Goodwill Manasota has been forced to make the difficult decision to close all of its retail stores to comply with the stay-at-home order issued by Governor Ron DeSantis on April 1, effectively shutting off its primary source of income. The projected loss of over $3,000,000 in sales each month has resulted in serious financial and staffing impacts. After making a significant workforce reduction last week - including voluntary leadership compensation cuts – Goodwill will furlough an additional 231 employees, effective April 3. Less than 15% of Goodwill Manasota's workforce will remain active on the job at this time.

The organization continues to accept donations of gently-used items at select attended donation centers - while observing social distancing recommendations - every day between the hours of 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., in preparation for the day when stores can safely re-open. Goodwill will continue to collect non-perishable food donations for organizations that serve those in need in our community, including Turning Points and the Food Bank of Manatee. Visit its website (experiencegoodwill.org) for a list of available donation centers.

Immediate steps to provide support for team members who have been furloughed include paid time off (PTO) payouts, access to health benefits and a free TelaDoc service, references to assist those seeking new employment, and guidance for accessing support services to help them through this difficult time. Goodwill is also remotely providing Job Connection Services, Information and Referral, Veterans services, community outreach and collaboration.  

Organizational leaders are reaching out to area foundations, seeking funding for payroll assistance, emergency assistance funds and resources for those who have been furloughed. Additionally, Goodwill is working with its local bank and Goodwill Industries International to take advantage of CARE funds wherever possible. The Board and staff are reaching out to legislators to see if there is any way that Goodwill and similar nonprofits can receive payroll benefits for their furloughed team members.

"With the closing of our retail stores, there will simply be no revenue coming in to support our mission of providing jobs, education and training for those with barriers to employment," said Rosinsky. "While we are devastated to have to take these actions, our primary focus is to do whatever it takes to sustain this Goodwill and be prepared to serve the community once this crisis has passed. We must be ready to serve the thousands of families that will need our programs when our country returns to normal. The programs and services we offer are going to be vital in getting the many workers and families impacted by lost jobs and wages back on their feet, and back on the job."

For more.