GSC-Halloween-Banner-Web-2

With so many one-of-a-kind costumes and decorations, Goodwill Southern California is the perfect place to shop for Halloween! And, when you shop at, or donate to Goodwill, you help individuals with disabilities and disadvantages in your community secure sustainable employment through education, training, work experience and job placement services. That’s a treat anyone could love!

Goodwill and Good Neighbor Pharmacy®GSC-Halloween-Tote-Banner-Web

This Halloween, we’ve partnered with Good Neighbor Pharmacy to give you a few goodies! Stop by your local Good Neighbor Pharmacy store to receive a free trick-or-treat tote bag with special offers from Goodwill Southern California and Good Neighbor Pharmacy.

Goodwill SoCal Costume Contest

Like us on Facebook and enter to win our Halloween Costume Contest! You could win a $100 Goodwill SoCal gift card for your creativity. Upload your photos before November 4, 2013, then share your entry on social media to gather as many votes as you can.

Click Here for Rules and Regulations.


GSC-CEC-Web-Small

The Community Enrichment Center at Fletcher Square is a one-of-a-kind resource facility that will bring to one location Goodwill Southern California’s top-rated career development and placement services, retail, culinary arts and environmental service offerings, as well as access to a host of other essential social services. Located in the community of Glassell Park/Atwater Village, this landmark complex will also host a number of other top-rated nonprofit service providers, all under one roof and committed to serving the core needs of this community.

If you are interested in partnering with Goodwill at this new facility, please view the updated Request for Proposal package or contact Goodwill Southern California VP of Workforce and Career Development at jmarinaccio@goodwillsocal.org.

Proposers interested in taking a tour of the site may call 323-539-2085, Monday through Friday, 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. Also, please take a moment to fill out our Intent to Apply Survey.

This fully renovated, 135,000 sq. ft., full service facility will offer a wide spectrum of services that address the employment, education, health, and universal needs of the community. At Goodwill’s Community Enrichment Center, individuals with disabilities and disadvantages will access free career counseling and placement services, employment preparation courses, and educational and technical skills classes.

Residents and businesses will safely and conveniently donate unwanted items and utilize environmental services such as e-waste recycling, secure shredding and document imaging. Consumers will enjoy shopping for clothing, furniture and home goods at our flagship retail store and clearance center, and dine at our training café. And, various community organizations and government agencies will utilize the facility for meetings and events. Ultimately, the Community Enrichment Center will provide access to vital programs and services, unify the community, and be a catalyst for individuals and families to achieve sustainable pathways out of poverty and into success.

We look forward to serving the community with partners with community leaders like you.
Click Here to View the updated Request for Proposal Package.

Read a recent article about the Community Enrichment Center on the KCET website.

FAQs

Q: I noticed that another draft of the rfp was previously posted, and the deadline for application has been extended. Why?

A: We extended the deadline to allow for additional applicants and have added additional detail to help applicants plan and budget for associated costs.

 

Q: What does the cost per square foot in the RFP include?

A: As indicated in the RFP, the cost per square foot to be co-located at the Goodwill Community Enrichment Center at Fletcher Square is $1.43 monthly or $17.16 annually and includes janitorial, security, common area maintenance, etc detailed at the top of page 2 of the RFP. Tenant improvements are to be paid by the selected co-locating agency. A 60-month sublease is required.

 

Q: Can you tell us who else has submitted proposals?

A: We are unable to share this information.

 

Q: May we see the space before responding to the intent to apply survey or submitting a proposal?

A: Yes! Please call 323-539-2085, Monday through Friday, 9:00 am to 4:00 pm to make arrangements.

 

Q: We didn’t see our services listed in your community needs assessment, can we still submit a proposal?

A: Yes, you may. Goodwill is interested in meeting local needs, so we would ask that you provide substantiation of the need for the services you are offering, citing relevant data, surveys, reports, etc.

 

Q: Would it be possible for us to take space in excess of 5,000 square feet?

A: We would be willing to consider a proposal for more or less space, but cannot guarantee any space outside the sizes cited in the RFP (500-5000 square feet). The final decisions will depend on available space and other selected proposer’s space requirements.

