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Shoppers cite DIY options and sustainability efforts as top reasons to shop Goodwill NCW

Consumers are expected to spend a record-high $13.5 billion on Halloween this year, according to the National Retail Federation’s (NRF) annual survey conducted by Prosper Insights & Analytics. That’s more than last year's projected $13.1 billion. While the holiday remains popular, consumers will be shopping with affordability in mind and Goodwill North Central Wisconsin (NCW) allows shoppers to be creative on a budget.

Annual Goodwill Starts With You! Gala shares success stories and impact

Goodwill North Central Wisconsin (NCW) held its fourth annual Goodwill Starts With You! Gala event Wednesday, October 7. The evening brought together community members and local leaders in the Atrium at Lambeau Field to celebrate the lives changed through Goodwill NCW’s mission, thanks to our communities’ generous donations that power possibilities and transform lives. Inspiring stories and data showing the impact Goodwill NCW has on the communities it serves were shared throughout the evening.

Guests will experience a night of inspiration and impact.

Goodwill North Central Wisconsin (NCW) will host its 4th annual Goodwill Starts with You! Gala on Wednesday, October 7, at the Lambeau Field Atrium, with this year's theme, "Powering Possibilities." Approximately 700 guests, including local community leaders and government dignitaries, will hear powerful stories from individuals who overcame barriers through Goodwill NCW Employment Services programs and transform their lives.

Throughout September, Goodwill North Central Wisconsin (NCW) will recognize National Workforce Development Month. The National Association of Workforce Development Professionals established Workforce Development Month to recognize the significant impact workforce development programs have had in rebuilding our economy, building a pipeline to good, quality jobs and supporting underserved communities.

August gives shoppers a way to enjoy the hunt and make an impact

August 17 is recognized as National Thrift Shop Day and Goodwill North Central Wisconsin (NCW) will make it a month-long secondhand celebration. Customers can continue to enjoy the “thrill of the hunt” like they do all year round, but will also encounter special “thrift month” promotions. Even better, while they search for unique, one-of-a-kind items, they will be supporting job programs that help individuals learn skills that can put them on a path to sustained employment and improved financial stability.

Consumers can stay on budget year-round at Goodwill NCW

Getting an early jump on back-to-school shopping continues to be a trend in north central Wisconsin and nationwide. According to an annual survey from the National Retail Federation and Proper Insights, 62% of back-to-school shoppers started their shopping in early July. Still, many consumers (46%) are still waiting for the “best deals” as affordability remains a top concern.

Earns third straight Northeast Wisconsin Top Workplace award

Goodwill North Central Wisconsin (NCW) has been awarded the 2026 Northeast Wisconsin Top Workplaces honor by Gannett Satellite Information Network — the third consecutive year receiving this recognition based on team member feedback. The honor follows Goodwill NCW's recent selection as a 2026 New North Workplace Excellence Award winner, which recognizes organizations that leverage people practices to drive business success.

Baseball league for young people with disabilities starts its season on June 8

Opening day for the Miracle League of the Fox Valley, a program of Goodwill North Central Wisconsin (NCW), is Monday, June 8. The league is entering its 15th season and will run for eight weeks beginning in June, with 240 players expected to participate this year.

Eight interns graduated on May 29, 2026, from Goodwill North Central Wisconsin's Project SEARCH site at Ascension Mercy Hospital in Oshkosh, a nine-month program that prepares people with disabilities to enter the workforce.

Intensive internship program prepares people with disabilities for work

On May 27, Goodwill North Central Wisconsin (NCW) will celebrate seven interns graduating from its Project SEARCH program at ThedaCare Regional Medical Center-Appleton.

Goodwill NCW program helps people upskill for in-demand careers

Every year, during the first full week of May, Goodwill organizations worldwide celebrate Goodwill Week. This year in Wisconsin, Governor Tony Evers made it official, proclaiming May 3-9, 2026 as Goodwill Week. Goodwill North Central Wisconsin (NCW) is one of over 150 different Goodwill agencies and our local mission is “Elevating People by Eliminating Barriers to Employment.” A prime example of that endeavor is the Career EXCELerate program which saw its latest cohort receive their educational certificates on May 4.

Goodwill NCW workforce training program to continue and expand

On May 4, Goodwill North Central Wisconsin (NCW) and Fox Valley Technical College will celebrate the latest cohort of students to earn educational certificates through the Career EXCELerate program. Individuals receiving certificates will be supported by faculty, friends and family. In addition, program leaders from Goodwill NCW will be on hand to talk about the success of the grant and address the future of the program.

