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Powering possibilities across Chippewa Valley and Coulee Region
When you donate and shop at Goodwill North Central Wisconsin, you’re powering what’s possible for individuals in our local communities across Chippewa Valley and Coulee Region 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 decluttering; you’re spreading smiles and providing access to skills training, helping build a brighter future.
The average donation creates about three hours of job training through Goodwill NCW Employment Services.
When you shop secondhand
You’re not just saving; you’re rediscovering your childhood through finds that bring back fond memories and joy.
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 Steve – Overcoming Barriers to Employment
Steve came to Goodwill NCW as a paid Work Experience Intern at the Menominee Goodwill store via an outside employment service provider following a stroke that he suffered in 2019. Prior to his stroke, he worked as a Machinist and Programmer, but the medical trauma left him with extremely limited speech and very little use of one of his arms, making securing employment extremely difficult. The service provider helped him navigate his barriers and find employment that met his interests, qualifications, and goals and Goodwill supported with on the job coaching and training. If spite of his barriers, Steve was successful at his internship and was hired as a Production Specialist at its conclusion.
Steve’s speech barriers persist, making his communication style unique. He uses a communication device to express himself, which his speech therapist frequently updates with new words and phrases. His teammates also rely on his nonverbal cues to better understand his needs. Currently, the only words that have returned to Steve since his stroke are “I love you.”
To help others understand Steve better, he provides them with a card that explains a bit about his background and communication needs. On the card he states, “My dream has been returning to the workforce and being a valuable and productive employee. I am beyond grateful for the opportunity at Goodwill.”
Meet Cameron: Turning Challenges into Strengths
After completing several internships with other companies without finding a path to permanent employment, Cameron came to Goodwill through a 90-day work experience in which he supported donations and ticketed hardlines. Near the end of his placement, he asked for the chance to try cashiering. Although Cameron is shy by nature, he wanted a role that would allow him to connect with customers.
That opportunity made all the difference. Cameron discovered a genuine joy in customer service, opening up and growing more confident with each interaction. His dedication and positive attitude quickly stood out, and he was offered a permanent position as a part-time Customer Experience Specialist.
Today, Cameron consistently ranks among the top performers at his store. He loves working with customers, collaborating with his team, and being part of Goodwill’s mission. Most of all, he’s proud to have steady employment and a place where he truly belongs.
Store Team Leader Teresa states, “We were able to give Cameron the opportunity to try different roles during his work experience. Once he was in the right role, he opened up and become more social as he is helping our customers. He is a very dedicated worker and shows up for all his scheduled shifts. He has been able to have a steady income and grow his confidence. We really appreciate Cameron.”