 

Q: We see that you want detailed financial information. We are a growing agency with a fairly small operating budget, will that exclude us from being considered.

A: Not necessarily. We want to see your operating budget and other financial documents to ensure your agency’s financial health and ability to commit to the 60-month sublease period. If your agency has been in business for less than 5 years, please provide a business and financial sustainability plan.

 

Q: The RFP says our proposal should be no longer than 5 pages, does that include the cover page and all the requested financial documents?

A: No, the cover and attachments are not counted toward the total page count. The 5 pages refers only to the proposal content.

 

Q: Our agency is sponsored by a nonprofit incubator and we are currently under their 501c3 status. Can we submit a proposal?

A: Yes, you may; however, we would need the sponsoring agency’s financial and legal documents along with a letter from their leadership (with board approval, as needed) indicating that they are willing to accept the 60-month sublease and $2M insurance obligation for your program to be co-located at the Goodwill Community Enrichment Center at Fletcher Square.

If you have additional questions, please submit by January 7, 2014. Please email them to jmarinaccio@goodwillsocal.org with the subject line: Fletcher Square.

Learn more about Edwin’s experience in the Goodwill Youth Program.

GSC-Gala-Banner-Web-Page

This November, Goodwill Southern California will inaugurate an annual fundraising gala to honor and celebrate local heroes. The first annual Goodwill Gala for Heroes will salute veterans, including high profile community members and individuals from Entertainment and Business, who are either veterans themselves, or, have made significant contributions to advancing the veteran community.

All of the proceeds from the 2013 Gala will help fund and advance Goodwill Southern California’s no cost employment programs and services for veterans.

About the Veteran Employment Program

For Sponsorship Opportunities Please Click Here or Contact
Peggy Smith, Senior Director of Major Gifts & Planned Giving
323.539.2031  .  psmith@goodwillsocal.org

 

2013 Honorees

Gary Sinise

For over thirty years, Gary Sinise has stood as an advocate of America’s servicemen and women. It began in the early ‘80s with his support of Vietnam Veterans groups and the creation of Vets Night, a program offering free dinners and performances to veterans at the Steppenwolf Theatre in Chicago. His commitment continued into the ‘90s working on behalf of the Disabled American Veterans organization which he continues to actively support. Since the attacks of September 11, his dedication to our nation’s active duty defenders, veterans and first responders has become a tireless crusade of support, service and gratitude to all those who protect our freedom and serve our country.

His portrayal of Lt. Dan Taylor in the landmark film “Forrest Gump” formed an enduring connection with servicemen and women throughout the military community. After several USO handshake tours in 2003, Sinise formed the “Lt. Dan Band” in early 2004 and began entertaining troops serving at home and abroad. The band now performs close to 50 shows a year for military bases, charities and fundraisers supporting veterans and troops. In 2011, to expand upon his efforts, Sinise established the Gary Sinise Foundation. Its mission is to serve and honor our nation’s defenders, veterans, first responders, their families and those in need by creating and supporting unique programs that entertain, educate, inspire, strengthen and build communities.

The Cusumano Family

Established in 1959, the family owned and operated Cusumano Real Estate Group is one of the largest privately held property owners in Southern California. The group is involved in the acquisition, development, management and ownership of investment properties, including luxury apartments, (low and moderate) residential rental properties, senior apartments, office buildings, restaurants, warehouse and retail spaces. Their outstanding reputation in business is equaled by their exemplary commitment to service and civic leadership; helping to meet the needs of the community through philanthropy and many volunteer and advisory posts on local committees, commissions and charitable boards.

The Cusumano’s spirit of giving and community support is complemented by a history of military service. Today, Charlie Cusumano (IV) is enlisted in the U.S. Army’s 173rd Airborne Brigade. After returning from front line deployment in Afghanistan earlier this year, he was stationed in Vicenza, Italy where he currently serves. His father, Charlie (III), helps severely wounded veterans regain a sense of purpose, and provides an important physical outlet to rehabilitate their minds, bodies and souls by sponsoring and traveling his “Paseo Tribe” triathlon team. A deeply personal commitment to training and supporting these veterans plays a vital role in successfully reintegrating these everyday heroes into civilian life.

