If you live, work, or play in the Glassell Park/Atwater/Eagle Rock neighborhoods, chances are you’ve driven right in front of the Goodwill Fletcher Square Center. This welcome addition to the neighborhood opened it’s doors 3 years ago and has turned this once blighted strip into a bustling community center. Don’t get fooled by the sea of parking, that’s probably the reason why you’d never guess just how busy this place can get!
The flagship store came into the community at a perfect time, when the community could benefit the most from the services offered to individuals and families. The location includes career development services, placement services and technical skills classes. Bet you didn’t know that Goodwill has a network of 162 independent, local Goodwills in the United States and Canada that offer training and services for individuals who want to find a job or pursue a credential or degree.
Goodwill Fletcher Square – Transforming Lives Through the Power of Work
The Goodwill Fletcher Square also remains a donation hub and retail store (which is MASSIVE) where hipsters of all ages come to find fashionable threads. We’ve spoken to quite a few professional thrifters that swear by the Fletcher Square Goodwill for it’s friendly staff, spacious and modern center, and amazing finds!!
Goodwill works to enhance the dignity and quality of life of individuals and families by strengthening communities, eliminating barriers to opportunity, and helping people in need reach their full potential through learning and the power of work.
We recently caught up with Marla Eby, Marketing & Community Relations Director, to learn a bit about how they’ve integrated into the community, popular events and upcoming plans, and the core values that keep people inspired.
How long have you been with Goodwill Industries and what paths led you here?
I have been with Goodwill Southern California for almost 4 years. I have always worked in the areas of Marketing, Public Relations & Communications. Earlier in my career I worked at for-profit companies. I now have the pleasure of working for a non-profit company where the focus is on helping people.
Photo Credit: Nicky Kaplan Interiors
Like most people, I knew Goodwill for their thrift stores and donation centers. I did not realize that Goodwill Transforms Lives Through The Power Of Work, providing education, training, work experience and job placement services for those with disabilities and disadvantages, including individuals with disabilities, veterans, at-risk youth, ex-offenders and local community members.
The Goodwill Fletcher Square is a one of a kind facility – we’ve never seen anything like it! What was the inspiration behind all the services that are offered?
The Goodwill Southern California Community Enrichment Center at Fletcher Square opened in May 2014 as a center for the community. The site had been empty for about 10 years. The initial proposal for the space had been for a big box store. The community instead decided they would prefer a mixed use facility. Goodwill SoCal proposed the combination of a Retail Store, Outlet Store, Donation Center, Career Resource Center, and Veteran Employment Program, as well as space for non-profit community partners and meeting space rentals.
Photo Credit: Nicky Kaplan Interiors
Every time we step foot in here we instantly feel the sense of teamwork among all the staff, from the retail associates to the security. What do you think makes the Goodwill team so unique?
As Goodwill Southern California employees, we are fortunate to work for an organization that focuses on people. Many of our employees actually started out as clients and truly appreciate and understand our commitment to the community. They know firsthand the impact that Goodwill Southern California had on their lives and they now strive to help others. We appreciate the GOOD in Goodwill, and are thrilled that you notice our dedication and teamwork!
100 years congratulations! That’s truly a feat! Where do you see Goodwill Industries in the next, say, 20 years?
We are so proud that Goodwill Southern California has stood the test of time for over 100 years! As exciting as it is to celebrate a centennial, it’s even more important to focus on the future, because so many people are counting on Goodwill Southern California to help them achieve their employment goals. In the next 20 years, we expect to help thousands of:
· job seekers who will be able to support their families
· people who receive career services designed to prepare them for good jobs
· individuals with disabilities who will earn a paycheck over the years and form lifelong friendships with their Goodwill family
Thanks to the help of our generous shoppers, donors, partners, neighbors and employees, we are excited to see what the future brings!
Can you tell us about some of the flagship events you have had or plan to have in the future?
Goodwill Southern California has hosted a number of events since the opening of our Fletcher Square Community Enrichment Center, including Veteran Hiring events, community, City, County and Chamber of Commerce meetings, and a Manufacturing Summit connecting local universities and employers. On the Retail side we have hosted pop-up stores, including a Vintage Clothing Sale, Prom Sale, and an annual Halloween Boo-tique.
In 2015 Goodwill SoCal teamed up with comedian/actress Amy Schumer and her stylist Leesa Evans’ non-profit Style Fund to hold a very special event for our female WorkSource center job seekers, who each received a customized session with a stylist and hair and make-up professional, to prepare them to enter the job market.
Can you tell us about someone within the organization that has truly inspired you?
We are inspired by the stories of the people we serve. Whether it’s a veteran who is looking to transition from military service to a career in their local community, or an individual with a disability who appreciates the focus on their “ability” rather than “a young person who is working to overcome challenges.
The center represents the four cornerstones of the organization — empowering individuals, advancing businesses, enriching communities and caring for the earth
Can any community member wanting to take advantage of your resources come in and apply? Are there any prerequisites?
Yes! Any community member can visit our Fletcher Square Community Enrichment Center! We encourage all community members to shop, donate, and visit our Career Resource Center.
Can you tell us about some of your community partners that you work closely with?
Goodwill Southern California works with a number of community partners, including the city, county, and other non-profit organizations. At our Fletcher Square Community Enrichment Center we even have community partners on site – including Big Brothers Big Sisters Los Angeles, ANEW Foundation, and School on Wheels.
We recently heard there is a farmers market held here. Is that true and when should we come and check it out?
From 2014 – 2016 we ran a Farmers Market, in collaboration with Councilman Mitch O’Farrell and SEE-LA – the Sustainable Economic Enterprise of Los Angeles. The Farmers Market closed due to lack of traffic.
What are some of the core principles that Goodwill Industries stands for and how do you put them into practice?
Goodwill Southern California’s mission to Transform Lives Through the Power of Work is rooted in 4 Cornerstones – Empowering Individuals, Advancing Businesses, Enriching Communities and Caring for the Earth. All employees abide by RISE values – Respect, Integrity, Service and Excellence.
Goodwill Fletcher Square – Transforming Lives Through the Power of Work
What inspires you?
We are inspired by our shoppers, donors, clients, and community members who support Goodwill Southern California and without whom we could not Transform Lives Through the Power of Work.
Visit Goodwill Fletcher Square
Shop Lots and DONATE!
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