Stories of Impact: Goodwill & AT&T Bridging the Digital Divide
Photos by Kaitlin Sells| Courtesy Kaitlin Sells, Bunny Ware
On September 9, Goodwill Southeast Georgia hosted a powerful event at our Pooler retail store, distributing 100 free laptops to Goodwill Opportunity Center clients-thanks to the generosity of AT&T and support from Human IT.
The ultimate goal of this initiative: a step toward digital equity, helping individuals access the tools they need to succeed in work, school, and life.
Jason Marshall, President & CEO of Goodwill Southeast Georgia, speaks at the opening ceremony prior to the Pooler laptop distribution event.
“Our core belief at Goodwill is that everybody deserves to have access, to be able to access the resources necessary to move from a job to a better job and eventually to a career,” said Jason Marshall, President & CEO of Goodwill Southeast Georgia at a brief ceremony prior to the distribution.
“Whether that’s moving into the world of education, whether it’s applying for jobs online, looking for resources, managing a LinkedIn account. All of that happens with the access of technology. And without that, we see people so limited,” added Marshall.
A participant smiles for a photo with Marie Champagne, Career Services Specialist at Goodwill Southeast Georgia.
Why This Matters
- More than 10% of Savannah households and 25% of Pooler households lack internet access.
- 76.5% of non-subscribing households cite cost as the main barrier.
- 60-70% of job openings are posted online, yet many residents lack the tools to apply.
- A single donated computer can support the future of an entire family.
Recipients were selected based on need and eligibility after completing a digital needs survey through Goodwill Southeast Georgia’s Opportunity Centers this summer.
“This initiative is so exciting for us because we know that there are so many of our residents who do not have access to technology,” says Holly Schor, Chief Mission Officer at Goodwill Southeast Georgia. “Our Opportunity Centers… are there to really close that gap for people in person. And now this opportunity for us to be able to provide the laptops for them to utilize in their home is just amazing.”
Schor also shared a touching story:
“We received an email from a woman who had just been hired for a job-which is wonderful, and that’s the goal.
However, she needed a laptop to complete her training, so an exciting thing to get employed almost turned into an opportunity that she had to turn away until (these) laptops kind of landed in her lap.
So she was just emailing us to say how grateful she was because now she was able to continue with her employment and continue with her training.”
Holly Schor, Chief Mission Officer at Goodwill Southeast Georgia, speaks at the opening ceremony prior to the Pooler laptop distribution event.
60th Anniversary Stories of Impact
Since 1965, Goodwill Southeast Georgia has transformed countless lives by empowering individuals to achieve their highest potential.
The Power of Partnership
AT&T’s support of this initiative is part of their broader commitment to closing the digital divide. Through a $5 billion investment, AT&T aims to help 25 million people get and stay connected to high-speed internet by 2030, focusing on accessibility, affordability, and safe adoption.
“AT&T is committed to helping close the digital divide, and we are proud to support Goodwill Southeast Georgia by providing laptops to residents,” said Gary Sanchez, Regional Director of External Affairs, AT&T Georgia. “Through this collaboration, we are helping create pathways to success and connecting more Georgians to greater possibility.”
Gary Sanchez, Regional Director of External Affairs, AT&T Georgia, speaks at the opening ceremony prior to the Pooler laptop distribution event.
Looking Ahead
This event is part of a larger mission to empower individuals through access. Goodwill Southeast Georgia is committed to expanding opportunities through strong community partnerships.
Want to learn more or get involved? Visit one of our 6 Opportunity Centers or explore services online. You can also call 912-446-1605 to get started.
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Whether you donate, shop, volunteer, or you’re part of the Goodwill team– you make Goodwill’s mission possible. Thank you for your support!