Success Story

'Contracting with Goodwill is Good Business' in Richmond

Richmond (VA) Goodwill Industries knows a thing or two about keeping a customer happy. Its multi-year relationship with Bank of America is proof positive that the industrial services program at the Goodwill strives to build -- and keep -- business by offering quality outsourced labor services at great prices.

In January 2002, Goodwill began packaging “new hire welcome” kits for Bank of America after an account manager made contact with the company. Goodwill has kept the contract because of its dependability and commitment to quality.

Throughout the year, Goodwill serves as the central processing point, receiving new hire and post-acceptance materials detailing the bank's extensive benefits packaging including employee assistance programs, investment opportunities and childcare reimbursement. Goodwill contract workers then assemble up to 300 welcome kits monthly with 19-25 inserts each for Bank of America. Several of those working on the contract were previously unemployed following area layoffs but are now building their skills and confidence in the workplace again. Goodwill distributes the kits throughout Virginia, Maryland, Ohio and New York.

“Contracting with Goodwill is good business,” says Toinette Glover-Worden, Goodwill Project Manager. “Outsourced work provides full-time work opportunities for people who enjoy working.”

The industrial services division at Richmond Goodwill is diverse. One contract involves applying rubber grippers on shopping cart handles for Rehrig International, the leading manufacturer of plastic shopping carts in the United States. The contract provides employment for up to four participants in Goodwill's Work Adjustment Program, many of whom have physical disabilities or are in rehabilitation. Up to 15 associates with emotional or mental disabilities assemble glide towers, instructions and accessories for the Hon Company, the third largest U.S. office furniture manufacturer. The Goodwill also offers off-site work such as custodial and shelf-stocking services. One of its most profitable ventures is a document destruction service. Richmond Goodwill has earned a solid reputation in the community for the confidential collection, shredding and disposal of business documents.

“Our contract program is the heart of our mission, helping individuals become productive, self-sufficient members of our community, one step at a time,” says Charles D. Layman, President and CEO of the Richmond Goodwill. “Our community recognizes Goodwill as the leader in getting our communities' citizens back into the workforce.” 


Source: Working! Spring 2003