Goodwill Manasota's Veterans Services Program to host Open House

On Monday, March 16, from 4-6pm, Goodwill Manasota will present a Veterans Open House for veterans, military service members and their families at the Goodwill Veterans Services Office (8490 Lockwood Ridge Road, Sarasota). During the Open House, guests can meet the Veterans Services team, learn more about free Goodwill programs – including the Yoga for Veterans classes, which are presented under the auspices of Goodwill’s Warriors at Ease Program – and enjoy light refreshments and giveaways.

Goodwill’s Veterans Services Program has veterans on staff and provides full case management and vocational services that address barriers to employment, disabilities, mental health issues, housing, education and training. The program also helps veterans navigate the wide array of available programs and to secure the benefits to which they are entitled.

Guests at the Open House can learn about the benefits of participation in the free yoga program. Goodwill Manasota has partnered with Garden of the Heart Yoga Center since 2013 to offer free yoga classes for veterans and their families at a new location on Lockwood Ridge. The classes, which are held every Tuesday from 6:00-7:00pm, will now be held at the Veterans Services Office. Veterans, military service members and immediate family members can participate for free.

“Last year, Goodwill served over 500 veterans, and we plan to increase that number each year. We appreciate our heroes and our Veterans Services Program exists because of a need in our community that we are determined to meet,” said Bob Rosinsky, president & CEO of Goodwill Manasota. “Thanks to creative partnerships, Goodwill has created a seamless case management system that supports each veteran’s unique strengths and needs regarding housing, family, education and other challenges while helping to develop more self-sufficient and productive members of society.”

PHOTO ID:
C.J. Bannister, director of Goodwill Manasota’s Veterans Services Program

About Goodwill Manasota
Goodwill Manasota is an industry-leading, 501(c)(3), not-for-profit organization that changes lives through the power of work. With the sales of donated goods and philanthropic donations, Goodwill is able to assist people with disabilities and other barriers to employment by providing job skills training and employment opportunities. In 2014, Goodwill Manasota served more than 16,000 people, placed 680 people in jobs and assisted 520 veterans as they reintegrated back into the civilian workforce. Goodwill Manasota’s economic impact back to the community is worth $81.3 million. Goodwill is one of the pioneers of the reduce-reuse-recycle movement and this past year diverted 39 million pounds out of the landfill. We accomplish our mission through a network of Good Neighbor Centers in Sarasota, Manatee, Hardee and DeSoto counties and our Mission Development Services (MDS) around North America. Goodwill Manasota is accountable to a local Board of Directors. Goodwill Manasota in essence belongs to this community, and is not owned by any individual or company. For more information, visit www.experiencegoodwill.org.

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