…These accomplishments reaffirmed our commitment to serving our community while championing sustainability for generations to come.
We also launched our 3-Year Strategic Plan, driven by four guiding pillars to shape our actions and decisions:
- Disrupt generational poverty for long-term impact.
- Sustainably balance revenue growth with social impact.
- Build a values-driven organization where every team member thrives.
- Maximize environmental and sustainability efforts across all operations.
Empowering Individuals Through Education
September was an especially proud moment for us, as 19 determined students became the first graduates of The Excel Center, joining others from our Certified Nursing Assistant and Pharmacy Technician training programs. This graduation represented more than academic success; it was a testament to the resilience of individuals who dared to believe in their potential.
The Excel Center directly addresses the critical need in Baltimore City, where over 81,000 adults lack a high school diploma. By offering diplomas, certifications, case management, and even free childcare, we’ve created a learning environment where adults can rediscover hope. Over 465 students enrolled in our first year, with 25 classes and 12 certifications offered. Looking ahead, we anticipate an additional 45 graduates in 2025. Think of the possibilities, not just for these individuals, but for entire families given new options and opportunities.
Creating Pathways to Economic Mobility
Our Workforce Development programs are transforming lives at scale. This year alone, we proudly delivered over 54,000 services to 1,621 participants. Through job placements in industries such as building trades, health care, and food safety, 1,134 individuals secured jobs earning an average wage of $17.76 per hour.
Programs like our Pre-Apprenticeship Building Trades Training, ServSafe Certification, and Flagger Training offer clear paths to careers in high-demand fields. Simultaneously, our Early Head Start Centers provided essential resources and support to 50 families, further breaking down barriers to success.
Building Sustainability and Community
None of this would be possible without the generosity of donors and engaged members of our community. This year, your goodwill translated into over 666,000 donation transactions, accounting for a tremendous 33 million pounds of goods. Plus, with over 1.6 million shopping transactions in our stores, we were able to generate vital funding for our mission services.
Our commitment to environmental sustainability took another leap forward with the reveal of Poe, our cutting-edge glass pulverizer at the Goodwill Sustainability Center. Not only does Poe help divert glass waste from landfills, but it also gives these materials new life by repurposing them for manufacturers. It’s one more way we’re striving to create a greener future while reinforcing the circular economy.
Community partnerships remain at the heart of our work. This year, we collaborated with over 300 organizations, distributed 200 store vouchers, and logged over 5,000 volunteer hours. Together, we achieved moments of joy, like our 67th Annual Thanksgiving Dinner and Resource Fair, warmly serving our neighbors in need.
Supporting Every Individual on Their Journey
Within our organization, we are just as committed to investing in our employees’ futures. Our Talent Development Program provides professional growth opportunities, case management, and financial coaching tailored to empower our team members. This initiative ensures employees in entry-level positions feel valued, supported, and equipped to achieve not just their professional goals, but also their personal aspirations.
Looking Ahead With Purpose
As we move into 2025, we remain steadfast in our dedication to creating a lasting impact, both for individuals and the planet. Sustainability lies at the core of our vision as we expand environmental initiatives to further reduce waste and divert excess plastics and glass away from landfills.
Through our Mission Services, we will continue helping participants transition from poverty to economic mobility by providing skills-based training in high-growth industries. The Excel Center will celebrate a second group of graduates, maintaining enrollment of 150 students while supporting families with our drop-in childcare center.
Above all, these successes are only possible because of you. Your donations, shopping, volunteer work, and partnership fuel our ability to serve Central Maryland and the Eastern Shore. Together, we are rewriting stories of struggle into stories of triumph.
Thank You
From all of us at Goodwill Industries of the Chesapeake, thank you for walking alongside us with each step we take to build brighter futures. Here’s to another year of growth, hope, and impact.
With deep gratitude,
Joe Durham
Board Chair
Lisa Rusyniak
President & CEO
