Goodwill of Lower South Carolina Honored by South Carolina Chamber of Commerce

11/2/2009 11:10:00 AM

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Robert Smith, Goodwill President & CEO, is honored to accept the award given by the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce

Goodwill Industries of Lower South Carolina receives the 2009 Excellence in Workplace Diversity Award

Goodwill of Lower South Carolina Honored by South Carolina Chamber of Commerce
Goodwill Industries of Lower South Carolina was presented with the 2009 Excellence in Workplace Diversity Award for the medium company category by the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce on Tuesday, October 27 in Columbia at the 5th Annual Diversity Appreciation Night.

Each year, the Chamber and the South Carolina Diversity Council recognize the state's top companies in the field of diversity with this award, which is distributed in three categories (small, medium, large) based on the number of employees. Companies were judged on diversity initiatives, effectiveness and applicability.

Goodwill's ongoing diversity initiatives are founded on the belief that diversity encompasses acceptance, respect and an understanding that each individual is uniquely different. Goodwill provides a safe, positive and nurturing work environment whereby employees can identify, explore, appreciate and accept individual differences without fear of retaliation or ridicule.

"Goodwill's positive environment allows individuals to move beyond simple tolerance while embracing and celebrating the rich dimensions of diversity contained within each of us," said Peggy Smith, Vice President of Employment Services for Goodwill Industries of Lower South Carolina. "It is important for our success that we bring into our programs and workforce, individuals who are open to acceptance of the differences found within the Goodwill Family.

Goodwill's mission is to help people achieve their full potential through the dignity and power of work. The goal of their programs and services are to train, support and challenge individuals to overcome employment barriers and achieve self-sufficiency through work. Goodwill services and employment are provided equally to diverse individuals from all walks of life. Last year, Goodwill provided services to over 17,000 people and currently employs over 400 individuals with disabilities.

Goodwill Industries of Lower South Carolina is a nonprofit social service organization whose mission is to help people achieve their full potential through the dignity and power of work. Over 90 percent of Goodwill's revenue goes to fund mission related services. Goodwill serves their mission by providing career counseling, job training, and other employment related programs to people who have barriers to employment. Last year, Goodwill was able to place over 900 people into new jobs and served over 14,000 in South Carolina. For more information about Goodwill's programs and services, please visit www.palmettogoodwill.org.

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