Goodwill Gives Back to Community With Voucher Program

People in New Lenox were excited enough to find discount shopping when opened here in March. But the resale shop is also giving back to the community through its voucher program, which is providing $4,000 to residents with disabilities and disadvantages. 

The Goodwill Cares program partners the store with local non-profit organizations. In New Lenox, Goodwill is donating $2,000 to both the and Trinity Services. 

"It’s a wonderful opportunity," said Sherry Ladislas, Trinity Service's director of development. "I don’t know if people realize that the people we serve usually only get $50 a month for spending money."

Trinity serves adults with developmental disabilities. It has about 600 people in its residential program, and while Trinity provides necessary household items there is always more they could use. Ladislas added that the residents could pool their vouchers together to purchase a table or couch.

"It really lasts them quite a while because you can get a lot for that amount at Goodwill," said Cheryl Lightholder of Goodwill.

Kevin Schaefer, vocational services coordinator for Trinity, also said the vouchers provide a nice opportunity for the adults with disabilities to become part of "the shopping experience." 

Kathie Johnson, the family services director at New Lenox Township, was also grateful and said the money will help the families who depend on the township for support. She mentioned one mother who is without a crib for her baby now.

“This money will go a long way in helping people get some items that we take for granted.”