Stories of Impact: Annual Meeting and Beyond 60
As Goodwill Southeast Georgia celebrates 60 years of service in 2025, the non-profit social enterprise is boldly looking beyond its legacy-focusing on innovation, collaboration, and what’s possible when workforce development
meets people where they are.
This year’s Annual Meeting, centered around the theme
“Beyond 60: Building on Opportunity, One Person at a Time,” brought together community partners, leaders, and supporters to reflect on six decades of impact-and to explore a transformative new model for the future: the
Opportunity Campus.
Reimagining the Workforce Journey
Jason Marshall, President & CEO of Goodwill Southeast Georgia, opened the event by painting a vivid picture of the daily struggles faced by many working families in our region. He asked attendees to imagine being a single parent-juggling a job, a sick child, and unexpected expenses.
“That is the reality for 45% of our neighbors living in Chatham County,” Marshall said, referencing
ALICE (Asset Limited, Income- Constrained, Employed) households as defined by the United Way.
He referenced Goodwill Founder Edgar Helms’ quote:
‘Be dissatisfied until all who are struggling find their way to an abundant life.’
“The words of our founder have compelled Goodwill to find solutions which evolve into opportunities for our communities,” says Marshall.
60th Anniversary Stories of Impact
Since 1965, Goodwill Southeast Georgia has transformed countless lives by empowering individuals to achieve their highest potential.
View Their Stories Here
A Model That Meets People Where They Are
Amy Luttrell, President & CEO of Goodwill Industries of Kentucky, shared in her keynote presentation how her team is already putting this evolution into practice. In March 2024, her organization opened a 125,000-square-foot
Opportunity Campus in West Louisville. It offers childcare, job training, behavioral health, financial coaching, and more–all under one roof, thanks to the partnership of co-located non-profit organizations.
“The part of our identity that work serves-our sense of belonging, our mental health-it’s powerful,” Luttrell said.
Following her presentation, Luttrell joined Marshall on stage for a candid conversation about what a similar approach could mean for Southeast Georgia.
“We choose to imagine the possibilities,” said Marshall. “It gives us strength, hope, and fuels our drive to do better.”
Board Chair Kim Bockius-Suwyn also shared remarks, emphasizing the power of intentional mission and community collaboration.
“Intentional mission drives our work every day, which is why I am proud to serve this organization,” she said.
Join the Possibility Team
Marshall closed the event with a hopeful invitation for the community to join Goodwill Southeast Georgia in reimagining what’s possible.
“Where hope begins, poverty ends. Help us imagine the possibility of brighter futures for the residents of our community.”
You can join the Goodwill Possibility Team
here.
As Goodwill Southeast Georgia moves forward in its 60th year, one thing is clear: the future is full of possibility-and it starts with building opportunity, one person at a time.
Do you have a Goodwill story or memory to share?
Whether you donate, shop, volunteer, or you’re part of the Goodwill team– you make Goodwill’s mission possible. Thank you for your support!
Click Here to Share Your Story