Like many in our area, we have seen the impact of severe weather in our local community. Families, neighbors and small businesses are navigating very real challenges right now.

Donation drive with KISS FM to commemorate Earth Day

This year for Earth Day, April 22, earthday.org has selected the theme of “Our Power, Our Planet”, stating that, “Local systems continue implementing solutions that strengthen energy reliability, conserve resources, and reduce risk…” Goodwill North Central Wisconsin (NCW) will support and commemorate Earth Day with a “donation drive”, in partnership with Woodward Media, on April 25.

Highlights programs that can help individuals on their financial journey

April is National Financial Literacy month. According to jumpstart.org, “Financial Literacy Month is a nationwide, collaborative endeavor marked by a variety of activities and events across the country and throughout the month of April.” Goodwill North Central Wisconsin (NCW) will be contributing to this movement by participating in Money Smart Week – Fox Cities, a public awareness initiative with the goal of helping individuals build their financial knowledge for people of all ages and income levels offering workshop

Goodwill North Central Wisconsin (Goodwill NCW) has appointed Kayla Countney as Partnerships and Development Manager, a newly created role focused on strengthening community partnerships and expanding philanthropic support for its mission of Elevating People by Eliminating Barriers to Employment across north central Wisconsin.

Goodwill North Central Wisconsin (NCW) recently elected new members to its volunteer board of directors.

League welcomes all to play ball

Registration is now open for the Miracle League of the Fox Valley, a program of Goodwill North Central Wisconsin (NCW), that offers individuals ages four–nineteen with disabilities the opportunity to play baseball in an organized, non-competitive league on a safe, accessible baseball field.

The arrival of a new year, for many, means new goals. Millions make New Year's Resolutions, as the turning of the calendar can signify a fresh start. One way to start with a clean slate is to get organized. It just so happens that January has been declared “National Get Organized Month”, and Goodwill North Central Wisconsin (NCW) is ready to join in and help individuals embrace it. Did you know there are plenty of benefits to decluttering your life?

During a visit with Wisconsin state Governor Tony Evers, Wisconsin Representative Lee Snodgrass, and City of Menasha Mayor Austin Hammond, Goodwill North Central Wisconsin (NCW) announced the continuation and expansion of their newest innovative workforce development program, Career EXCELerate Wisconsin. The program provides training to those with barriers to employment, offering a variety of career pathways along with wrap-around personalized care to ensure successful completion and employment upon graduation.

Supported by a WI Workforce Innovation Grant, students earn free certificates to launch in-demand careers

On December 11, Career EXCELerate™ Wisconsin celebrated its latest cohort of students to earn certificates through the collaborative program operated in partnership with Goodwill North Central Wisconsin (NCW), Fox Valley Technical College and Rawhide Youth Services. Rawhide President and CEO, Alan Loux; and WEDC Deputy Secretary/COO, Sam Rikkers, presented during the Winter 2025 ceremony.

The National Retail Federation (NRF) forecasts that holiday spending is expected to reach $1 trillion for the first time during the winter holidays. NRF’s latest holiday survey, conducted by Prosper Insights & Analytics, found consumers plan to spend just over $890 per person on average on core holiday items including gifts, decorations, food and other holiday-related purchases this year.

On Tuesday, December 2, Goodwill North Central Wisconsin (NCW) will join millions by participating in the global generosity movement known as Giving Tuesday. Through its mission, Goodwill NCW makes it easy to make an impact locally. Our communities’ generous donations and purchases fuel programs for individuals who have a goal of learning new skills to achieve sustained employment and improved financial stability.

On November 11, Americans will honor the men and women who have served our country. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2024, more than 17 million men and women in the United States are veterans. As military veterans return to civilian life, the need for coordinated job services for this population is critical to support their re-integration.

Shoppers cite DIY options and Sustainability efforts as top reasons to shop Goodwill NCW

Early Halloween shopping continues to be a trend and prices are top of mind for consumers. However, shoppers do not have to let spending numbers frighten away their fun as buying secondhand at all Goodwill North Central Wisconsin (NCW) stores can keep them on budget.

Third annual Goodwill Starts With You! Gala highlights success stories

Often the site of amazing comebacks, stories of perseverance were on display yesterday, October 1, as Goodwill North Central Wisconsin (Goodwill NCW) held their annual Goodwill Starts With You! Gala event. Community leaders from across the region were invited to the Atrium at Lambeau Field to hear accounts of those whose lives have been and are being transformed throughout north central Wisconsin through Goodwill NCW’s mission.

