[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1002]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   RECOGNIZING GOODWILL INDUSTRIES OF ORANGE COUNTY FOR 100 YEARS OF 
                                SERVICE

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. J. LUIS CORREA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, October 1, 2024

  Mr. CORREA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Goodwill 
Industries of Orange County for a century of service to our community.
  Reverend John Winterbourne, determined to assist his community, 
founded Goodwill Industries of Orange County in 1924. Winterbourne's 
own home housed the first clothing repair shop, but it was later moved 
to a rented home on Logan Street in Santa Ana.
  At the time, the Goodwill model revolved around repairing damaged 
goods for resale and hiring individuals with disabilities. In 1946, the 
``As is Lot'' location opened next door to the main repair shop in 
Santa Ana. This ``As is Lot'' location focused on selling items that 
were not sold in stores to then sell by the pound. The Santa Ana 
marketplace became the blueprint for every Goodwill store across the 
country; they would all adopt the same business model and mission 
statement.
  Since its opening, the store has become a leader in strengthening the 
workforce of Orange County. In 1992, the Deaf Services program was 
launched to provide Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing participants the skills 
needed to become independent at their homes, schools, and jobs. The 
Supported Employment program, which provides job preparation and 
placement services, Goodwill Industries of OC has continued to provide 
employment services for people with developmental disabilities.
  Today, Goodwill of OC continues its impact through career development 
opportunities to ensure the success of their employees. In 2022, they 
unveiled the Training Center for Success that is designed to provide 
hands-on training to support the growth of their employees' skills. The 
program offers customized work simulations to its employees and trains 
individuals facing unemployment. Just last year, the Career Pathways 
Program launched a partnership with Goodwill OC to provide their 
employees with personalized career guidance to support their career 
growth.
  From career development to disability programs, Goodwill Industries 
of OC has continued to serve employees and their families for the past 
100 years. I call on my colleagues to join me in thanking Goodwill 
Industries of OC for its dedication to the success of our community.

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