Chris Marvin

Chris Marvin, Managing Director of Got Your 6, served more than seven years as a U.S. Army Officer and Blackhawk helicopter pilot. He led his platoon into combat in Afghanistan in 2004, flying over 40 combat missions before being severely wounded in a helicopter crash near the Afghan-Pakistan border. Over the next four years, Marvin underwent 10 major surgeries, before being medically retired. His military awards include the Bronze Star, the Meritorious Service Medal, and the Air Medal. During his recovery, Marvin volunteered as an advocate for other wounded veterans.

Marvin earned a Masters in Business Administration from The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania and a Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Notre Dame. Marvin was named the first Fellow for The Mission Continues and logged more than 2,000 volunteer hours in 2008 before joining the organization as the National Director of the Fellowship Program.

His military, volunteer and professional experience advanced a deep understanding of the basic needs of veteran reintegration and the common misconceptions that divide the military and civilian communities, which inspired the overall campaign goals of Got Your 6.

Got Your 6 is a campaign that unites the entertainment industry with top nonprofit organizations to change the conversation in America, such that veterans and military family members are seen as leaders and civic assets who will return home to reinvigorate our communities. This collective impact initiative features the major studios, networks, agencies, and guilds in the entertainment industry, alongside 30 nonprofits in the veteran and military family space and participants from the federal government—all centered around six metrics-based goals and the opportunity to raise awareness of the growing civilian-military divide.

 

GSC-Stand-Down-Email-Blast2

We Couldn’t Have Done It Without You!

All of us at Goodwill Southern California would like to express our sincere gratitude to every partner and volunteer that helped to make our first Veteran Stand Down a success. We were able to serve over 340 homeless and at-risk veterans at the two-day event.

With the help of many, we provided food, clothing, education, housing and employment information, haircuts and makeovers, care packages, health services, mental health counseling, access to support services, phones and email, yoga, tai chi, massage, art, music, books, pet care, children’s activities and more.

We were inspired by the overwhelming generosity of so many people, businesses and organizations. We were humbled by the courage and spirit of those we were able to serve. And we are looking forward to doing it all again in 2014. Thank you again for your support!

 

2013 Stand Down Partners

211 .  Alcoholic Anonymous (AA) . Angela Lott – Yoga Instructor .  Beyond 21st Century Beauty Academy . Bruce’s Catering . CA DMV . California Lifeline . Cavalier Counseling . Century Villages at Cabrillo . Chrysalis . Clinica Romero . Didi Hirsch Mental Health Services . Dr. Pepper/Snapple . East LA College . East LA Vet Center . EDD . Frito Lay . GSC HVRP . GSC WIPA Program . Homeless Health Care Los Angeles (HHCLA) . Human Potential Consultants, LLC . LA BBQ King . LA County Department of Public Social Services (DPSS) . Mad Dog Video Game Truck . MakeOvers That Matter . McCready Baker – Yoga Instructor . Meet Yourself Yoga Therapy . Midnight Mission . Narcotics Anonymous (NA) . National Veterans Foundation . New Directions for Veterans . Operation Gratitude . People Assisting the Homeless (PATH) . PV Jobs . Red Cross . Saban Community Clinic . Serene Haven . Shelter Partnership . Society of St. Vincent De Paul . Southern California Health Institute (SOCHI) . Sparkletts . TELACU . TelePacific . The Hook-Up Resource Center . The Salvation Army Bell Shelter . The Salvation Army Haven . The Soldiers Project . U.S. Vets . U.S. Vets Long Beach . UCLA Welcome Back Veterans . Union Rescue Mission . Veteran Affairs (VA) . Veterans and Loved Ones Recovery (VALOR) . Volunteers of America (VOA) . Wei Wu Tai Chi . Wilmington Community Clinic . Yoga Across America . Yoga Everyone . Yogis Anonymous

A special thank you to Southern California Edison for your generous support.

Edison-SoCal-logo

Learn more about Ariana’s powerful journey and her commitment to success at Goodwill.

See how this young man is achieving new heights at Goodwill.

Watch this powerful story of one man’s commitment to overcoming his troubled past and excelling at Goodwill.

Learn more about Candice’s remarkable journey to success as a Youth Participant at Goodwill.