89R25083 HMR-D
By: Gutierrez, Menéndez, Zaffirini S.R. No. 434
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, Goodwill Industries of San Antonio is celebrating
its 80th anniversary in 2025, providing a fitting opportunity to
recognize the organization for its myriad contributions; and
WHEREAS, Goodwill San Antonio traces its origins to 1945,
when it was launched amid the city's post-World War II rebuilding
efforts; founded by a group of prominent business, religious, and
civic leaders, the organization began with an initial investment
goal of $25,000 and a commitment to provide workforce development
opportunities to individuals facing employment barriers; its first
store opened on the city's Southside in 1946, and 18 of its 22
employees were Purple Heart war veterans; and
WHEREAS, Over the past eight decades, Goodwill San Antonio
has become one of the largest and most highly regarded workforce
development training providers in Southwest Texas; with more than
1,800 employees, it serves a 24-county region and operates
locations in San Antonio, Kerrville, Laredo, New Braunfels, Seguin,
Bulverde, and Cibolo; and
WHEREAS, Goodwill San Antonio provides thousands of area
residents with access to gainful employment, career training, and
job procurement services, while placing a special emphasis on
assisting those encountering hiring obstacles such as prior
incarceration, disabilities, or a lack of formal education; serving
as a second-chance employer, the organization offers life-changing
opportunities to those who are facing barriers to employment; and
WHEREAS, Revenue generated by Goodwill San Antonio's retail
stores and contract services operations are reinvested into its
many mission-driven programs, creating a cycle of economic
opportunity and community benefit; among other initiatives, the
organization has established the Goodwill Academy & Career Services
vocational training program to help prepare individuals for jobs in
such high-demand industries as health care, manufacturing,
logistics, and skilled trades; and
WHEREAS, For 80 years, Goodwill San Antonio has played an
important role in numerous South Texas communities, changing lives
through the power of work and equipping individuals with the tools
they need to reach their full potential as engaged and productive
members of society; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Senate of the 89th Texas Legislature
hereby commemorate the 80th anniversary of Goodwill Industries of
San Antonio and extend to all those associated with the
organization sincere best wishes for the future; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
prepared for Goodwill San Antonio as an expression of high regard by
the Texas Senate.