click to open Go back one page. Go forward one page.

Everything that we do is to guarantee
that the people we serve are the
most likely to succeed.

- Jerry Davis,
President and CEO

[Table of Contents]

[ Stars of the Class ]

Daniel

Meet Daniel

Graduate of the Year

As a member of the deaf community, Daniel faced a significant language barrier and struggled with navigating the job market. He turned to Goodwill for help. As a result of training and hard work, he was hired at Randalls as an Overnight Stocker. Daniel’s winning personality and superb customer service was not lost on Randalls leadership. Despite his disability, he quickly rose up the ranks, and after seven months of employment, he was promoted to Dairy Manager. In April 2014, he celebrated his one-year anniversary with the company!

Meet William

Achiever of the Year

William’s path to achievement wasn’t easy. As a young adult, he found himself navigating mounting family and financial problems. William turned to a life of crime: his choices landed him almost 20 years in federal prison. After his release, he was unable to secure work due to his criminal background. Even though he had little hope, he submitted an application to Goodwill. William was elated when he was hired as a Donation Door Attendant – but his desire to excel helped him receive multiple promotions. He is now an Area Manager, overseeing multiple retail stores.

People with
Disabilities

People with
Criminal Backgrounds

people with disabilities, people with criminal backgrounds, people who are undereducated, people facing homelessness click here to see all people served

Meet Vanessa

1st Goodwill Excel Center Graduate

Vanessa’s journey started when she got pregnant at age 16. With no support, she dropped out of high school to get a job so she could provide for her daughter.

Knowing she needed her GED to get something better, at Texas Workforce Commission she spotted a flyer for Goodwill’s Excel Center. It’s the first school in Texas that offers classes for 19-50 years old to earn a high school diploma. Vanessa signed up and began the tough job of juggling family and an education. Her hard work paid off: she became the first student to graduate from the Goodwill Excel Center.

Meet Ileini

Outstanding Youth of the Year

When Ileini, 20, came to Goodwill she was living in a tent behind a Wal-mart. She went to the Goodwill Community Center and a Team Member offered assistance. Ileini got an internship at a Goodwill Retail Store, but she wanted more. She enrolled in a training program that develops skills and employment opportunities within the hotel industry. When she finished, she interned in the Security Department at the InterContinental Stephen F. Austin Hotel – and was offered a full-time job as a Security Guard! Ileini now has safe housing and is on track to a better future.

People with a
Lack of Education

People facing
Homelessness

[ A Class Above ]

Most Likely to
      Succeed

When we opened The Goodwill Excel Center in August 2014, we opened the doors to a world of opportunity. 150 students walked in that day and took a step towards their high school diploma.

The Goodwill Excel Center is the first FREE, public charter school for adults up to age 50 in Texas; the average age of our student body is 29 years old. Many of our students are single parents looking to set a strong example for their children. Although they may be looking to make a change for their own families, our students and graduates are helping to reshape the landscape of the Central Texas community by pursuing higher education, obtaining career certifications and finding not just a job, but a career path.

[ Most Likely to
   Impress ]

and luck has nothing to do with it

Rubby  is  an   exceptional   young lady
and  mother.   She came to Goodwill
in late  2013  and  immediately
started  working  towards  her GED
credential  in  hopes  of   creating
a brighter  future  for her  family.
The GED staff members at
Goodwill   quickly  noted
Rubby’s hard work ethic and
tenacity to succeed,  most
notably  illustrated  when
she completed her GED in
only three  months  and
was awarded Outstanding
GED Student in January!
Rubby was  inspired to
continue her education,
and  will be  enrolling in
Austin Community College
to pursue her dream of a
career working with animals.

I'm so thankful to have found this program. It's changed my whole life.
Opportunities for Youth

Goodwill Central Texas works to help youth stay in school, return to  school, and start a career! Each program participant has unique  educational and professional needs, so Goodwill offers a variety of options that will best suit each individual.