Inspiring stories will take center stage in the Lambeau Field Atrium

The third annual Goodwill Starts with You! Gala, presented by Capital Credit Union, returns to the Lambeau Field Atrium October 1. Nearly 700 guests, including local community leaders and government dignitaries are expected to attend. They will hear inspiring stories from individuals who were able to overcome barriers through Goodwill NCW programs and change their lives. In addition, guests will see the data exemplifying the community impact created from these outcomes.

Throughout September, Goodwill North Central Wisconsin (NCW) is celebrating the 20th year of recognizing National Workforce Development Month. This month highlights the hard work and significant impact made by workforce professionals in advancing national and local economies.

Inspiring stories will take center stage in the Lambeau Field Atrium

The third annual Goodwill Starts with You! Gala, presented by Capital Credit Union, returns to the Lambeau Field Atrium October 1. Nearly 700 guests are expected to attend. They will hear inspiring stories from individuals who were able to overcome barriers through Goodwill NCW programs and change their lives. In addition, guests will see the data exemplifying the community impact created from these outcomes.

August gives shoppers secondhand options, and a way to enjoy the hunt and make an impact

On August 17, Goodwill North Central Wisconsin (NCW) will recognize National Thrift Shop Day, by celebrating the entire month of August, where our customers can enjoy the “thrill of the hunt” and search our stores for unique and one-of-a kind items every day. While on their “treasure hunts”, they will also be supporting job programs that help individuals learn skills that can put them on a path to sustained employment and improved financial stability.

Shoppers can find budget-friendly deals on school items at Goodwill North Central Wisconsin

Across north central Wisconsin and beyond, back-to-school and back-to-college spending has begun. Out of concern for rising prices, two-thirds (67%) of back-to-school shoppers had already begun purchasing items for the upcoming school year as of early July, according to the annual survey by the National Retail Federation and Prosper Insights & Analytics. That’s up from 55% last year and is the highest since NRF started tracking early shopping in 2018.

Goodwill North Central Wisconsin (NCW) is proud to announce that it has earned the prestigious 2025 USA TODAY Top Workplaces award. The award honors organizations with 150 or more employees that have created exceptional, people-first cultures. This year, more than 42,000 organizations were invited to participate. The winners are recognized for their commitment to fostering a workplace environment that values employee listening and engagement.

New Bellevue location open

Goodwill North Central Wisconsin (NCW), is proud to announce the Grand Opening of its newest Donation Center in Bellevue. This location joins 27 stores and donation centers and one outlet store in Wisconsin, from La Crosse to Eau Claire to Green Bay, the Fox Valley, Manitowoc and in between.

Baseball league for young people with disabilities starts its season on June 9

Opening day for Miracle League of the Fox Valley, a program of Goodwill North Central Wisconsin (Goodwill NCW), is Monday, June 9. Miracle League offers children and teens with disabilities the opportunity to play baseball in an organized, non-competitive league on a safe, accessible baseball field.

Intensive internship program in Oshkosh hospital prepares people with disabilities for work

On May 30, Goodwill of North Central Wisconsin (Goodwill NCW) celebrated the 6 interns who graduated from its Project SEARCH site at Ascension Mercy Hospital in Oshkosh.

On May 22, Goodwill of North Central Wisconsin (Goodwill NCW) will celebrate eight interns graduating from its Project SEARCH site at ThedaCare Regional Medical Center-Appleton.

Supported by a WI Workforce Innovation Grant, students, state dignitaries, Presidents and CEOs gather for ceremony

On May 16, Career EXCELerate Wisconsin will celebrate more than 65 students who earned educational certificates through the collaborative program operated in partnership with Goodwill North Central Wisconsin (Goodwill NCW), Fox Valley Technical College and Rawhide Youth Services. The program began in summer 2022 with support from a Workforce Innovation Grant from the state of Wisconsin.

Goodwill NCW helps people secure jobs, advance careers and transform their lives

Every year during the first full week of May, Goodwill organizations worldwide celebrate Goodwill Week. The observance raises awareness about Goodwill’s mission.

With success, WI Workforce Innovation Grant that supports program extended

On March 7, Career EXCELerate Wisconsin celebrated reaching a significant milestone of 200 participants employed. Since its beginning in 2022, with support from a Workforce Innovation Grant from the state of Wisconsin, students enroll to earn educational certificates through this collaborative program operated in partnership with Goodwill North Central Wisconsin (NCW), Fox Valley Technical College and Rawhide Youth Services.