We also marked the first year of our 3-Year Strategic Plan, guided by four core priorities that shape our work:
- 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 a particularly proud moment as we honored 55 graduates from the second class of The Excel Center Adult High School, alongside participants completing our Skills Training programs. For many, this milestone represented not only academic achievement but also perseverance and the courage to pursue a second chance.
The need for this work remains significant. In Baltimore City, more than 81,000 adults do not have a high school diploma. The Excel Center helps address this gap by offering a comprehensive support system that includes diplomas, certifications, career coaching, and free childcare. As we look ahead, we anticipate celebrating another 50 graduates in 2026, including the 100th graduate in the school’s history. These achievements open doors not only for students but also for their families, creating ripple effects that extend far beyond the classroom.
Creating Pathways to Economic Mobility
Our Workforce Development programs continued to make a strong impact this year. Training programs such as Pre-Apprenticeship Building Trades, ServSafe Certification, and DOT Flagger certification prepare participants for careers in high-demand fields. Our hybrid job readiness and certification model has further expanded access and flexibility, allowing us to meet participants where they are. At the same time, our Early Head Start centers supported more than 130 families, helping remove barriers to stability and long-term success.
We provided more than 67,000 services to 1,663 participants, helping individuals gain the skills and support needed to secure meaningful employment. A total of 916 participants obtained jobs, earning an average wage of $17.88 per hour.
Building Sustainability and Community
Our work is made possible through the generosity of donors and the engagement of our community. This year, we processed more than 718,000 donation transactions, totaling approximately 33 million pounds of goods. In addition, over 1.9 million customer transactions across our retail stores generated critical funding to sustain our mission.
We also made progress in environmental stewardship. With the introduction of “Poe,” our in-house glass pulverizer at the Goodwill Sustainability Center, we are reducing waste and finding new uses for recycled materials. This initiative helps divert glass from landfills while supporting manufacturers with repurposed materials. Looking ahead, we are eager to continue expanding efforts in textile circularity and other sustainability initiatives.
Collaboration remains central to everything we do. This year, we partnered with more than 300 organizations, provided 200 store vouchers, and recorded over 5,000 volunteer hours. From hosting sustainability workshops to bringing community members together through events, we created opportunities for connection and support. One highlight was our 68th Annual Thanksgiving Dinner and Resource Fair, where we served 2,000 neighbors and distributed essential winter items.
Looking Ahead With Purpose
As we enter 2026, we remain focused on building lasting impact for both people and the environment. Sustainability lies at the core of our vision as we expand environmental initiatives to further reduce waste and divert excess plastics, glass and textiles away from landfills.
Through our Mission Services programs, we will help individuals move toward economic stability by offering training aligned with in-demand industries. The Excel Center will welcome its third graduating class, maintain a full enrollment of 170 students, and continue supporting nearly 70 families through its childcare services.
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
None of this work would be possible without you. Your support—through donations, shopping, volunteering, and partnership—makes it possible for us to serve communities across Central Maryland and the Eastern Shore.
Together, we are creating new opportunities, strengthening families, and building brighter futures.
With sincere appreciation,
Joe Durham
Board Chair
Lisa Rusyniak
President & CEO