    GED TUTORING & TESTING In 2014,    the GED test was overhauled, creating a sharp decline in completions. GCT continues to have one of the highest passing rates in central texas with the help of flexible classroom hours and one-on-one tutoring.

  JOB COACHES Getting your first job can   be intimidating. Job Coaches work with the youth participant on-site to help navigate the first few weeks of employment and ensure success.

SUMMER INTERNSHIPS & CAREER EXPLORATION Many youth get paid internships for the summer and get real-world experience. Job Shadow Day gives participants an opportunity to check out potential careers in a real world setting.

JOB READINESS BOOT CAMP How ready are you for a full-time job? Goodwill’s Boot Camp for Youth tests group dynamics, working as a team, and problem-solving situations in addition to résumé writing and interviewing, soft skills, plus one-on-one career counseling.

Click here to see Community Impact

Thanks to the help of Goodwill, Rachel achieved her
dream of becoming a professional cook after obtaining her Food Handlers and TABC Certification.

Check out her snazzy “Chef Whites”.

Workforce
Advancement

Our goal is to provide a workforce of excellence that meets the expectations of our ever-growing business community. Goodwill bridges the gap between the people we serve who want to work and employers by providing life skills training, job-readiness preparation, hard skills training and personal and career coaching to navigate life challenges. By working to increase their skill set and becoming more employable, individuals are empowered to financially support themselves, care for their families, and contribute to our community.

[We Develop Careers]

Goodwill Career Academy provides marketable career and technical training and certifications in high-demand industries such as health care, construction, technology and administrative, significantly increasing our clients’ earning potential while leading to sustainable careers.


In collaboration with Austin Community College (ACC) and local employers, the Goodwill Career Academy develops training to meet the evolving needs of industry and local businesses.

Accounting / Bookkeeping
Administrative Assistant
Certified Apartment Maintenance Tech
Comptia A+ and Network +
Nursing Assistant
(under approval from Texas Workforce Commission-TWC)

Raisul received his CAMT
certification and now works full
time at an apartment community!

Click here to see how we Empower the Community
Where Does it all go?

Every generous donation is an opportunity to empower people to transform their lives. Donated items are carefully inspected and placed for sale in our retail stores or online at shopaustingoodwill.org. If not sold, goods are sent to our Outlet Center where most merchandise is sold by the pound – another chance to generate life-changing funds!

But what happens to donations that aren’t sold? Goodwill Central Texas is one of the largest recyclers in Central Texas. We meet the growing needs of businesses, government agencies, local organizations, and goods donors to up-cycle and properly recycle items no longer needed.

Just as we are good stewards of our donations, we are good stewards of the earth. Our goal is to be a zero waste organization. In 2014, we diverted almost 29 million pounds from landfills – meaning we’re only 7% away from reaching that goal.

Measuring in at 124,000 square feet, The Goodwill Resource Center is a hub of recycling activity. We work closely with organizations such as Dell, Seton Healthcare Family, and the City of Austin to execute their large scale recycling needs.

Preserving the Central Texas landscape is just one more way we’re working together to strengthen our community.

Dell Reconnect &
Computer Works

In partnership with Dell Reconnect®, Goodwill receives donated computers, electronics and accessories. Our specially trained staff inspects each item and determines whether to reuse or recycle it.

Following Dell’s rigorous personal privacy and security standards to destroy sensitive information (the same strict guidelines used by the U.S. Department of Defense), items are thoroughly tested and refurbished before being sold through Goodwill Computer Works, either in the retail store or shopaustingoodwill.org.

When electronics can’t be resold, they are recycled. Our integrated electronic recycling diverts more than 285 tons of electronic waste from landfills each month.


dell reconnect

Grand Opening
at 10th Street!

Our first downtown
location!

We're Live!

Launch of our new website.

2013 GED Graduation
Ceremony

Graduates from all of
2013 get to walk!

