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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 giving away a backpack, you’re equipping a student for a brighter year.
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 backpack, you’re preparing for a year of possibilities, adventures, and achievements.
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 Santana & Shay
Meet Santana and Shay! Santana and Shay came to Goodwill NCW through the School to Work program at the Plover Goodwill store, where they gained valuable hands-on experience and developed important workplace skills. Throughout their time in the program, they learned the basics of clocking in and out, following instructions, completing assigned tasks, and working as part of a team. Their dedication, positive attitudes, and willingness to learn helped them grow in confidence and independence as they prepared for future employment opportunities.
Shay was able to take the skills he developed through the program and successfully secure employment in the community. Santana plans to use the experience and knowledge he gained at Goodwill as he continues exploring and pursuing employment opportunities that match his interests and goals.
Mike, the Plover Store Manager, shared, “Shay and Santana both exhibited a positive attitude, were great to work with, and fit in well with the team. It was great to see them build up their skills and confidence in their work and we wish them the best as they go out into the community.”
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.”