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Good Cause

Thunderbirds Charities donates funds to Goodwill, notMYkid

Posted 8/11/22

Both Goodwill of Central & Northern Arizona and local nonprofit organization notMYkid have announced donations from Thunderbirds Charities.

notMYkid received $50,000 and Goodwill received …

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Good Cause

Thunderbirds Charities donates funds to Goodwill, notMYkid

Posted

Both Goodwill of Central & Northern Arizona and local nonprofit organization notMYkid have announced donations from Thunderbirds Charities.

notMYkid received $50,000 and Goodwill received $5,000. Funds for both will be used to benefit ongoing initiatives the organizations have underway, according to press releases.

At Goodwill of Central & Northern Arizona, the Thunderbirds Charities donations totaling $5,000 will help fund My Career Matters, an internal initiative to upskill and eliminate barriers to career advancement for their minimum wage employees, so they can move into new careers that provide higher wages.

“We believe acquiring the skills needed in today’s workforce will enable individuals to earn wages that can transition them out of poverty and above the ALICE threshold,” said Bobby Ghisolfo, vice president of Mission Services, Goodwill of Central and Northern Arizona. “My Career Matters is a holistic approach to employment. We’ll provide individuals the tools they need to feel confident, purpose driven and successful. Our plan is to start with retail and management employees, and we hope to reach 500 employees within the first year of implementation.”

ALICE households have income above the federal poverty line but not high enough to afford essentials in the communities they live. As a result, they are forced to make tough choices, such as deciding between quality childcare or paying the rent, which have long term consequences not only for ALICE but for all, according to a press release.

“Thunderbirds Charities is excited to support the My Career Matters program,” said Michael Golding, president of Thunderbirds Charities. “Our mission is to help families in need and this program through Goodwill of Central & Northern Arizona is providing the tools to not only help their employees succeed in the workplace but also foster opportunities for future career growth.”

My Career Matters is a mobile career center that connects individuals to no cost community resources, training and education and career development. Individuals can access everything from digital skills training, career coaching, resume review and certifications and hiring events from the comfort of their own home. The program is designed for Goodwill employees to work at their own pace after their shift.

Goodwill employees who wish to participate in My Career Matters should contact 1-833-471-2482.

Additionally, notMYkid has announced Thunderbirds Charities has invested $50,000 in support of their growing “[i]nspired peer program” to help teens navigate daily pressures, substance use disorder, and mental health challenges.

“notMYkid’s [i]nspired peer program is successfully helping teens who desperately need mental health support; resources to build healthy connections, confidence, and resilience; and improve overall safety and well-being,” said Kristen Polin, CEO of notMYkid. “Our program is utilizing trained and certified peer support specialists with lived experience and connects every teen to our [i]nspired technology-assisted care app. This dynamic platform ensures that participants remain connected to a healthy support network and provides immediate access to resources and tools needed to thrive and grow. We are so grateful for the ongoing support provided by Thunderbirds Charities and for recognizing that there is still an urgent need to support teens on the other side of the pandemic.”

After an initial intake with notMYkid’s behavioral health team, each participant in the [i]nspired peer program is paired with a certified peer support specialist, according to a press release. Peers foster relationships built on trust without judgment. They instill confidence and serve as an ally to struggling teens who need guidance while navigating their path to recovery.

This 90-day program is tailored to meet individual needs and includes virtual and in-person meetings. Participants are also introduced to healthy activities and additional support programs offered at notMYkid’s [i]nspired well-being campus in Scottsdale.

To learn more about the [i]nspired peer program or to schedule a free consultation with notMYkid’s behavioral health team, complete a pre-screening form or visit www.notMYkid.org/behavioral-health/.