Goodwill’s Role During Community Emergencies

Understanding who provides resources during a community emergency is valuable knowledge for everyone.  Many of us have, at least, heard of Red Cross or The Salvation Army, even if we don’t know exactly what they provide.  In particular, these organizations are considered “relief agencies”, and there are many more relief agencies doing the important work of aiding in recovery.  Typically, relief agencies will provide food, water, shelter and often clothing to individuals in emergency situations.  Disaster relief is an invaluable mission. However, relief is not the mission of Goodwill.
 
Yes but…Goodwill has lots of clothes and other items! So why doesn’t Goodwill give them to people who are in need?  Great question and we understand the association, but Goodwill is not setup to be a relief agency; it’s not our expertise. Goodwill’s expertise however, is to facilitate access to another sustaining need, employment.  
 
Goodwill’s mission is to offer free skills training, job development and social services to New Mexicans.  We serve a unique role that benefits individuals who are in the final recovery phase of an emergency management situation.  Our free programs and services are available as soon as an individual is ready to return to work after an emergency. For many, Goodwill is the final step in regaining financial independence and completing their journey to full recovery after a disaster.
 
To learn more visit http://www.goodwillnm.org/who-we-help.html
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