As we step into 2025, Goodwill of Silicon Valley reflects on a transformative 2024, marked by groundbreaking initiatives, significant milestones, and a renewed commitment to empowering individuals and strengthening our community. With the support of our dedicated donors, shoppers, and employees, we’ve made remarkable strides in fostering economic independence, promoting environmental sustainability, and creating opportunities for those facing barriers to employment. Under the leadership of our new CEO, Christopher Baker, we’re excited to share the highlights of last year and our vision for the future.
A Letter from Our CEO
As we embrace 2025, I extend my deepest gratitude to everyone who made 2024 a year of profound impact at Goodwill of Silicon Valley. Your generosity and dedication have fueled our mission to uplift lives through education, employment, and personal development. Stepping into the role of CEO has been an incredible honor, and I’m inspired by the opportunity to build on our legacy of creating meaningful change.
Together, we’ve achieved extraordinary milestones—from launching innovative programs to acquiring a new headquarters that will enhance our ability to serve the community. Thank you for standing with us as we continue this journey to empower individuals and foster a thriving Silicon Valley. Read on to discover the highlights of 2024 and our plans for the year ahead.
With gratitude,
Christopher Baker, CEO
2024: A Year of Impactful Milestones
In 2024, Goodwill of Silicon Valley achieved remarkable progress, driven by the generosity of our community and the dedication of our team. Here’s a closer look at the milestones that defined our year:
Economic Impact
Our retail, e-commerce, and aftermarket operations generated $48.7 million in revenue, supporting an average of 450 employees. Of these, 100 team members were actively enrolled in career development training at any given time, gaining skills to build brighter futures. Additionally, we invested $7.9 million in our Mission Services, funded by $5.7 million in grant income and $2.2 million from our social enterprise activities. These funds powered programs that provided job training, housing support, and reentry services, creating pathways to economic independence.
Environmental Sustainability
Sustainability is at the heart of our mission. In 2024, we achieved an impressive 80% landfill diversion rate by reselling, repurposing, or reusing nearly all donated items. This effort diverted an estimated 35 million pounds of materials from local landfills, reducing the environmental footprint of Silicon Valley and promoting a circular economy.
Uplifting Lives and Careers
Our programs transformed lives by addressing diverse needs and empowering individuals to overcome barriers. Key achievements include:
- Justice System Reintegration: Through our NOW program, 181 individuals recently released from the criminal justice system completed training, with 118 securing permanent employment.
- Supporting the Unhoused: Our STRIVE (SJ Bridge) program placed 83 unhoused individuals into emergency interim housing. Of the 64 who completed the program, 28 secured permanent employment.
- Rental Apprenticeship Program: We launched our first registered retail apprenticeship, enrolling 23 employees to develop long-term career skills.
- Veteran Assistance: 61 veterans and their families received support to prevent or overcome homelessness.
- Special Education Training: 56 students in special education programs gained life skills and health training.
- Reentry Services: 413 formerly incarcerated individuals in county jails received services to support their successful reintegration.
- Job Placement Success: Of the 728 participants in our job training programs, 53% (485 individuals) gained employment within six months.
- Career Technical Education (CTE) Outcomes: Graduates of our CTE program earned an average wage of $23.84 per hour, setting them on a path to financial stability.
Pioneering Initiative: Goodwill Store at Elmwood Correctional Facility
In October 2024, Goodwill of Silicon Valley launched a groundbreaking initiative; the first retail store inside a correctional facility in the nation, located at the Elmwood Correctional Facility in Milpitas. This innovative program, born from a decade-long partnership with the Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office and the Reentry Resource Center, provides incarcerated individuals with hands-on workforce training.
Participants at Elmwood run the store themselves, gaining practical experience in warehousing, inventory management, logistics, and sales. These skills equip them for successful reintegration into society, reducing recidivism and fostering economic independence. The program has garnered widespread attention for its innovative approach to rehabilitation.
