As you walk into the Sioux City Goodwill, beautifully designed displays will catch your eye. Each display is intricately designed by Cheryl who has an exquisite eye for detail.
“If you are looking for something you will probably find it at Goodwill. I love to shop here as well. I will complete the Pre-Vocational Training Program in December and I am proud I have learned to be more independent in my job. I am currently in the process of moving from a group home into my own home.”
Goodwill of the Great Plains Boosts Recycling Efforts with the addition of State-of-the-Art Equipment
Goodwill of the Great Plains is boosting their recycling efforts with the addition of custom, state of the art equipment to their operations facility in Sioux City, IA. Annually, Goodwill recycles over 16 million pounds of material, keeping items that do not sell in their 21 retail locations out of the landfill and on to new uses.
Thanks to generous donations from the community, Goodwill sustains its mission through the sale of these donations. Goodwill takes pride in recycling a significant portion of donated goods that do not end up selling in their stores. “Goodwill’s priority is serving our mission while being a good steward to our donors and continue to reduce our environmental footprint” said John Hantla, President and CEO.
This new equipment could potentially bale up to 8 million more pounds of recycled materials annually. The benefits are efficiency, safety, higher output, and automation.
“The new equipment is truly a sight to see. It’s impressive to see how efficiently the equipment can prepare bales of textiles and other material to be ready for the next step in recycling.” said Vilay Keokenchanh, Chief Operating Officer. “What might take a week or longer to process can now be accomplished in one day.”
Goodwill recycles items such as textiles, leather goods, shoes, purses, stuffed animals, cardboard, and paper. “Goodwill is constantly researching new opportunities to recycle and further their positive impact on the local community and the environment” said Angie Washburn, Director of Operations.
“Nothing is impossible if you keep going. It is all about moving forward and taking one day at a time. When I first started Goodwill, I had been out of the workforce for 3 years due to a stroke. It was hard for me because I have been stubborn my whole life and now, I had to change. I entered the Work Adjustment Program* at Goodwill where Jill assigned me to work in the retail store cleaning up dressing rooms, helping with Job Fairs, and supporting the Shoe and Mitten Program, as needed.
One of the significant lessons I learned during the program is not to get so excited and let it go. Someone is there to help when I need it. I completed the Work Adjustment Program about a year ago and was hired to work as a Retail Associate in the store. I am excited to be involved in other parts of the store. I would like to change it up what I do every once in a while. I love working at Goodwill. They have been good to me.”
Jill, Program Manager added, “Sheryl is really happy doing what she does in the store right now. I’ve seen so many good changes in her and I just hope for more and more!”
*Work Adjustment Program is a 6–12-week program for individuals over 18 years of age teaching soft-skill development and employment readiness serving individuals with brain injury, physical injury, and cognitive disabilities, and health challenges.
Welcome our new Job Center Representative, Jessa! We are excited for her to join the team! Let’s learn more about Jessa!
Jessa:
“I am a soon-to-be graduate from South Dakota State University with Bachelor’s degrees in Political Science and Global Studies.
I joined Goodwill’s Mission Services Team because I wanted to use my knowledge and education to give back to my hometown community of Rapid City.
I look forward to providing resources and support to the public as we help improve and uplift the lives and opportunities of our neighbors.
I am an adrenaline junkie amateur, with a love for water sports, snowmobiling, and motorcycles. My bucket list includes: skydiving, bungee jumping, and scuba diving with sharks.
I also enjoy camping and hiking, cuddling with my dog, and trying new cuisines. I plan to join the Peace Corps in the future and would like to travel to Northern Africa for a cultural experience.
Congrats to Demico, Retail Associate at our Sioux Falls Norton store, on receiving the GEM award. GEM Awards are giving to Team Members who go the extra mile and demonstrate excellent customer service, superb team excellence, process improvement and Goodwill spirit. Nominated by Klari, Job Center Representative “Demico goes the extra mile by making sure everyone is having a good day. If you ask him to look for something specific he will take the time to look for it. Demico always has a smile on his face and has positive words for everyone
