Goodwill Industries of Kansas purchased property to open its 19th retail store and donation center. It will also feature a dedicated space for day services and job training for people with developmental disabilities. The property is located north of the Heartland Credit Union on South Kansas Avenue, just south of Walmart. The 2.5 acre lot is currently used for agriculture and zoned as commercial. Ron Harder, RE/MAXX Associate, owned the property and served as broker for the purchase, finalized on October 8, 2015. Goodwill’s President and CEO, Emily Compton, represented the agency.
The new location will provide full and part time employment to 20-25 individuals, with preference for those with employment barriers. The location will accept and sell donations in a newly constructed building designed by Schaefer Johnson Cox Frey Architecture. In addition, it will serve as a second day services program center for adults with developmental disabilities who will develop skills while working in the store. Currently, Goodwill is at capacity for the program at its location at 3351 N. Webb Road in Wichita, Kan. with 100 participants. This program is just one of many Goodwill provides in the community.
“We heard over and over again from shoppers and caregivers of adults with developmental disabilities that they wanted us to come to Newton,” said Emily Compton, President/CEO of Goodwill Industries of Kansas. “The land in the southern portion is ideal for Goodwill because of the growth in that area, and easy access for our customers and program participants.”
While planning is still underway, Goodwill plans to break ground in spring 2016 and host a grand opening in the fall.
About Goodwill Industries of Kansas, Inc. As a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, Goodwill Industries of Kansas provides opportunities for people with disabilities and barriers to employment seeking independent and productive lives. Hundreds of people with disabilities receive case management services and develop life and job skills through employment at Goodwill’s home office and in the community. Whether it be recycling donated items or preparing insulation for local aviation manufacturers, Goodwill clients and employees have found success and become more independent through work in our contracts division. More than 400 adults work toward their GED and other certificate programs through the NexStep Alliance, a partnership between Goodwill and Wichita Area Technical College. These programs are supported by 18 retail stores and an ecommerce store in Kansas. For more information about Goodwill, visit goodwillks.org.
For media inquires, please email us.
First Name
Email Address
