Five Things You Should Know

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Get the facts!

You may have seen social media posts or emails about Goodwill, falsely claiming that our CEO is named Mark Curran and makes millions of dollars a year. Or, that Goodwill is not really a nonprofit organization. Those claims are false! Please take a moment to read the top Five Things You Should Know about Goodwill and the positive impact we are having on the communities we serve.

#1. Goodwill is a nonprofit organization. Our stores support our programs for Coloradans in need.

Many people know us for our retail stores across Colorado. We resell items generously donated to us from the community at discounted prices, but this is not the sole reason we exist. Goodwill retail stores help support and grow our more than 30 Career Placement, Education & Training, and IDD (Intellectual or Developmental Disability) Programs.

Goodwill of Colorado is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Our retail stores support our mission to help people overcome barriers to economic and personal independence through education, training and job placement.

#2. This is Karla Grazier, our President and CEO.

Karla Grazier, President and CEO
Like other nonprofits, Goodwill of Colorado is led by respected business leaders and a volunteer board of directors providing guidance and oversight. Goodwill isn’t “owned” by anyone like for-profit businesses are. As our President and CEO, Karla is responsible for the effectiveness and financial well-being of the organization. The two Goodwill organizations in Colorado finalized a merger in 2019 which allows Goodwill to serve more people across our state. Karla divides her time between our campuses in Denver and Colorado Springs, overseeing nearly 3,000 employees, more than 70 locations, and is accountable for ensuring that Goodwill of Colorado is able to fulfill its mission now and in the future. Our Board of Directors reviews and sets Karla’s salary within the context of the organization’s revenue, scope of services and overall impact on our community.

#3. All of our employees earn minimum wage or higher.

All of Goodwill of Colorado’s nearly 3,000 employees earn minimum wage or higher. We do not use the Special Minimum Wage Certificate that provides employment support to people with severe disabilities. As a CARF accredited agency, Goodwill programs provide services and support to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, so they may exercise their right to fully participate in their community. Regardless of ability, Goodwill believes that everyone deserves to live, learn, play, and work in the community with dignity, independence, equal opportunity and inclusion.

Goodwill is a great place to work, and offers opportunities for advancement, generous benefits and feeling of pride in having a meaningful impact on the community. Learn more about our career opportunities here and our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion statement here.

#4. We are an independent organization.

Goodwill of Colorado is one of more than 160 independent members of Goodwill Industries International, including organizations now in China, the Netherlands, and Canada. Each is independently operated and funded and must adhere to professional, financial, legal, and branding guidelines set forth by Goodwill Industries International. While we all have similar missions, each Goodwill tailors its programs to the unique needs of the community it serves. For example, while Goodwill of Colorado serves our entire state, Goodwill of Orange County serves individuals in Orange County, California; and Goodwill New York New Jersey serves the metropolitan area and surrounding communities of New York City.

#5. You may know someone we have helped.

Goodwill serves more than 124,000 Coloradans annually. You may know one of the over 18,000 adults who participated in one of our job training and placement programs. Or maybe you know one of our 2500+ employees, many of whom report having a disability or other possible barrier to success. Click here to see the stories of the Coloradans whose lives have been positively changed by Goodwill.