A ribbon-cutting ceremony took place with Patrick Michaels, Goodwill’s President and CEO along with members of the Powdersville Business Council and other dignitaries

Goodwill hosted the Grand Opening of its new store at 3570 Highway 153 in Powdersville, near the intersection of Highway 153 and Hood Road. The facility includes a retail store and drive-through donation center, and will also offer job search and placement assistance at the Goodwill Job Connection.

Goodwill Job Connections provide free assistance to help job seekers connect with potential employers and find permanent employment. Services include access to resources like computers and the internet, fax machines, telephones, and job leads and referrals. A trained employment specialist is on site to assist individuals with their job search. Additional services available through Goodwill Job Connections include resume development, interviewing skills, and classes such as Basic Computer Literacy and English as Second Language.

The Job Connection is also a resource for employers. Goodwill can connect employers with pre-screened applicants, provide space for on-site interviewing, or organize and conduct Job Fairs to help fill open positions.

“Ultimately, Goodwill’s mission is to provide the support people need to become independent, contributing citizens in our community,” said Patrick Michaels, President and CEO of Goodwill Industries of Upstate/Midlands SC. “The Job Connection makes it easy for someone to find the resources they need and receive guidance to make their efforts most effective.”

Goodwill Industries of Upstate/Midlands South Carolina helps people with disabilities and special needs become independent citizens through education, training, and employment leading to job placement. In the past year, Goodwill assisted 23,376 people in their quest for independence and created a potential economic impact of over $71 million through the wages of the 4,372 people placed into employment.