Goodwill of the Great Plains

Vanessa

If you have browsed through the aisles of the Sioux City Goodwill lately, you might have noticed a bright, bubbly individual stocking the sales floor with the newest and best merchandise. Vanessa works hard at being observant and making sure the sales floor looks clean and organized.

“I like stocking the clothes and processing the clothing through donations. I like to work and get away from home for a little while. Working at Goodwill has helped me learn how to get along with people and treat them with respect,” Vanessa explains with a smile.

Vanessa is successfully progressing through the Pre-Vocational Training Program and is currently working on being more open and asking questions when she doesn’t understand something or needs help.

Cheryl

As you walk into the Sioux City Goodwill, beautifully designed displays will catch your eye. Each display is intricately designed by Cheryl who has an exquisite eye for detail.

“If you are looking for something you will probably find it at Goodwill. I love to shop here as well. I will complete the Pre-Vocational Training Program in December and I am proud I have learned to be more independent in my job. I am currently in the process of moving from a group home into my own home.”

News Release

Goodwill of the Great Plains Boosts Recycling Efforts with the addition of State-of-the-Art Equipment

Goodwill of the Great Plains is boosting their recycling efforts with the addition of custom, state of the art equipment to their operations facility in Sioux City, IA. Annually, Goodwill recycles over 16 million pounds of material, keeping items that do not sell in their 21 retail locations out of the landfill and on to new uses.

Thanks to generous donations from the community, Goodwill sustains its mission through the sale of these donations. Goodwill takes pride in recycling a significant portion of donated goods that do not end up selling in their stores. “Goodwill’s priority is serving our mission while being a good steward to our donors and continue to reduce our environmental footprint” said John Hantla, President and CEO.

This new equipment could potentially bale up to 8 million more pounds of recycled materials annually. The benefits are efficiency, safety, higher output, and automation.

“The new equipment is truly a sight to see. It’s impressive to see how efficiently the equipment can prepare bales of textiles and other material to be ready for the next step in recycling.” said Vilay Keokenchanh, Chief Operating Officer. “What might take a week or longer to process can now be accomplished in one day.”

Goodwill recycles items such as textiles, leather goods, shoes, purses, stuffed animals, cardboard, and paper. “Goodwill is constantly researching new opportunities to recycle and further their positive impact on the local community and the environment” said Angie Washburn, Director of Operations.

Sheryl’s Shining Light is An Integral Part of the Rapid City Team

“Nothing is impossible if you keep going. It is all about moving forward and taking one day at a time. When I first started Goodwill, I had been out of the workforce for 3 years due to a stroke. It was hard for me because I have been stubborn my whole life and now, I had to change. I entered the Work Adjustment Program* at Goodwill where Jill assigned me to work in the retail store cleaning up dressing rooms, helping with Job Fairs, and supporting the Shoe and Mitten Program, as needed.

One of the significant lessons I learned during the program is not to get so excited and let it go. Someone is there to help when I need it. I completed the Work Adjustment Program about a year ago and was hired to work as a Retail Associate in the store. I am excited to be involved in other parts of the store. I would like to change it up what I do every once in a while. I love working at Goodwill. They have been good to me.”

Jill, Program Manager added, “Sheryl is really happy doing what she does in the store right now. I’ve seen so many good changes in her and I just hope for more and more!”

*Work Adjustment Program is a 6–12-week program for individuals over 18 years of age teaching soft-skill development and employment readiness serving individuals with brain injury, physical injury, and cognitive disabilities, and health challenges.

Meet our new Rapid City Job Center Representative, Jessa!

Welcome our new Job Center Representative, Jessa! We are excited for her to join the team! Let’s learn more about Jessa!

Jessa:

“I am a soon-to-be graduate from South Dakota State University with Bachelor’s degrees in Political Science and Global Studies.

I joined Goodwill’s Mission Services Team because I wanted to use my knowledge and education to give back to my hometown community of Rapid City.

I look forward to providing resources and support to the public as we help improve and uplift the lives and opportunities of our neighbors.

I am an adrenaline junkie amateur, with a love for water sports, snowmobiling, and motorcycles. My bucket list includes: skydiving, bungee jumping, and scuba diving with sharks.

I also enjoy camping and hiking, cuddling with my dog, and trying new cuisines. I plan to join the Peace Corps in the future and would like to travel to Northern Africa for a cultural experience.