How a $10,000 Grant from the Bishop-Parker Foundation is Powering Free Education for Goodwill Employees
When you donate to Goodwill or shop at our stores, you’re not just decluttering your home—you’re funding free education and career training for hardworking individuals in Sarasota, Bradenton, and beyond.
Thanks to a $10,000 grant from the Bishop-Parker Foundation, even more Goodwill Manasota employees can now access the Pursuit of Education program, which covers tuition, certifications, and career coaching—helping them earn promotions, higher wages, and life-changing skills.
In this post, we’ll explore:
✅ How the Bishop-Parker Foundation’s grant supports free education
✅ How the Pursuit of Education program works
✅ Real success stories from employees
✅ How YOU can help fund more opportunities
The Grant: Bishop-Parker Foundation Invests in Goodwill’s Mission
The Bishop-Parker Foundation, a longtime supporter of community services and education funding, has awarded Goodwill Manasota a $10,000 grant to expand its employer-sponsored education program.
Why This Matters
Financial barriers often prevent hardworking employees from advancing.
Goodwill’s Pursuit of Education program removes those barriers, covering costs for:
College courses (Associate’s, Bachelor’s, and Master’s degrees)
Certifications (IT, healthcare, business, and more)
GED and high school diploma programs
English language classes
Donn Githens, President & CEO of Goodwill Manasota, says:
“Our team members are our greatest resource. This grant helps us invest in their futures—and in turn, strengthen our entire community.”
How the Pursuit of Education Program Works to Provide Free Education
Goodwill’s program is designed for accessibility and success. Here’s how it helps employees in Sarasota, Bradenton, Palm Beach, and Boynton Beach:
Step 1: Eligibility & Coaching
Employees must earn the “Role Model Worker” badge (showing dedication and strong performance).
Good Partner Coaches (life coaches) help them choose the right program—whether it’s a degree, certification, or skill-building course.
Step 2: Removing Barriers
Many employees face challenges like:
🚫 No transportation? → Online classes available
🚫 No computer or internet? → Goodwill provides digital access
🚫 Language barriers? → ESL classes offered
Step 3: Success & Career Growth
Employees receive ongoing support from coaches.
After completing their program, many earn promotions, raises, or new careers.
Real Impact: Employee Success Stories
Altone Wasike: From Entry-Level to IT Professional
Started: Entry-level worker
Earned: COMPTIA A+ certification (fully funded by Goodwill)
Now: Desktop Support Technician at Goodwill’s Corporate Campus
Next Goal: Associate’s degree in IT
“Goodwill is really ‘Changing Lives Through the Power of Work’—and I’m proof!”
Paunyne Xavier: 17 Years of Growth
Started: Retail team member
Now: Store Manager → Certified Good Partner Coach
Milestone: Recently completed a Life Coach certification
“I get to help others believe in themselves—just like Goodwill believed in me.”
Tess Hill: Earned Her Degree While Leading the Team
Age: Just 24!
Earned: Bachelor’s in Business Administration (tuition covered by Goodwill)
Promoted: From Property Management Admin to Team Lead of Real Estate
“Goodwill gave me the tools to build my future—while working full-time!”
By the Numbers: The Program’s Proven Success
In the past two years alone:
350+ employees completed the Role Model Worker program
55 earned promotions
49 improved language skills
6 earned Bachelor’s degrees
4 earned Master’s degrees
Retention rate: 75%+ for employees who upskill through the program.
How YOU Can Help Fund More Success Stories
This grant will help 12 more employees access education—but we need your support to keep changing lives!
🛍️ Shop at Goodwill
Every purchase funds job training and education programs.
♻️ Donate Gently Used Items
Your clothing, furniture, and electronics = hours of free training for employees.
💼 Join Our Team
Looking for a job that invests in YOUR future? We’re hiring! Explore careers at Goodwill today.
Together, We Build Stronger Communities
Thanks to the Bishop-Parker Foundation’s generosity, more hardworking individuals in Sarasota, Bradenton, Palm Beach, and Boynton Beach will gain life-changing education and career opportunities.
But we can’t do it alone.
👉 Shop. Donate. Join our mission. Together, we’ll keep #ChangingLivesThroughWork!
🔗 Read more about the grant on Patch.com
