At some point in our lives, most of us have tossed a stone into a lake, pond, or river to and watch the pattern of small circular waves expand from the center. One after another, each ripple grows larger and larger as it moves across the water. The entire surface can be changed from the impact of a single stone.
 
The ripple effect symbolizes the mission of Goodwill at work in our community. 
 
A single donation supports the education and training programs that help hundreds of people find employment. An opportunity to become self-sufficient through work transforms a person’s life, creating positive energy that flows outward, touching family, friends, and community. A simple philosophy of providing people “not charity, but a chance” reverberates into a century-strong organization with more than 200 independent organizations in over 24 countries and the world’s largest employer of people with disabilities and other challenges.
 
The ripple effect also represents growth and expansion. 
 
Through generous community support, a steadfast vision, and a mission that is needed now more than ever, Goodwill of Middle Georgia has continued to expand our programs and services for those needing a “hand up” and a new career path.
 
This year, Helms Career Institute has emerged as an innovative education and training model, combining traditional job training programs, new industry-specific courses, intensive case management services, and applied learning opportunities in Goodwill businesses. As this visionary model matures, Helms Career Institute will become Goodwill’s first accredited post-secondary career college, granting certificates, diplomas, and eventually Associate’s degrees.
 
Now, we look back at a year of achievements that will inspire positive waves of change, and glimpse forward to new human and economic development initiatives. What has been accomplished and what will be built is not possible without generous donor support. 
 
The ripple effect also represents change that touches each of us.
 
I ask each of you to consider this ripple effect in your life, and how you can lift up individuals and families in your own sphere of influence in 2010.   In turn, they will “pay it forward,” and the sphere of influence will grow exponentially to positively inspire a multitude of God’s children to dream big as they strive to discover and develop their gifts.
 
Thank you for the ways you are a catalyst for goodwill in Middle Georgia.
 
In goodwill,
James K. Stiff
 
Jim Stiff has been President and CEO of Goodwill Industries of Middle Georgia since 1994.   Under his visionary leadership, in the past five years, Goodwill has placed more than 5,200 people into jobs which have generated over $100 million of new payroll purchasing power in our community.