OVERVIEW

Network of 184 independent, community-based organizations in the U.S., Canada, and 14 other countries.

Provides job training and employment services, job placement opportunities and post-employment support.

Strengthens communities and families by training people to become independent, tax-paying members of society.

2007 HIGHLIGHTS

1.1 million people benefited from Goodwill career services.

140,056 people placed in competitive jobs – that’s every 53 seconds of every business day.

$3.2 billion total revenue.

84 percent of revenues funded employment programs and support services.

2,200+ retail stores and an online auction site, www.shopgoodwill.com.

65 million donors.

Real Economic Impact Tour Impacts Tax Filers with Disabilities

January 28, 2008

Rockville, MD -- Goodwill Industries International has joined forces with the National Disability Institute and other partners in the Real Economic Impact Tour, an educational campaign designed to help low-income workers with disabilities make their earnings go farther. The 2008 tour partners aim to provide free tax preparation and other asset-building services to 1.5 million people in 62 cities nationwide.

“Each year, Goodwill helps tens of thousands of people with disabilities become self-sufficient by matching them with good jobs and support programs that ensure their success at work,” says George W. Kessinger, President and CEO of Goodwill Industries International.

“It’s only natural that we would also help ensure that they have complete access to resources that help them achieve economic independence and build their financial assets.”

The Real Economic Impact Tour is a national, public/private initiative that helps low-income people with disabilities to build their assets and get tax help. In the 2007 filing season, Goodwill and the other tour partners prepared more than 36,000 tax returns in 54 cities; tax filers with disabilities collected some $30 (m) million in refunds, including about $10 million from the Earned Income Tax Credit.

“Goodwill understands that it takes more than a job to achieve economic independence,” says Kessinger. “One of our goals is to provide people with the tools to maximize their money.”

Read more about the Real Economic Impact Tour.

For free broadcast quality video content from Goodwill Industries, please visit www.thenewsmarket.com/Goodwill.

Lauren Lawson
Manager, Media Relations (Media Calls Only)
Phone: (240) 333-5266
Cell:	(240) 388-8309

Charrisse Lyons
Manager, Media Advocacy (Media Calls Only)
Phone: (240) 333-5288
Cell:	(240) 678-7411

Charlene Sarmiento
Specialist, Media Relations (Media Calls Only)
Phone: (240) 333-5590
Cell:	(240) 620-7703