Media Coverage
- San Francisco Chronicle: “A Bay Area jail asked Goodwill for clothes. They set up a store and job training program instead”
- The Mercury News: “Goodwill of Silicon Valley opens new store at Elmwood Correctional Facility”
- San Jose Spotlight: “Silicon Valley nonprofit opens first store inside jail”
- ABC7: “Incarcerated women get job training, clothes for reentry in 1st-of-its-kind Bay Area Goodwill store”
- CBS News Bay Area: “Goodwill store inside South Bay jail helps inmates gain skills before re-entering society”
- KRON4: “Goodwill store at Milpitas correctional facility opens”
- FOX KTVU: “Goodwill store in South Bay jail provides women in custody retail job experience”
This initiative exemplifies our commitment to redefining second chances and leveraging community collaboration to create lasting change.
Strategic Investment: A New Headquarters for Growth
In a major milestone, Goodwill of Silicon Valley acquired a modern eight-story, 198,033-square-foot office building at 1600 Technology Drive in San Jose to serve as our new headquarters. This acquisition replaces our outdated 75-year-old warehouse on North Seventh Street, enabling us to enhance our mission through improved facilities for administrative operations, job training, and donation processing.
The new headquarters will also allow us to lease space to other nonprofit organizations, amplifying our community impact. This achievement was made possible through:
- A $10 million gift from philanthropist MacKenzie Scott in 2020, the largest single donation in our history.
- A post-COVID decline in office values, which enabled us to secure the property for $17 million.
- Unwavering community support, providing the foundation for our growth.
This strategic investment reflects our commitment to fiscal prudence and operational excellence while expanding our capacity to serve Silicon Valley.
Media Coverage
Leadership Transitions: Familiar Faces, New Roles
In 2024, we celebrated the promotion of two dedicated leaders to new roles, bringing their expertise and passion to advance our mission.
Trish Dorsey, Vice President of Community Engagement
Trish has been with Goodwill since 1996, serving in various leadership roles, including Vice President of Retail and Vice President of Mission Services for 22 years. Her leadership has driven the growth of our employment training and placement programs, tailored to meet the diverse needs of our community. In her new role, Trish will leverage her expertise in human resources, sales, fundraising, and workforce development to strengthen community partnerships and engagement.
Damon Harris, Vice President of Mission Services
Damon brings 25 years of experience in operations, program management, and community development to his new role. Previously, as Director of Operations at Goodwill, he enhanced financial and operational efficiency and led risk management efforts. His prior roles at BRIDGE Housing Corporation and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development equipped him to drive impactful workforce and economic development initiatives. Damon’s strategic leadership will further our mission to empower individuals through innovative programs.
Upcoming Events: Join Us in 2025
We invite you to join us for exciting events that combine shopping, support, and celebration:
- April 20, 2025: Easter Day Sale – Hop into savings at our stores!
- May 2, 2025: Grand Opening of Our Outlet Store at 1685 Tully Road, San Jose. Doors open at 10:00 AM.
- May 25, 2025: Memorial Day Sale – Don’t miss out on great deals!
- Late Summer 2025: Ribbon Cutting Ceremony and Tour of New HQ Facility at 1600 Technology Drive. Stay tuned for details as we relocate our operations, expected to be fully operational by August or September.
Ways to Support Our Mission
Your support is the backbone of our work. By donating and shopping at Goodwill, you fund vital programs that empower individuals to achieve economic independence while reducing landfill waste and easing the burden on public resources. Here’s how you can make a difference:
Donation Needs
- Men’s Clothing: We urgently need men’s clothing to support a store within the men’s facility at Elmwood Correctional Facility, directly impacting individuals on their path to independence.
- Shoes & Books: These high-demand items provide essential resources and support lifelong learning.
- One-Time or Monthly Donations: Every dollar sustains our programs and expands our impact. Learn more about donating here.
Why It Matters
Donating is a simple yet powerful way to give back. Your pre-loved goods create opportunities for job training, reentry support, and housing assistance, helping individuals achieve self-sufficiency. Together, we’re building a more inclusive, sustainable, and thriving Silicon Valley.
Looking Ahead: Our Vision for 2025
As we move into 2025, Goodwill of Silicon Valley is poised for even greater impact. Our new headquarters, innovative programs like the Elmwood store, and dedicated leadership team position us to expand our reach and deepen our commitment to empowering individuals. With your continued support, we’ll continue to transform lives, promote sustainability, and foster a stronger community.
Thank you for being part of our mission to improve lives in Silicon Valley by empowering people to achieve independence and reach their potential through education, employment, and personal development.