Goodwill Industries of Kansas is proud to announce the acquisition of former Disabled American Veterans (DAV) locations in Wichita. This opportunity aligns with Goodwill’s commitment to empower and serve targeted areas of need within the community while offering a lifeline to an organization facing hardship.
“DAV has been an unwavering cornerstone of community support for our Veterans,” said Laura Ritterbush, President/CEO of Goodwill Industries of Kansas. “As we step into this new chapter, it’s vital for us to ensure that the legacy of serving our Veterans continues.”
In completing the deal, Goodwill recognizes the essential role that DAV plays in supporting the Veteran community through the operation of its thrift stores and ensures DAV can continue providing its services in this area.
“DAV is pleased to have a strong, local nonprofit partner like Goodwill involved in a successful resolution to this challenge,” said Ed Hartman, Inspector General of the DAV, expressing his support. “Goodwill’s acquisition of these thrift store properties will guarantee that the Wichita community continues to benefit from access to gently used goods and convenient donation locations. DAV remains committed to Veterans in the Wichita area and will reinvest the proceeds from the sale in services for Wichita-area Veterans and their families.”
“We believe meaningful employment transforms lives, and this opportunity aligns with our mission to provide job opportunities for everyone,” said Ritterbush.
Goodwill has connected with former DAV staff to offer employment opportunities to facilitate a seamless transition and uphold the community’s expectations. Several of those individuals have joined our team and are playing vital roles in our retail operations. We employ over 660 people across our organization and 404 people across all the local retail operations.
Karen, a former DAV manager, is one of those individuals. “The whole situation (with DAV) happened so fast. I’m just grateful Goodwill reached out and helped me get back to work so quickly,” she said.
We started our retail operations in 1957 and currently operate 18 stores and two e-commerce platforms in the greater Wichita area. We anticipate opening a remodeled location by the Summer of 2024 and, in alignment with our commitment to Veterans and their welfare, will launch a special initiative.
For the first three months following the opening, all “roundup” donations made at the register will be dedicated directly to Veteran services and support in Kansas.
“At Goodwill, we believe in the power of community, and with this initiative, we aim to positively impact the lives of those who’ve served our country,” said Ritterbush.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to our customers and donors for their continued support and eagerly anticipate serving the community from our new location soon.
The seller was represented by Alex Ibarra, CCIM, and Brett Gehrer, J.P. Weigand & Sons, Inc. and Kameron Rich, CCIM ReeceNichols South Central Kansas represented the buyer, Goodwill Industries of Kansas.
For those interested in employment they can apply here.
Financial terms of the deal will not be disclosed.
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