2025 Goodwill Wrapped: A Year in Our Mission

As we reflect on 2025, our hearts are filled with gratitude for the community that stands with us. Every shopper, donor, partner, and supporter plays a vital role in our shared mission. This year was a testament to what we can achieve together, marked by profound impact and inspiring stories of transformation. Your belief in the power of work fueled every success, allowing us to change lives across the Chesapeake region.

This past year, we delivered 67,380 intensive services to 5,608 of our neighbors. We celebrated new beginnings with 53 Excel Center graduates and supported 916 people as they secured new jobs. These numbers represent more than just statistics; they are stories of hope, perseverance, and newfound independence. Thank you for being a part of this incredible journey.

A Milestone Year for The Excel Center

At The Excel Center, our tuition-free adult high school, 2025 was a year of powerful steps forward. In September, we watched with immense pride as our second graduating class of 53 students walked across the commencement stage. Many of these graduates balanced the demands of family, full-time jobs, and life’s countless responsibilities to achieve this incredible milestone.

Our students don’t just leave with a high school diploma; they leave ready to launch careers and build paths to a brighter future. Valedictorian Jessica Lashley embodied this spirit. While earning her diploma, she also graduated from Goodwill’s CNA/GNA training program, positioning herself for a meaningful and rewarding career in healthcare. Her journey is a beautiful example of dedication and ambition.

A Profile in Perseverance: Antonio’s Story

Employer partnerships create powerful opportunities for working adults. This was certainly true for Antonio Pennix, a father of four and a custodial manager at the University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB). Through a collaboration between UMB and Goodwill, Antonio connected with The Excel Center.

He became the first participant in this unique program to earn his high school diploma. Antonio’s story shows how dedication, combined with community support, can open doors that once seemed closed. He is an inspiration to his family, his colleagues, and all of us at Goodwill. Read more about his inspiring journey!

Empowering Futures Through Workforce Development

Our Workforce Development programs continued to be a cornerstone of our mission this year. We believe everyone deserves the chance to build a stable and fulfilling career. By providing essential job training and support, we help people at every stage of their employment journey.

Across our programs, we delivered 67,380 intensive services to 5,608 individuals. The result was 916 people placed in jobs, a number that reflects the wide-ranging impact of our efforts. From hands-on training in fields like Building Maintenance and CNA/GNA to crucial job-readiness support, we equip job seekers with the skills they need to succeed. This summer, we also reintroduced our free Pharmacy Technician training program, expanding access to careers in a high-demand industry.

Breaking Barriers to Reentry: Joshua’s Journey

This year, Goodwill remained deeply committed to supporting individuals as they reenter society after incarceration. We work to help them rebuild stability, gain skills, and secure meaningful employment. The path is not always easy, but with the right support, transformation is possible.

Joshua’s story is a powerful example of perseverance and renewal. After 15 years, he was determined to build a new life. Through our programs, he found the support system he needed to overcome barriers and find his footing. His journey reminds us of the human capacity for growth and the importance of second chances.

Nurturing Our Youngest Neighbors in Early Head Start

Our commitment to the community begins with its youngest members. This year, our Early Head Start program expanded its reach by taking over the operation of two additional centers, Our House and . Meanwhile, our original Coppin and Waverly sites reached full capacity, serving local families with dedication and care.

We strengthened our early childhood education programs by sponsoring individuals to earn certifications in child development. We also hosted community health fairs and offered family-focused support to help children thrive from their very first days. By investing in our children, we are investing in the future of our entire community.

A Community United in Gratitude

This November, we had the honor of hosting Goodwill’s 68th Annual Thanksgiving Dinner & Resource Fair in Baltimore City. It was a heartwarming day that brought our community together in a spirit of giving and support.

With the incredible help of over 400 volunteers, we served 2,000 free, warm meals and distributed 1,000 coats to our neighbors. We also welcomed 40 community organizations that provided invaluable resources to our guests. This event is a beautiful reminder of what we can accomplish when we work together with kindness and compassion.

Looking Ahead to 2026

Thank you for making 2025 such a remarkable year. Your support, in all its forms, is the energy that powers our mission to Transform Lives Through the Power of Work. We are deeply grateful for your partnership and your belief in opportunity.

As we look toward 2026, we are filled with hope and excitement for what lies ahead. We are eager to build on this year’s successes and continue creating an even more impactful future for our community. Thank you for being with us every step of the way.