Reaching more than 114 nonprofits, the partnership has provided more than $785,00 in retail vouchers. West Virginia nonprofits are encouraged to apply.
PITTSBURGH – April 11, 2024 – Goodwill of Southwestern Pennsylvania (Goodwill SWPA) has announced that applications are open for its Give Back Program. The Give Back Program is a transformative partnership that provides retail vouchers to help meet the needs of individuals and families across Southwestern Pennsylvania and parts of West Virginia. Applications must be submitted by May 15.
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 assist participants’ journey toward self-reliance and empowerment.
The Give Back Program connects Goodwill SWPA with other nonprofits, providing their participants with Goodwill retail vouchers to support those in need. These vouchers, redeemable at any Goodwill store within the Southwestern Pennsylvania and West Virginia service territory, can assist individuals and families in accessing a wide range of products from clothing to household items.
“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.”
FOR NONPROFITS: HOW TO GET INVOLVED
Nonprofit organizations interested in partnering with Goodwill through the Give Back Program are encouraged to apply by visiting this link 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. Each household can be awarded up to $100 in gift cards that can be redeemed at a Goodwill thrift store in the following nine counties in North Central West Virginia: Barbour, Harrison, Lewis, Marion, Monongalia, Preston, Randolph, Taylor, and Upshur.
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.