Going even greener!

Ribbon-cutting for solar panels installed
at the Goodwill Community Center & the
Goodwill Resource Center in partership
with Meridian Solar.

Austin Marathon
Clothes Pick up!

Goodwill volunteers pick up clothing
donations from racers on the course.

Celebration Event

Celebrating all of the generous donors
and volunteers of 2013.

Advocacy day in DC!

Clients are our Ambassadors! Three days speaking on behalf of Goodwill, sighting big time politicos, and checking out our Nation’s Capitol.

Sorry to see you go…

Retirement party for long-time Goodwill employees Cathy Rudzinski, former CFO, and Christine Banks, former VP of Environmental Business Services.

Hosting Delegate Assembly

Showing Goodwill representatives from across the nation how we do it in Austin, Texas.

First Day of School

The Goodwill Excel Center opens their doors to
150 students.

Texas Smart-on-Crime Coalition (TSCC) Founded

Created in part by Goodwill Central Texas, TSCC members have united to pursue cost-effective prison reform that enhance public safety, promote safe rehabilitation, and save taxpayer dollars.

Clothes Stories!

Friends of the Real Goodwill enjoy exclusive film screening of “Clothes Stories,” and panel by local artist Johnny Walker at the iconic KLRU studio featuring stories shared through Goodwill clothing donations.

2014 Hall of Honor

Honoring three clients and a business partner that exemplify our mission of generating lifelong connections to work!

Servant Leadership in Action

Goodwill Leadership is thankful for their team -- and prove it by serving at the annual Thanksgiving Lunch.

(From left) Jamie Lagarde, Jon Eddison, Yvonne Suttles, Michael Lustina, Sam Bakir, Erica Saenz, Anne Morgan, Ted Delisi, Cindy Goldsberry, Mark Finger
(Not pictured) Francine Breckenridge, Paula Campbell, Michael De La Fuente, Les Gage, Carl Hansen, Yvonne VanDyke

Board of Directors - Roll Call

Jerry shows other CEOs how to blaze trails in Central Texas.

Tracy Lintz

Former Chief Financial Officer
We appreciate your time
and hard work in 2014!

[ Classy-Officers ]
Leadership Team

President & CEO

“Without innovation, we cannot affect this monumental workforce change in our community. Innovation necessitates collaboration – together, we’ll make our vision a reality for thousands of Central Texans.”

Gerald
Davis

Chief Operating
Officer

“As we answer to the needs of employers, we increase the amount of local job opportunities for the people we serve. That brings us closer to realizing our vision every day.”

Mark
Hiemstra

Chief Financial
Officer

“We are stewards of the generosity of our community. We’re entrusted with receiving donations from the community, and responsibly dispersing those funds. Ensuring that we keep overhead low, results high, and donor intent intact—that’s integrity.”

Robin
Tusa

Senior VP
Community Engagement
& Education

“Providing our students and clients a second chance, means that their children have a first chance. Work and education are vital to strengthening families.”

Traci
Berry

Senior VP
Strategic Workforce
Planning

“It’s respectful cooperation, from employees to shoppers to clients and everyone in between, that drives success. ”

Matthew
Do

VP IT &
Performance Excellence

“We dedicate ourselves to strengthening processes, perfecting systems, and very deliberately improving ourselves as an organization every day, ultimately resulting in empowering more people through work.”

continuous improvement

Zachary
Haines

VP Donated Goods
& Retail

“Superior service in our retail stores and donation ,centers creates loyal shoppers and donors. That sustained revenue enables Goodwill to empower every client wanting to make a change.”

Frank
Holland

VP Property Services &
Contract Administration

“We are always innovative in our construction and facility operations. We make choices that create spaces that are environmentally friendly and self-sustaining, incorporating solar power, xeriscaping, and zero waste initiatives into our modeling.”

