[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 174 (Tuesday, November 15, 2011)]
[Senate]
[Page S7448]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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                   GOODWILL INDUSTRIES OF NEW MEXICO

 Mr. BINGAMAN. Mr. President, today I wish to recognize the 
70th anniversary of Goodwill Industries of New Mexico. Working in New 
Mexico communities since 1941, the organization has helped find work 
and provided training and development for countless needy New Mexicans.
  The nonprofit organization provides essential skill development, 
career-building services, and work opportunities to residents facing 
serious employment barriers. This is an especially important service 
they provide considering the continuing difficulties facing many 
applicants in today's job market.
  Despite high unemployment and a struggling economy, Goodwill 
Industries of New Mexico placed nearly 850 clients in public and 
private sector jobs last year. Many of these clients face challenges 
with various disabilities, homelessness, drug addiction, and traumatic 
brain injuries, among other barriers. And the impact of the 
organization's activities has been felt throughout the entire State. In 
2010, Goodwill Industries served nearly 10,000 residents through 8 
programs reaching all 33 counties. That is a tenfold increase from a 
decade ago.
  Much of its funding is derived through its retail stores, with 87 
cents of every dollar spent on programs and services. But last year 
alone, in addition to its retail sales, Goodwill Industries of New 
Mexico salvaged nearly 1,700 tons of textiles, 188 tons of shoes, 
recycled 536 tons of cardboard and paper, and kept nearly 35 tons of 
used electronics out of New Mexico landfills. The environmental impact 
of Goodwill's initiatives is making a positive difference as well.
  The education and training programs provide intensified training to 
those in need at six training centers across the State. Their programs 
also help low-income seniors to market themselves and acquire skills to 
compete in today's job market and place individuals in subsidized jobs 
with a host agency with the goal of moving that employee into a 
permanent position within the community.
  Its Pathways programs assist the near homeless and chronically 
homeless in obtaining access to housing and the opportunity to begin a 
new life through the power of work. Goodwill Industries' GoodGuides 
Mentoring Program pairs adults with at risk teens. Mentors provide 
structure and a supportive relationship with middle and high school-
aged students. Goodwill volunteers work with teens to establish goals, 
build career plans, and work toward high school graduation to prepare 
for postsecondary training or college.
  Traumatic brain injuries often leave patients confused and 
bewildered, struggling with simple day-to-day tasks. The caring staff 
in the TBI case management program assisted over 500 clients in crisis 
last year from imminent risk to their safety and health. I was also 
pleased to announce in July that this highly respected organization 
received over a $\1/2\ million grant from the VA to prevent 
homelessness among New Mexican veterans and their families.
  Mr. President, I join Goodwill Industries of New Mexico in 
celebrating its 70th anniversary, and I congratulate them on being one 
of my State's premier service providers advocating for the disabled, 
homeless, and unemployed.

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