Las Vegas Sun

March 28, 2024

GOOD WORKS:

Goodwill: Beyond the stores are the stories of those who have been helped

Goodwill Main Office Non Profit

L.E. Baskow

Entrance art at Goodwill within the new store on N. Durango Drive near the 215 Beltway on Tuesday, April 5, 2016.

What services do you offer that you think the community knows about? During my 29-year history with Goodwill, it has been my experience that most people know us as a place to donate goods or shop for great bargains, for which we are most thankful. But little is known about our impact. In 2015, Goodwill helped transform the lives of 2,383 people who were able to secure jobs and earn $48 million in earned wages. In addition, Goodwill has grown to be a major employer with 860 employees directly contributing to the economy of Southern Nevada.

Steve Chartrand, of Goodwill of Southern Nevada

Steve Chartrand, of Goodwill of Southern Nevada

• Title: President/CEO

• Agency address:1280 W. Cheyenne Ave., North Las Vegas

• Agency phone number: 702-214-2000

• Agency website: goodwill.vegas

• Hours of operation: Career Connections Centers (Cheyenne and Tropicana avenues) 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 9 a.m.-noon Friday; hours vary at Goodwill retail stores and donation locations.

• Please visit goodwill.vegas/storelocator for details.

What is Good Works?

In Good Works, an occasional series, we highlight nonprofit groups that are making a difference in our community. If you’d like to nominate an organization, email [email protected] with details.

What services do you offer that you think the community doesn’t know about? We offer free individualized job training and placement services for anyone who wants to improve their position in life. Whether someone is unemployed, underemployed or transitioning between careers, our Career Connections Centers offer tools and expert training. This includes access to computers and the Internet, as well as one-on-one meetings with experts to help develop personal employment plans. Our team has built relationships with over 500 employers and regularly holds hiring events to help place job seekers.

We also are proud of our Veterans Integration Program (VIP). Staffed by veterans who have relatable experience, VIP empowers veterans and their families with the tools they need to transition from military to civilian life, find employment, advance in their careers and ensure long-term financial stability.

What led you to your current career? What sparked your interest in the nonprofit sector? I was literally born into this career. I am the oldest of six siblings, five of whom were adopted; I am the only biological child. My five brothers and sisters were all “hard to place” based on medical conditions, disabilities or their ethnicity. Growing up in my diverse family, I learned to lead through compassion and tolerance. I saw their lives transformed and I wanted to take what I learned and help transform lives myself. It is my life’s mission and I do it for them.

What can people do to help your organization or get involved in the cause you serve? Clean out your closet or make a personally meaningful monetary donation. Honestly, it’s that simple. We know the value of every donation, be it a bag of donated items, a large grant from a foundation, or a personal check.

Our retail business makes it possible to dedicate 100 percent of financial contributions to job training and job placement services. And for every dollar contributed, Goodwill of Southern Nevada generates $24 in earned wages for those participating in Goodwill services, who secure sustainable employment. This is a strong return on investment to the community.

What can Southern Nevadans do to improve our community in general? Mayor Carolyn Goodman recently designated Las Vegas as a City of Compassion. I support the mayor and ask that we all treat each other with compassion and empathy.

Whom do you admire? I know it is a cliché, but I admire my mom and dad most. My parents have been my guiding light. Every value I received from my parents, I have applied to my personal and professional life, such as humility, connecting with people on a personal level and doing things from the heart.

Our culture at Goodwill is built on what I learned from my parents. We are an innovative team that believes people are our strength. We treat everyone with dignity and courtesy.

Nonprofit Goodwill Main Office

Centennial High School student Scott Hollingsworth does vocational training at Goodwill under the direction of life skills class instructor Ritzie Gratrix in the new store on N. Durango Drive near the 215 Beltway on Tuesday, April 5, 2016. Launch slideshow »

How do you motivate people to get involved? I enjoy sharing the vision that we have the incredible ability to transform people’s lives. I like to tell the Goodwill story and share the amazing journeys of those who have been affected by Goodwill. We have so many stories. Give me a call or say hi at the coffee shop if you want hear them. We are always looking to develop new advocates, relationships and partners.

Where do you see your organization in five years? These are exciting times in Southern Nevada. Our economy is diversifying, and I believe Goodwill of Southern Nevada is well positioned to continue serving the community well into the future. Under the direction of our board of directors, we are in the fourth year of a five-year plan to address growth and services. Our goal is to continue to expand our network of donation centers and retail stores to help move the organization toward a goal of self-sufficiency. The more we can expand our retail operations, the more services we can offer the community. Also, we are evaluating the changing employment needs of our community to ensure our services meet the needs of the people we serve and the employers in our community.

If you could change one thing about Southern Nevada, what would it be? An increased sense of community. We can accomplish this through an active commitment by all leaders and citizens to continue investing in the infrastructure and organizations that help create places where the community comes together.

Anything else you want to tell us? Goodwill of Southern Nevada is truly a community based organization. We are committed to collaborating with our nonprofit partners to leverage resources and maximize community impact. If you do not choose to give to Goodwill, please give to one of the many great nonprofits in our community.

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