Goodwill Opens Its Second Opportunity Center in Wichita

On Monday evening, community members, partners, and supporters gathered at 4720 S. Seneca in Wichita to celebrate a milestone moment for Goodwill Industries of Kansas, the opening of its new Opportunity Center.

This marks the second Opportunity Center in Wichita and the first in Kansas designed specifically to provide transitional employment and hands-on training for people who want to build skills, gain confidence, and move toward long-term success.

The evening buzzed with excitement as guests toured the new facility, enjoyed refreshments, and listened to remarks from community leaders and Goodwill representatives. Wichita Mayor Lily Wu, Sedgwick County Commissioner Jeff Blubaugh, and Kansas Representative Tom Kessler joined Goodwill President & CEO Laura Ritterbush in sharing words of support before the ribbon cutting with the Wichita Chamber of Commerce.

Leading the new center is Marcus Johnson, recipient of Goodwill Industries International’s 2025 Carol & Tommy Moore Veteran of the Year award. Marcus joined Goodwill more than two years ago after experiencing homelessness. Starting as a Fabricator I, he worked his way up through determination, mentorship, and by applying the leadership skills he developed during his military service.

“Seeing Marcus in this leadership role is inspiring,” said Ritterbush. “He represents the mission of Goodwill, showing what’s possible when someone is given the chance to work, learn, and grow.”

The new Opportunity Center will focus on manufacturing and assembly work in partnership with local businesses, creating meaningful employment opportunities for individuals who may face barriers to traditional employment. Each job is backed by Goodwill’s wraparound support services, helping employees overcome challenges with transportation, childcare, housing, and more.

Funding for the center came in part from purchases made at local Goodwill retail stores, along with generous contributions from Bank of America, IMA, INTRUST Bank, Wichita Metro Crime Commission, The Wichita Foundation, Colby Sandlian, and Paul and Virginia Treadwell.

As the ribbon fell and applause filled the air, it was clear this wasn’t just the opening of a new facility, it was the start of something bigger. A place where people can gain real work experience, build confidence, and take the next step toward a brighter future.

Goodwill’s Opportunity Centers are built on a simple, but powerful belief: work has the power to change lives.

About Goodwill Industries of Kansas, Inc.
As a local 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, Goodwill Industries of Kansas (GWKS) believes in the power of work to change lives. GWKS gives Kansans with disabilities and employment barriers the tools to build brighter futures for themselves and their families. Through employment, education, and training, we champion the promise of what’s possible for every person in our community. In addition, adults work toward their high school diploma and other certificate programs through NexStep Alliance, a partnership between Goodwill and WSU Tech. More than 4,500 Kansans receive services through Goodwill each year. These programs are supported by 20 retail stores in Kansas, along with an e-commerce platform: shopgoodwill.com/ks.