Roberta
Schwartz

Honor Roll

GOOD WORKS SOCIETY

Strengthening Communities

Ted and Deirdre Delisi
Mark Hiemstra

Supporting Healthy Families

Jerry and Theresa Davis
Tracy Lintz
Anne Morgan and Catherine Musemeche
Randy and Niki Reynolds
David Roche
Yvonne and Marc Suttles
Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Van Dyke, Sr.
Joe Woskow

Building Independence

Ellen and Jim Arnold
Sam and Beverly Bakir
Margarine G. Beaman
Traci E. Berry
Jeffrey and Jackie Boyd
Francine and Jeff Breckenridge
Sally and Bill Barnes
Tony and Nancy Budet
Melvin Capler
John Civatte
Patricia Clubb, Ph.D.
Harry and Jeanne Crawford
Michael and Linda De La Fuente
Robert and Carol Donathan
Jon and Diane Eddison
Joe and Jill Farmer
Abby Finger
Mark and Judy Finger
Nick Flanagan
Linda Ford
Leslie French
Les and Winnie Gage
David and Barbara Gaume
Ivan Giraldo
Cindy and Alan Goldsberry
Melvin* and Gwendolyn Greene
Greta Gutman
Zachary Haines
Frank Holland
Dirk Holoubek
Carol Huntsberger
Hayden H. Johnson and Tracey Weir
Kelly and Julie Kamerer-Fielder
Ali and Nahid Khataw
Skye Kilaen and Cody Koeninger
Steve and Patti Kubala
Alisha and Jamie Lagarde
Bill and Mary LaRosa
Andy Liwen
Michael and Jennifer Lustina
Lorie Marrero and Scott Sullivan
Peter Marrone
Marion Martin
Earl Maxwell
Austin McWilliams
Jed and Virginia Miracle
Kay and Dale Oder
Michael Pearson and Kelley Shannon
Mary Ellen Pietruszynski
Brad Rock Reagan and Karen Reagan
Harvey and Nancy Ring
Erica and Victor Saenz
Andrea and Rod Salinas
Valerie and Ryan Savage
Roberta Schwartz
Dina Shoults
William Stockton
Preston Tyree
Shane and Rebecca Watts
Dana and James Young
Art and Jill Zeitz

2014 DONORS

$100,000+

Walmart Foundation
Sooch Foundation

$40,000+

IBM

$20,000+

ABC Studios

$10,000+

JPMorgan Chase
Seeds of Strength
Accenture
BBVA Compass Bank

$1,000+

Amy and Gary Weldon
Pam and Kevin Jackson
Charles Jackson
Google, Inc.
Joanne Robbins
Arnold Foundation
Cordero Robinson
Carl and Zola Hansen
Thomas Nelson
netSpend
Wortham Insurance
Nicki Macfarlane and Mike Watson
Susie and Jesse Shockley
Chip R. Somerville, III
Herbert V. Wilkins
Jeff Jackson
Laura and Adam Griebel
Luke and Peni Ellis
Margaret and Mat Moten
Terry and Dani Macfarlane
William E. Alexander

$500+

Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country
Marilyn Gaddis
Mizari Coons
Dallas Richard
Aquilino Williams
Christi Tennison
John and Nancy Bosch
Paul John Ochs
Stefani Zellmer
Cheryl Prahl
Daniel
Li-Tzong Yuan
Anthony Carrano
Brenda Collins
Charles Schwab Foundation
Chuck Gautschy
Cox Mason
Gary Grissom
James D. Morgan
James and Virginia Jensen
Jeff Krolicki
Jenny Fritz
Lynne Sargent
Maria and Todd Kiehn
Cissie and Dillon Ferguson
Mary M. Morgan
Melissa Anthony Sinn
Crystal Wilcox
Sandy Dochen
Steve and Kathy Coonan
Will Marsh

