Latest news with #ExcelCenter
Business Journals
23-05-2025
- Business
- Business Journals
How Goodwill Industries of the Chesapeake delivers solutions for a dynamic workforce
Across Central Maryland and the Eastern Shore, Goodwill Industries of the Chesapeake empowers thousands through education, training, and hope. With Goodwill's mission-driven approach, individuals access practical training, job placement services, and community resources. Each year, over 4,500 people come to us seeking not just jobs but the chance to build a better future. Programs that open doors At Goodwill, we help people at every career stage gain the tools and skills to succeed. Whether you're starting out, changing careers, or building new skills, our programs are here to support you. Here's a look at some of the workforce programs we offer. Job Readiness Our in-person course is open to everyone, from young adults starting out to mature job seekers reentering the workforce. We cover customer service, communication, job search strategies, interviewing, and building professional confidence. With personalized coaching and hands-on activities, participants leave ready to succeed in the job market. DOT Flagger Certification This online course, offered with the American Traffic Safety Services Administration, provides a recognized credential for careers in road and highway safety. Participants gain skills for immediate job opportunities in this high-demand field. ServSafe Training Our self-paced, online curriculum equips participants with essential knowledge in food safety, handling allergens, and maintaining high cleanliness standards. Designed for aspiring professionals in the culinary and hospitality industries, this program prepares individuals to thrive in environments where safety and precision are key. CNA/GNA Training This 12-week program, in partnership with Baltimore City Community College, provides foundational nursing education, CPR training, clinical labs, and certification by the Maryland Board of Nursing. Our graduates leave with the skills and confidence to excel in care settings and make a real difference. expand Building Trades In partnership with the Community College of Baltimore County, this six-month evening program prepares learners for the EPA 608 CORE/Type I Exam and the Certified Apartment Maintenance Technician Certificate. Focusing on environmental safety and technical skills, it's a great path to stable, rewarding careers in maintenance and environmental protection, offering long-term growth in a high-demand field. The Excel Center Goodwill's Excel Center offers adults (21+) a second chance at education. Opened in September 2023 in Baltimore, this tuition-free public high school provides a supportive and flexible environment for adult learners. With year-round classes, dedicated life coaches, and a holistic approach, the Excel Center addresses barriers to success, helping students focus on their education and goals. Tailored learning: Every student gets a personalized learning plan designed to fit their skills, goals, and life circumstances. Job training: Alongside academics, students gain in-demand job training and credentials for immediate career opportunities. Comprehensive support: On-site childcare, transportation help, and coaching ensure life's challenges don't get in the way of success. The results have been remarkable. Enrollment filled quickly, with 20 students graduating just months after opening. Over 40 more are set to graduate soon, and plans aim to serve 350 students annually. By offering accessible education and career opportunities, the Excel Center is transforming lives.
Daily Mail
29-04-2025
- Business
- Daily Mail
Surprising item found at Goodwill sold for $40k... and helped fund a school in the process
A surprising item donated to a Goodwill store in Maryland went on to sell for $40,000 at auction. Goodwill takes donations from members of the public and sells them on in their more than 3,300 stores across the country, using the profits for charity. While many donate unwanted clothes or books after a clear-out, the occasional rare gem crosses Goodwill's path. Recently a rare French painting was spotted while staff were sorting through donations at a location in rural Maryland. 'The seller didn't actually know what it was worth,' Lisa Rusyniak, CEO of the Baltimore arm of Goodwill, told The Sun. An employee told their manager Terri Tonelli that the painting could be worth more than they could price it for on the shop floor. Tonelli discovered that the painting was by French impressionist Edouard Leon Cortes. The artwork, titled Marche au fleurs, depicted a bustling Parisian street scene. 'The hair on the back of my neck was standing up by then,' Tonelli previously told local news. The painting was sent to a Goodwill branch in Baltimore to allow local art experts to inspect it. After they had confirmed its veracity it was sent on to Sotheby's auction house in New York to be cleaned and appraised. The auction house then sold it on for a staggering $40,600. Goodwill used the profit towards setting up the Excel Center in Baltimore. The Excel Center is a free high school offering locals over 21 the chance to earn a Maryland Department of Education diploma. Rusyniak explained that around 80,000 people haven't completed their high school education in Baltimore and Goodwill is working to help fill the gaps. 'We have so much generational poverty here in Baltimore, and we are making a difference at this high school,' she said. A surprising item donated to a Goodwill in Maryland went on to sell for $40,600 There are more than 3,300 Goodwill locations across the country 'We opened it two years ago and now we are over enrolled, we have waiting list after waiting list. 'One of our students brought their mother and grandmother so three generations are attending the school right now. It's great.' Rusyniak told The Sun that prices rising as the result of Trump's tariffs could turn more consumers on to thrifting at Goodwill. 'I think more people will get into thrifting that may not have formally been in that space before,' she explained. 'We try to put really good quality items on our sales floor and as prices rise we see customer counts increase. 'Not only are they supporting our mission, but they are helping us keep our clothes and household goods out of landfill.'
Yahoo
19-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Remarkable Women Nominee: Meredith Osburn
FARMERSBURG, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) – Every year, WTWO holds a Remarkable Women's contest. Among this year's nominees is Meredith Osburn. She's the President and CEO of Wabash Valley Goodwill. She began working at Goodwill more than 14 years ago, after seeing a job opening. 'I sent in my resume and a few weeks later I was hired and there's no looking back. I knew I was home immediately,' said Meredith Osburn. 2025 Remarkable Women Nominee: Lauren Alexander Goodwill sells items you donate. The money raised is then used to help provide jobs to people who otherwise, might struggle for employment. 'We meet people where they are and we try to find their success,' added Osburn. Some of the people Goodwill hires have physical or mental disabilities. Others may have been in the criminal justice system or overcome an addiction issue. 'It provides a lot of job opportunities for people who did not work out in traditional means,' continued Osburn. Osburn has also been very active in her efforts to create the Excel Center. It's located in Terre Haute's Meadows Shopping Center and helps people get their high school diploma. 'It doesn't matter if you've been out of high school for three days or 33 years. It doesn't matter. We meet you where you are at and then start building upon that,' said Osburn. 2025 Remarkable Women Nominee: Kim Cooper Because of Osburn's hard work, the Excel Center has been a huge success. In fact, so successful it had to expand. That's just one of the reasons she was nominated as a Remarkable Woman. A nomination Osburn said she appreciates. 'It's nice to be recognized for that hard work and some of the time. It does take away from your family to focus on the mission,' said Osburn. Wabash Valley Goodwill serves 12 counties. To learn more about the Excel Center click here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
