GORHAM, ME (July 7, 2022) — Goodwill is investing $100,000 in local nonprofits to expand its impact. This will speed up Goodwill’s 10-year goal to move 10,000 people into stability. Goodwill will issue gift cards to local food banks, shelters, and others for the people they serve. New nonprofit partners this year include The Hospitality House (Knox County Homeless Coalitions’ extended stay family shelter) and In Her Presence, which supports immigrant women with immediate needs, parenting support and more — each receiving thousands of dollars in Goodwill gift cards, which they can give to their clients in need.   

“We know when someone needs food or shelter, they need other support too – including Goodwill’s workforce services, which offers free career training and job placements,” said Barbara Sawyer, Volunteer & Community Partner Manager. “Goodwill moved more than 5,000 people into personal stability in the last five years through our healthcare and employment programs, but we know other nonprofits are helping people in just as much need in other ways. If we can support their work, we’ll help more people faster.” 

This year’s investment is more than double last year’s, and is the most generous in Goodwill’s history.  

“Goodwill’s leadership and generosity with this effort is inspiring. Yet, it’s not surprising to see nonprofits supporting one another,” said Jennifer Hutchins, Executive Director, Maine Association of Nonprofits. “It’s what nonprofits do when they’re at their best. They collaborate, innovate and build on each other’s strengths to address complex issues in our communities.”  

The Partner Stability Fund is possible because of generous donors, corporate partners and shoppers at Goodwill stores who “round up” at the cash register. The program replaces an old paper voucher system, and replaces it with new gift cards for customer ease and dignity.   

This year’s nonprofit partners include: 

Bangor Housing Authority – Bangor Housing provides housing for low to moderate-income households. They operate 741 affordable and market-rate apartments in the greater Bangor area.  

Good Shepherd Food Bank — Good Shepherd distributes millions of meals to Mainers in need. Good Shepherd partners with more than 500 local organizations – food pantries, meal sites, schools and more. 

Hospitality House — new partner: The Hospitality House is Knox County Homeless Coalitions’ extended stay family shelter. The shelter provides a temporary home for up to 22 people, half of whom are usually children. 

In Her Presence — new partner: This nonprofit is for and by Immigrant women and their families. Programs center around English, job readiness, career exploration and education, wellbeing, childcare and parenting support, immediate needs (food, shelter, clothing) and community engagement.  

PENQUIS — Penquis works to alleviate and eliminate the causes and conditions of poverty. Penquis serves low and moderate-income people in Penobscot, Piscataquis and Knox counties.    

Goodwill Northern New England is a nonprofit social enterprise in Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont. Our revenues fund our mission to invest in people who need support to achieve their work and life goals. Goodwill NNE’s programs include workforce training programs, 22 group homes that support adults with disabilities, active community supports for adults with disabilities, AmeriCorps programs, business-cleaning services, and Goodwill NNE operates two brain injury clinics to help people get back to their lives after a brain injury. Of course, our stores also embody our mission to support the Earth through re-use, while offering good jobs and free supports to all sorts of people. For more information visit GoodwillNNE.org.