$250 +

Christopher Jensen
AT&T
Lisa Apfelberg
Ann Behl
Archie Mekonnen
Bommarito Group, Inc.
Caroline and Michael Murphy
Hilton Austin
GREP Southest LLC
Ermelinda Vargas
Christine Plonsky
Clean Scapes
Louis and Audrey Munin
Intercontinental Dallas
Altrusa International of Austin Texas Inc
Bluebonnet Hills Christian Church
Christie Fundis
Danielle Tierney
Donna Dwyer
George Agich and Mary Kate Fredriksen
Harish and Vandana Agarawal
J. D. Rich
James Roecker
Kirby and Judith Perry
Lisa and Brent Babin
Robert O'Farrell
Stephen F. Austin Hotel
Tracy Brutcher
Vicki Reed
Walton F. Allinger
Cheryl Alvarado
Elizabeth McTeer
Monica Andry
A.L. and Madelyn Mitchell
B.K. Jammer
Brad and Connie Perdue
Cargo Systems, Inc.
Cathy and Walter Rudzinski
Charles and Heather Briscoe
Dale Seiler
Derek and Heather Beitzel
Earl Vaughn
Eleanor Kemple
Erica Wolff
James Montanaro and Marcia Tugendhat
Jerry Hughes
Joe and Laura Schneider
The Honorable John Zerwas
Dr. Juan Guerrero
Julian C Tan
Karen and Max Werkenthin
Linda Roach
Mark H. Houston
Melissa and Erich Plondke
MetLife
Reagan and Nancy D. Simpson
Rebecca Cole
Robert S. and Tanya L. Mc Donald
Sharleen Forrest

