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Powering possibilities across Central and North Central Wisconsin
When you donate and shop at Goodwill North Central Wisconsin, you’re powering what’s possible for individuals in our local communities across Central and North Central Wisconsin as they build job skills to sustain employment and improve their financial stability.
The Power of You & Goodwill NCW in Our Communities
When you donate
you’re not just passing along a game, you’re spreading laughter to a new family.
The average donation creates about three hours of job training through Goodwill NCW Employment Services.
When you shop secondhand
you’re not just buying a new-to-you game, you’re creating new memories of laughter around the table.
On average, 90 cents of every dollar in sales is reinvested back into our mission of Elevating People by Eliminating Barriers to Employment.
When you donate and shop, it means you’re powering possibilities for individuals with employment barriers in Central and North Central Wisconsin.
Meet Mai Yia
Mai Yia first came to Goodwill as a School-to-Work participant and has grown into an incredible member of the team at the Plover store. Mai Yia is blind, and with the support of her team and a Braille system, specialized ticketing sheets were created to help her succeed in her role. She works as a hardlines ticketer, where she labels merchandise and averages more than 700 items per shift. She has become one of the fastest ticketers in the store and independently navigates her workday, from walking to her locker and clocking in on her phone to making her way to her ticketing station and completing her daily tasks.
Mai Yia’s journey is an inspiring example of how the right support, accessible tools and determination can open doors to meaningful employment. Her growth and accomplishments reflect the impact of creating an inclusive workplace where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
Creating Pathways to Employment Through Partnership
Goodwill NCW is proud to partner with Aligned Employment to provide paid work experience opportunities for individuals working to overcome barriers to employment through the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR). Together, we help participants build workplace skills, confidence, and experience in Goodwill retail locations across northern Wisconsin.
Founded by Tera Nicholson, a longtime employment advocate, Aligned Employment shares Goodwill’s commitment to creating opportunities that lead to lasting success. One example is Andy, a hearing-impaired former program participant who, with support from DVR and Aligned Employment, gained valuable work experience at Goodwill and is now a permanent team member. Partnerships like this demonstrate how collaboration can open doors and create meaningful employment opportunities that change lives.
Tera, founder of Aligned Employment shares, “I have been active with Goodwill since the day they opened in my little town over 19 years ago, both professionally and as a customer. The team is patient and offers guidance without hesitation. It is the reason that our partnership is as strong today as the day it opened. We collaborate and work hard to make great opportunities happen for others.”