Goodwill Industries of Upstate/Midlands South Carolina is more than just a place to donate and shop. The organization operates as a social enterprise, where retail revenue is reinvested directly into workforce-development programs that help individuals build sustainable careers.

A Workforce Engine for the Region

Career services are at the core of Goodwill’s mission. Through Resource and Opportunity Centers, job fairs, training programs, and employer partnerships, individuals gain access to the tools they need to enter — or re-enter — the workforce. These programs serve a wide range of people, including early-career job seekers, veterans, individuals with disabilities, and those overcoming barriers to employment.

The impact across the Upstate and Midlands is both immediate and long-term. In 2024, 14,597 individuals accessed employment services, and 528 job fairs and hiring events were hosted. Notably, 97% of training participants were placed into competitive employment, and 90%-plus of participants earned certifications.

By the Numbers

Goodwill’s impact extends far beyond individual success stories. According to an Economic Impact study done in partnership between Goodwill of Upstate/Midlands South Carolina and Palmetto Goodwill, Goodwill is a significant economic driver across South Carolina. The total economic impact in 2025 was $118 million in the local area and $638 million statewide.

Every donation fuels the cycle — supporting jobs, sustainability efforts, and community investment at once. As South Carolina continues to face a tight labor market and evolving workforce demands, organizations like Goodwill play an increasingly important role. By connecting people to opportunity and employers to talent, Goodwill helps sustain economic growth while expanding access to meaningful careers.

Original reporting: Greenville Journal — read the source article.