Goodwill Industries–Big Bend Inc. today launched an innovative project that will support and strengthen Tallahassee families, with the grand opening of the Fred G. Shelfer, Jr. Prosperity Center. A one-of-a-kind community resource, the Prosperity Center is designed to help Tallahassee residents lead healthy, financially sound and productive lives.
“Goodwill continually looks for ways to give back to the community,” said Fred Shelfer, CEO and President of Goodwill Industries–Big Bend Inc. “With this new Prosperity Center, we will be able to give back and support more families on their path to self-sufficient and prosperous lifestyles.”
The Prosperity Center, at 300 Mabry Street in Tallahassee, opened its doors to the public with a formal ribbon cutting and public tours. Tallahassee City Commissioner Nancy Miller and other local dignitaries participated in the grand opening, which was made possible through a partnership between Goodwill and the city.
“We are proud to partner with Goodwill in an effort to help citizens in Tallahassee improve their quality of life,” said Tallahassee Mayor John Marks. “The Prosperity Center is the result of a vision that we had two years ago to create a place for at-risk youth, homeless individuals and dislocated workers to obtain services that will have a meaningful and long-term impact on their lives.”
The Prosperity Center’s programs focus on personal wellness, music education, and financial and family strengthening services. Members may participate in music classes, youth mentoring, one on one financial mentoring and budgeting classes, and fitness and wellness programs. The Center will start offering its services June 9 and it will be open Monday-Friday 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Interested individuals may call 850-576-7145 and ask for the Prosperity Center. They will then be scheduled to meet with a Prosperity Center staff member to arrange services.
The fitness facility will charge a $10 monthly fee to use the fitness equipment, participate in classes such as Zumba, yoga and self-defense classes as well as work individually with a fitness representative who will help determine the best mix of exercises to improve overall health.
The Prosperity Center also houses a large musical instruction hall. Dr. Julian White, Goodwill’s Director of Musical Outreach and a former marching band director at Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, will lead a band made up of Center members. The band rehearsal hall is equipped with musical instruments and with practice rooms to allow for weekly rehearsals. In order to join the band, interested individuals must commit to attending the practice schedule and to participating in scheduled performances. Interested members will complete an application and be chosen among the group of applicants.
In addition to the programs to help residents become healthier and happier, the Center has a family and financial strengthening services program. All financial services are free and open to the community. Services include financial advice, education and tools to help members learn how to spend money responsibly and be financially independent. The Center promotes positive youth development by offering mentoring programs for young people. Brandon Peterson, Goodwill’s GoodGuides® Youth Mentorship Program director, will lead the nationally recognized youth mentoring program GoodGuides.
Through the sale of donated items, Goodwill is able to provide programs for people with disabilities and barriers to employment. The Prosperity Center is the newest program offered to the community through funds raised from the sale of donations.
Goodwill Industries-Big Bend, Inc. is a 501(c)3 non-profit; Goodwill’s mission is to provide job training, education, and employment to people with disabilities and other barriers to employment, helping them reach their fullest potential in supporting themselves and their families. Goodwill also provides barrier-free apartment complexes in which people with disabilities can live independently.