From Donation Bin to the Job Market: How Goodwill is Fueling Careers in the Imperial Valley
IMPERIAL COUNTY, Calif. (KYMA) — For many, a trip to Goodwill is about finding a bargain. But for residents of the Imperial Valley, those household donations are being transformed into a vital "full circle" of community support that leads straight to a new career.
Goodwill Industries of San Diego and Imperial Counties is highlighting how its retail operations serve as the engine for local workforce development, providing free training and employment services for veterans, individuals with disabilities, and jobseekers of all ages.
The mission begins at the donation bin. Revenue generated from Goodwill’s 29 retail stores and five outlet centers is funneled directly into free career workshops. These programs are designed to remove barriers to employment and provide residents with the tools they need to succeed in the modern workforce.
“We’re here to make sure that everyone has success in their career,” said Ana Chavarin, a Career Advisor for Goodwill Imperial County.
Chavarin and her team provide specialized "soft-skill" workshops that cover essential professional building blocks. “These are workshops ranging from resume building and conflict resolution to workplace communication and even healthy financial habits,” Chavarin explained.
A key pillar of the organization’s impact is ensuring that local contributions benefit local people. Every item donated within the Imperial Valley helps sustain the social enterprise that currently employs over 1,000 people across the county.
“Everything that is donated here in the Imperial Valley stays in the Imperial Valley,” said Toni Giffin, President and CEO of Goodwill Industries of San Diego County. “We need those donations from the public to sustain the goods we sell, because those proceeds directly fund the free employment services—in both Spanish and English—that we provide at our community employment centers.”
To make these services more accessible, Goodwill is expanding its reach beyond traditional storefronts. This includes a presence at local swap meets and the implementation of home donation pick-up services and online shopping.
Jose Vizcarra, the El Centro Store Manager, noted that the expansion is about meeting people where they are. “It definitely brings our product to the entire community. Not just in El Centro, but we’re also trying to spread to Calexico with the swap meet. We also have pick-ups in Brawley, El Centro, and Imperial.”
While the convenience of shopping and donating is a major draw, leadership emphasizes that the ultimate goal is the long-term benefits for the community.
“Workforce development and lifting up our neighbors, it strengthens families and the community,” Giffin said. “Those mission services are really the North Star for Goodwill.”
The El Centro Retail Store and Donation Center is located at 351 Wake Ave and accepts donations daily from 9 AM to 5:30 PM. For those in the wider region, Goodwill San Diego operates more than 50 donation locations throughout the area.
Residents can learn more about free career services by visiting the El Centro location in person, calling (760) 235-4371, or exploring the full list of programs at ivgoodwill.org.
