2023 Impact Report - Final by Goodwill Industries of Middle Tennessee

A LEGACY

OF ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

EMPOWERING CHANGE:

A YEAR OF SOCIAL IMPACT AND ENVIRONMENTAL ADVANCEMENT

Dear Friends of Goodwill,

Sustainability was a defining theme across the globe in 2023. From renewable energy initiatives to individuals reducing waste in their homes, efforts to protect the planet and build a brighter future touched everyone. At Goodwill Industries of Middle Tennessee, sustainability went beyond the environment as we worked to empower people, foster community well-being and safeguard resources.

Sustainability has always been central to Goodwill’s mission. Methodist minister Edgar J. Helms founded Goodwill Industries in 1902 with a vision of renewal: hiring those society deemed “unemployable” to repair and sell used goods discarded by Boston’s affluent residents. This innovative model prevented waste, restored dignity and unleashed human potential — values that continue to guide us.

Nashville embraced this vision early, hosting the South’s first Goodwill in 1922. Over 25 years, the organization provided jobs and innovative programs, such as workshops for rubber mats and firewood production. Despite its successes, operations ceased by 1948. Our current organization was chartered in 1957, carrying forward the spirit of Goodwill’s founding.

In 2023, with your support, we served 6,850 individuals, placed 995 people into jobs and provided 25,659

education, training and employment services — all at no cost to clients. These efforts reflect our commitment to social sustainability, aligning with global goals like quality education, decent work and reducing inequalities.

Environmental sustainability also remained a priority. We diverted 26.4 million pounds of materials from landfills, including clothing, books and shoes, and recycled 2.9 million pounds of cardboard and paper pulp, saving an estimated 25,000 trees. We eliminated plastic bags in our stores and finalized plans for a free program to train solar installation technicians, launching in early 2024.

As you read this Annual Impact Report, I hope you take pride in the progress we made together. Your support drives our mission of changing lives through education, training and employment, and we are profoundly grateful for your partnership.

Thank you for joining us in empowering people, protecting the environment and creating lasting change. Together, we’re building a brighter, more sustainable future for all.

Warm regards,

Matthew Bourlakas President & CEO

SUCCESS STORY

Jessica Lentz

Jessica Lentz was released from prison in January after serving a fouryear sentence. It wasn’t the 40-yearold Shelbyville native’s first time behind bars, but she was determined to make it her last.

Tennessee Prison Outreach Ministry referred her to Goodwill Career Solutions, where she enrolled in the nonprofit’s Construction and Weatherization Training program.

“I was just hoping I’d get the skills to do a job that paid better than minimum wage — something where I could be comfortable and not fall back into my old habits,” Jessica says.

At Goodwill, Jessica learned financial literacy, resume writing and communication skills. And skills she acquired in the Construction class — such as the use of pneumatic tools, table saws and routing machines — were exactly what she needed to land a job with a Nashville cabinetmaking company.

But Jessica also discovered a hidden talent and a potential career path. After completing the construction course, she signed up for Goodwill’s new Introduction to Welding course.

I like that you are taking raw materials and turning them into something substantial. It makes me feel productive — I’m doing something I can be proud of.”

EXPANDING OPPORTUNITIES:

GOODWILL’S SOLAR INSTALLER TRAINING PROGRAM

In 2023, Goodwill Industries of Middle Tennessee focused on expanding its training programs to meet the growing demand for skilled workers in emerging industries. Among its most exciting initiatives was the development of a Solar Installer Training Program, set to launch in January 2024. This program offers a pathway into the rapidly growing clean technology sector.

The Solar Installer Training Program was made possible through partnerships with the Tennessee Valley Authority, Nashville Electric Service, Accenture, Grid Alternatives and General Motors. It is part of the Goodwill CleanTech Accelerator, a national initiative co-designed by Goodwill Industries International and Accenture to provide clean tech training and job placement for over 7,000 individuals across the U.S.

In 2023, Goodwill and its partners developed a four-week curriculum focused on solar installation fundamentals, offering certifications in Installer Basics Training 120, OSHA 10, CPR and Construction Basics. Training will prepare participants for realworld challenges in the solar industry.

A mobile training lab, equipped with solar technology, will bring education and awareness to communities throughout Middle Tennessee. Additionally, participants will receive employability training, covering resume writing, interview preparation and workplace skills. They will also network with employers and industry professionals during and after the course.

2023 GOODWILL

IMPACT AWARDS

Each year, Goodwill Industries of Middle Tennessee celebrates employees and Career Solutions clients who have achieved success through perseverance and the power of work as well as community partners who help advance Goodwill’s mission of changing lives through education, training and employment.

Nearly 600 people attended the 2023 Impact Awards, held on Oct. 26 at Nashville’s Music City Center.

