Helping people find work

Dear editor:

Families across North America are facing tough times as unemployment rates rise to their highest levels in years. At Goodwill Industries, we know the most effective way to help people is by providing them with the means to earn a paycheck and support their families long-term.

Last year, more than 616,000 people across the United States benefited from Goodwill job-training programs and career services. We placed someone into a good job every two minutes of every business day. That person might be the teller at your bank, the teacher’s aide at your child’s school, or the administrative assistant in your office. And they couldn’t have made it without the support of the thousands of people who donate to Goodwill and shop in Goodwill stores.

As we celebrate Goodwill Industries Week May 2-8, we renew our pledge to help people get good jobs and advance in their careers. Goodwill agencies everywhere are reinforcing their career centers, holding job fairs, and doing what we’ve been doing for 100 years — helping people go to work.

At Goodwill Industries, we believe work creates the economic energy that builds strong communities. By investing in the American worker, we are investing in the American economy. We thank you again for your continued support for this noble cause.

Dennis Brice, pesident and chief executive officer, Chattanooga Goodwill Industrie