 259 Meeting Street in downtown Charleston. Additional meals and gifts were distributed to more than 700 low income seniors in lower South Carolina during this holiday season.
PROGRAM
GW BOUTIQUE
On May 3, the GW Boutique in Pawleys Island officially opened. Over 500 people came through the doors that day to check out Palmetto Goodwill’s newest venture. In December, the existing Hilton Head store was converted into a GW Boutique.
OPENING
INDUSTRIAL
In May, we added our first welding class to our course portfolio. Coupled with the Manufacturing and CDL-A classes, we are excited about the continued growth and future of our industrial certification offerings.
TRAINING
PROGRAMS
RETAIL STORE
Store resets have continued, most recently on Johns Island and in Hartsville. In 2021, Hilton Head, Conway, Sumter and 6 Mile will see a new, fresher look.
RESETS
SUPPORT OF
Palmetto Goodwill officials presented a check to Water Mission for $15,000 to support the Hurricane Dorian Relief Effort in the Bahamas. Specifically, the donation will be used to purchase a Reverse Osmosis Water System and Generator from Water Mission, who will then install and help operate and maintain the system. The system will provide 1,800 gallons of safe, clean water per day to thousands of people in the Bahamas who are still without access to a consistent water supply.
WATER MISSION
ABILITYONE
“Creating employment opportunities for people with disabilities has always been a primary goal of Palmetto Goodwill. Having the support of elected officials like Congressman Cunningham is crucial to that effort. We are extremely thankful to have another member of Congress advocating on their behalf..." - Robert Smith
CONGRESSIONAL
CHAMPION
92% of revenues fund Palmetto Goodwill's mission initiatives
DONALD
AWARD WINNER
The Goodwill! Works! Award honors and outstanding individual who has shown great progress and accomplishment while still benefiting from the Goodwill work environment. Donald Croker certainly fits that description.
The Graduate of the Year is awarded to somebody who has completed a Palmetto Goodwill job training program and overcome obstacles to attaining employment. Najiyyah Shakir’s story certainly isn’t typical, yet she is most deserving of this honor.
The Achiever of the Year Award honors an outstanding individual with a disability or disadvantaging condition who's shown great progress in overcoming barriers to employment. Drew Moore’s path has been nothing short of a miracle.