The stories of our award winners reflect the transformative power of work for individuals with barriers as well as the impact Goodwill’s local nonprofit mission is having in communities across middle and west Tennessee,” said Goodwill’s President and CEO Matthew Bourlakas. “All of this is possible thanks to the generosity of Goodwill donors and shoppers.”

Matthew Bourlakas | President and CEO Goodwill Industries of Middle Tennessee

Amber Grant

Amber Grant was born a go-getter. From childhood, she did well at everything she tried. Piano: check. Ballet: check. Art: check. By the time she was a young adult, she knew she had the drive, passion and work ethic to launch a long and successful career.

In school she studied social work, speech pathology, child development and more. She volunteered with a boys and girls club, at a homeless shelter and also worked with children and teens living with disabilities. Her interests were wide-ranging, but they all followed a common thread: helping others.

When the time came to translate her knowledge and experience into employment, however, amber could not get employers to see her potential, instead, she found herself stuck in a cycle of “no’s.” Employer after employer passed on her after learning about her disability.

Then she discovered Goodwill, and doors began to open.

I’m at a job where I love what I do and I love helping people and I totally believe in Goodwill’s mission of helping people get employed ‘cause I was there.”

2023 SENIOR MANAGEMENT

Matthew Bourlakas

President and CEO

Christine Skold Chief Financial Officer

Cindy Varner Chief Mission Officer

Leisa Wamsley Chief Operations Officer

Beth Alexander Vice President of Development

George Carlson Vice President of Mission Services

Dee H. Elmi Vice President of Donated Goods

Kimmra Hingher Vice President of Marketing

2023 BOARD OF DIRECTORS

OFFICERS

CHAIRPERSON

Michael Madden

Executive Vice President Kirkland’s

VICE CHAIRPERSON

Jeff Young

Senior Vice President, Corporate Banking FirstBank

DIRECTORS

Bryan Bean

Senior VP

Pinnacle Bank

Leisa Byars

Owner

Goddard School in Hendersonville

John Chobanian

Director, Government Advisory

KPMG

Emily Cummings

Community Leader

Beth Duffield Manager, Workforce Development

Turner Construction

SECRETARY

Philip McGowan

Senior Partner

FINN Partners

TREASURER

Kevin Mitchell Partner TrustCore

LEGAL COUNSEL

Christopher S. Dunn Attorney Winstead

Richard Ewing

Support Account Director

Oracle Corporation

Dave Fentress VP of Finance

Dollar General

Rob Ivy CFO

Lee Company

Clay Jackson VP, Merchandise Planning and Inventory

Tractor Supply Co

Ed O’Kelley Vice President of Information Technology

Mike Mott Vice President of Human Resources

Wendy White Vice President Finance and Accounting

Matthew Bourlakas President and CEO

Goodwill Industries of Middle Tennessee

Christine Skold

Chief Financial Officer

Goodwill Industries of Middle Tennessee

Roy C. Jordan

Wealth Management Advisor

Northwestern Mutual

Tom Lampe Vice President and General Manager of Nashville Office

Messer Construction

Keith Lampkin CDBG/ HOME Consultant

Rob Massie Vice President, Information Technology

Dollar General

Gabriela Moran Board Fellow

Owen Graduate School of Management, Vanderbilt University

Cristina Oakeley President Caliente Consulting, LLC

TRUSTEES

Beth Johnson

Partner

Mercer Investment Consulting

Fred T. McLaughlin

Sr. Vice President- Private Wealth

Baird

Arrita Summers President

Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Dickson

Clay Teter Retired Tractor Supply Co

John Tishler

Attorney

Waller Lansden Dortch & Davis, LLP

Kathryn Thompson Partner, CEO

Thompson Research Group (TRG)

Scott Turner President Ajax Turner, Inc.

Donna Yurdin Executive and Leadership Coach

Credo Management Consulting

NEW BOARD MEMBERS

Goodwill Industries of Middle Tennessee on Monday, Feb. 20, 2023, announced the appointment of five new members to its board of directors.

Joining the board were K. Beth Duffield, director of Early Career Engagement for Ascension; Rick Ewing, director of Customer Success-Health Sciences at Oracle Corporation; Rob Ivy, chief financial officer at Lee Company; Gabriela Moran, an MBA candidate at Vanderbilt University; and Scott Turner, president of Ajax Turner. The three-year term for new board members began Jan. 1, 2023.

“Our directors are dedicated local community leaders with a deep commitment to Goodwill’s mission of changing lives through education, training and employment,” said Board Chairman Mike Madden, executive vice president at Kirklands. “These volunteers bring impressive skills and experience that will help our nonprofit navigate these challenging economic times as well as grow our mission services to meet the changing needs of people across middle and west Tennessee.”