“Fueled by Purpose” Theme Showcases Life-Changing Programs
During the first full week of May, Goodwill organizations across the United States and Canada celebrate Goodwill Week. From May 3–9, 2026, Goodwill of Middle Georgia and the CSRA invited the community to explore its mission in action through this year’s theme: “Fueled by Purpose.”
Throughout the week, Goodwill highlighted how individuals across the region are gaining the skills, education, training, and confidence needed to succeed in today’s workforce. Programs include career services at Goodwill Job Connection Career Centers and education through Helms College in Culinary Arts, Industrial Trades including HVAC/R and Electrical, Healthcare, and Retail Operations Management.
Career Training and Education Programs Strengthen Local Workforce
Goodwill of Middle Georgia and the CSRA continues to play a critical role in workforce development across both markets.
- Nearly 10,000 individuals receive career services each year
- Services include job readiness training, resume assistance, and employment connections
- 1,699 Helms College graduates have earned degrees and credentials in high-demand career fields
These programs help job seekers and career advancers build skills, gain confidence, and find long-term employment opportunities.
Donations and Shopping Support Sustainability and Community Programs
Goodwill’s mission is made possible by community support through donations and retail shopping.
When individuals donate gently used items or shop at Goodwill stores, they help fund career and education programs while promoting sustainability. Over the past five years, Goodwill of Middle Georgia and the CSRA has diverted more than 75.2 million pounds of reusable goods from landfills.
Leadership Highlights Impact of Goodwill’s Mission
“This Goodwill Week, we wanted to spotlight the many programs and services offered by Goodwill of Middle Georgia and the CSRA that help individuals in our local neighborhoods find jobs, advance in their careers and build better lives,” said James K. Stiff, President of Goodwill of Middle Georgia & the CSRA.
“We are an organization with one mission. Every part matters, and we all depend on each other to build more opportunities, serve people in new ways and change lives one person at a time.”
Employee Stories Reflect Growth and Opportunity
Goodwill Week also celebrated employees who bring the mission to life every day through recognition events, awards, and team celebrations across Augusta and Macon.
Augusta Employee Spotlight
At Augusta-area events, Shannon Crawford, Retail Assistant Store Manager and Helms College Retail Operations Management student, shared how Goodwill shaped her career path:
“It hasn’t just taught me about business. It has taught me how to think bigger, how to lead and how to see a future that goes beyond just getting through the week. It turned ‘I hope I can’ into ‘I know I will.’”
Macon Employee Spotlight
In Macon, Deanna Villanueva, Retail Store Manager and Helms College student, shared a similar message of empowerment:
“Opportunity is real when you seek to embrace it. Through the Retail Operations Management program at Helms College, I’ve learned to think bigger, lead with purpose and envision a future beyond simply getting through the week.”
How to Get Involved with Goodwill’s Mission
As Goodwill Week 2026 concludes, community members are encouraged to support Goodwill’s mission by:
- Donating gently used items
- Shopping at local Goodwill stores
- Accessing free career services
- Exploring educational opportunities through Helms College
Visit GoodwillWorks.org to learn more about programs, services, and ways to get involved.