$100 +

Anna Geismar
Erin and Tommy Markham
Workforce Solutions
Albert Holck
Bradley and Toni Bostwick
Catherine Thomsen
Chris and Sharon Heuer
David and Susan Hague
Dealey D. Herndon
Debbie and Dennis Angus
Edward Hume
Eilish Kearney and Geoffrey Borlet
Eleanor Wright
Dr. James R. Kyle
Janice Pierce
Jessie Bradford
John E. and Marie Laing
Mrs. John O. Belle
John and Joyce Wilson
Jon Switzer
Josh Pike
Larry Koenig
Lee Crawford
Mark Lyons
Marvin and Melinda Wofford
Meg B. Lowry
Remo Ruegg
Robert Gibson
Timothy Trickey
Tonya Netzley and Michael Murphy
Roberta Schwartz
Cherie Mitschke
Jennifer Cerretti
Carlos and Catherine Greaves
Carol and Glen Bockhorn
Kerry Ryder
AimSourcing, Inc.
Alan Moore and Lynn Carter
Christy R. Roberts
Dewanna Burke
Eddie Ciminelli
Elisabeth Trott
Eric Shavandi
James W. Matheney
Kent and Kathy Rider
Neocha Campbell
Omega Prime Holdings, LLC
Spencer Stevens
Sylvia and James Maggio
William Bucuk, Jr.
William C. Hamilton
Michelle Weisblatt
Chandler Stolp
Helen Floyd
Giselda Aguilar
John A. Lansky
Jennifer L. Jackson
Andrea Stafford
Fry's Electronics
Barbara A. Hoelzer
W. E. and Jeri Benker
A. Timothy and Azam Waugh
Al Bowen
Allan and Elizabeth Fink
Amanda K Webster
Amy Koenig
Amy Wood and Todd Shaw
Andrew Warriner
Ann Watson
Ashley Degollado
Blythe and Chris Wilson
Cathy and Fred Morgan
Chris Rios
Clint Carpenter
Dan Tessier
Danelle Awtrey
Dannie Thompson
David Hadani
David Thomas
David Wright
Dennis Borel
Dewayne K Phillips
Donald Hartman
Elaine and Steven Pickett
Eleanor and Albert Sellstrom
Ellen Bettis
Ernest Smith
Ewald and Jean Bunge
Gary Anderson
The Honorable Greg Abbott
Hal Heemstra and Catherine Schmidt
Harry and Cathleen Schultze
James and Shelley Austin
James J. Bondi
James Joel McKnight
James Selcraig and Lavinia Jane Martin
Jamin Patrick
Jane Howard
Jarod Love
Javier Valdez
Jean D. Neal
Jeffrey and Suzanne Schlesinger
Jeffry and Suzanne Jones
Jennifer Morgan
John and Susan Alexander
John and Barbara Fibiger
John H. and Lynn N. Nowlin
John M Thomason, II
Johnnie and Roscoe Overton
Joyce and Don Cooper
Julia and John Downing
Julie and Stuart Strong
Karen N. Neidner
Karla and George Buchanan
Kathryn Boccella
Kavin Kelp, D.D.S.
Kenneth Heydrick
Kent Mingus
Kimberly Smith and Alan Goldstein
Kirt Kiester
Kristi C. and Brian A. Marczynski
Laura S. Yeager
Lee Gross
Linda P. Ellzey
Lizzette Reynolds
Logan Pike
Loraine Ondrej
Lori Wasserburger
Lyle and Gerre Boardman
Lynn and Randy Atchison
Margaret S. and Dennis J. Dunn
Margery McCoy
Marie Suttles
Martin and Kimberly Erhart
Martin Dies
Suzy Gallagher and Kit Thompson
Mary Tipps
Matt Nolte
Matt Norman
Merritt and Jill Spencer
Michael Mendoza
Michael and Leisa Nairn
Miguel and Jennifer Portillo
Monika Ostrowski
Mylan and Kathy Radulovich
Nancy L. Ray
Nick Huestis
Norvin R. Curtis, Ph.D.
Paul C. Padilla
Paula A. and William B. Levihn-Coon
Renea Hicks
Richard H. Quinn
Robert Buckner
Robert D. and Marsha Warenoff
Robert and Kelly Kamm
Robert and Camilla Patton
Rosanne T and Laurence A. Becker
Ruth Shipley
Sal and Bonnie Balistreri
Sandra and Larry Buch
Sara D. and David L. Perez
Scot Edel
Sheree R. and Jerry A. Kelley
Spencer H. Landes
Stanley and Jeanne Cavitt
Steve L. Burland
Sylvia and Jeff Johnson
Tim and Dorothy Green
Trent Bruce
Troy Marcus
UMI Sushi Bar & Grill
Veronica Strother
Vonda Bloomquist
Will Holleman
Ryan and Jennifer Brannan
William and Marla Grimes
William and Jane Keene
William and Joan Ewen
Zac Rosenbaum

2014 SPONSORS

$7,500

Jones Lang LaSalle

$7,000

Somerville

$5,000

Balcones Resources
Facility Solutions Group
National Instrument
Texas Associates Insurors
Time Warner Cable Business Class
University Federal Credit Union

$3,000

St. Croix Capital Corporation

$2,500

ASI Protection Services
BBVA Compass Bank
CaseWorthy
Dahill
MIMCO, Inc.
Research+Data Insights
Strasburger & Price, LLP
UnitedHealthcare of Central Texas

$1,500

ABM Building and Energy Solutions
Allstate Benefits
Anthony Barnum
Bommarito Group (The)
Clean Scapes, LP
Gage Furniture
Gallagher Benefit Services
Groundfloor Development
Jonathan B. Eddison
Linda Ford and Gary Bunevick
Matera Paper Company
Meridian Solar
MetLife
RCS Infromation Technology
Reality Based Group
Salvatore Balistreri Executive Search Consulting
Samsung Austin
The Whitley Group
TW Telecom
VersaPay
Whitley Group

$1000

University of Texas

$750

RightPath Resources, Inc

$500

Austin Metal and Iron
Generating lifelong connections to work - Jeffy Davis, President & CEO, Goodwill Central Texas