We recently connected with Shay Gipson and have shared our conversation below.

Shay, appreciate you joining us today. Let’s kick things off with talking about how you serve the underserved, because in our view this is one of the most important things the small business community does for society – by serving those who the giant corporations ignore, small business helps create a more inclusive and just world for all of us.

Goodwill North Central Texas serves at-risk youth (16-24) and adults 25+who have dropped out of high school by providing a chance to earn their GED and a paycheck at the same time.

Life’s twists and turns can present formidable challenges, causing individuals to step off the traditional educational path. Whether it’s unexpected life events, personal circumstances, or simply taking a different route, the reasons for leaving high school are as diverse as the people themselves. Goodwill’s programs offer a welcoming space for individuals to rewrite their educational journey. We embrace every story and provide the tools and support needed to turn new pages towards a brighter future.

Goodwill invites learners of all ages to go back to school to earn their GED. Goodwill NCT has partnered with Tarrant County’s Adult Education and Literacy Consortium to offer two programs for students who are out of school and facing barriers to earning their GED. E2 targets at-risk youth and young adults aged 16-24 and includes a paid work component funded by Workforce Solutions for Tarrant County. This approach enables participants to enhance their education in a classroom setting, while acquiring real-world skills and income while breaking down barriers for those who may have left traditional high school to earn money for their families.

Too often, the pursuit of education and the responsibility of providing for one’s family become competing priorities, Our goal is to bridge the gap between dreams and responsibilities, ensuring that no one has to choose between their family’s well-being and their own future.

A2 offers adults 25 and older the opportunity to finish their degree. Participants also have the option to engage in a paid work experience program that runs concurrently with GED preparation, helping them earn income while advancing their education. A2 students who need additional flexibility have the option to complete their coursework virtually while still receiving one-on-one mentorship through the program.

Participants in both programs receive GED preparation courses taught by state-certified instructors which cover key subjects and provide a solid foundation for the GED exams, as well as life and job readiness courses that equip them with essential skills for personal and professional success. Individualized mentoring and coaching help participants navigate challenges, set goals, and make informed decisions about their education and career paths. All graduates are then transitioned to Goodwill’s job placement services team to either find a career or enter post-secondary education.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

Goodwill is more than a thrift store. The largest employer of people with disabilities in the world, Goodwill believes that work has the power to transform lives by building self-confidence, independence, creativity, trust and friendships. Everyone deserves this chance.

Goodwill North Central Texas is based in Fort Worth and serves 18 counties in the region. The nonprofit’s 27 area retail locations provide revenue through the sale of donated goods to support Goodwill’s mission to CREATE lives of independence and BUILD a stronger local community. Job training and career services programs for people with disabilities, such as physical or mental disabilities and other barriers to employment including lack of education or work experience and homelessness are guided by the organization’s vision of a North Central Texas where everyone person has the opportunity for maximum independence and abundant living.

Where do you think you get most of your clients from?

We employ a multi-faceted approach that involves outreach through our thrift stores and donation centers, where we connect with individuals who may benefit from our services. Additionally, we collaborate closely with local social service agencies, vocational rehabilitation programs, and educational institutions to identify individuals facing employment barriers. These partnerships help us reach those in need and provide them with the support and opportunities they deserve. Furthermore, our online presence and social media platforms play a vital role in spreading the word about our programs and services, attracting individuals who may be searching for assistance. Ultimately, our commitment to serving the community drives us to proactively seek out clients and empower them on their journey to gainful employment and independence.

Can you open up about how you funded your business?

At Goodwill North Central Texas, we are deeply committed to our mission of providing job training and employment services to individuals facing barriers to employment. To fulfill this mission, we employ a variety of strategies to raise the necessary funds.

One of our primary sources of revenue is our retail operations. We operate thrift stores where we sell donated items such as clothing, furniture, electronics, and more. The proceeds from these sales directly contribute to funding our programs and services. In the digital age, we’ve expanded our reach by venturing into online sales. We utilize platforms like Amazon, ShopGoodwill.com, www.GoodwillFinds.com and eBay to sell donated items to a broader audience, further supporting our mission.

Collaborations with local businesses and corporations are essential to our fundraising efforts. These partnerships often result in donations, sponsorships, and joint fundraising events that bolster our financial resources. Securing grants and funding from foundations that align with our mission is another key aspect of our fundraising strategy. We actively seek out opportunities to apply for grants that support workforce development and job training programs, enabling us to expand our reach and impact.

Community engagement is vital to our efforts. Fundraising events, such as Project Goodwill and the Goodwill Classic, not only raise funds but also foster a sense of community and support for our cause. These events bring people together and encourage them to contribute to our mission.

In addition to these efforts, we maintain convenient donation centers where individuals can drop off their unwanted items. These centers serve as a convenient way for people to contribute to our mission while decluttering their homes.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.goodwillnorthcentraltexas.org
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/goodwillnct
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/GoodwillNCT
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/goodwillnct/
• Twitter: @goodwillnct
• Youtube: www.youtube.com/@goodwillnct

Image Credits
Justan Martinez