Friends of Goodwill;

We are gratified by your questions of concern and expressions of support for our Goodwill since the flooding of our neighborhood began Saturday, May 1.  I am pleased to tell you that while we have experienced significant damage and loss of product, we are making great strides in overcoming the difficulties associated with the high water, and we are continuing to meet our mission of providing employment and training to our employees and others who approach us for help in their job search.

While much of downtown Nashville and surrounding areas suffered greatly from the flooding, the most serious impact to our Goodwill is confined to our buildings at Tenth Avenue North and Herman Street.  These include our corporate offices’ first floor, our production floor, docks and a warehouse.  Most distressing is damage done to our new Career Solutions Building which is in the final stages of construction and soon to be occupied.  While the overall damage is significant for us, it is well within the bounds of repair, and, in fact, we have returned to production and office operations.

The news I am most pleased to report is that Goodwill has experienced barely a hiccup in meeting its mission of providing employment and employment services.  Every one of our 15 Career Solutions centers is in full operation, including throughout the bad weather.  All but one of our Donations Express Centers are now operating.  And while three of our thirty-three Goodwill Stores experienced some water damage, they were closed for a short portion of one day for cleaning.  Finally, most of our plant and transportation employees are back to work, and the remainder will return as soon as bus service is restored.

Our generous communities have continued to support our mission by donating clothing and household articles for us to sell in our stores.  Although Goodwill is not a first responder during disasters, it is through our partnerships with other not-for-profit organizations whose business is direct response to disasters, that we are offering assistance to people in need.

Work and overcoming obstacles are part of the fabric of our Goodwill.  Whether it is one of the people we are privileged to serve or our business itself, we believe in work.  That belief is driving us to work to continue to meet our mission, to clean and make repairs to our buildings after the flood, and work to be a better business.

We appreciate every donation we receive.  This flood has been an unpleasant inconvenience for us, but its impact will be short lived.  We have important work to do and people to serve.

Thank you for your continued interest in, and support of, Goodwill Industries of Middle Tennessee.

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