Goodwill Industries-Big Bend, Inc. today opened its new 15,000 square-foot store located on the corner of Mabry and Pensacola streets.

This new store will be the largest with 12,000 square feet of retail space and 3,000 square feet of processing space. The goal was to create a more visible location for the building, so the new corner lot was chosen just down the road from Goodwill’s Administration Offices and Career Training Center on Mabry street. Customers will receive a clean, refreshed shopping experience.

“We have always been deeply committed to our community and creating a prosperous future for community members,” said Fred Shelfer, CEO of Goodwill Industries – Big Bend, Inc., “This new store allows us to further our mission through the job creation provided by the new store, and the space that is freed up in the old store for other opportunities.”

By moving the location of the store and processing area, Goodwill is able to convert the old space, into a new Prosperity Center and this center is in partnership with the City of Tallahassee.  The Prosperity Center will assist low-income adults in improving their income earning potential and moving toward family sustaining wages. Visitors to the Prosperity Center will receive an evaluation of emergency needs, intensive budget analysis, and development of specific income goals, financial literacy training and ongoing financial guidance on site.

Additionally, Goodwill will add a Wellness Center and a Music Center to house the new Goodwill band.

“We are proud to stand with our supporters and celebrate this new store which equals economic growth, job creation and improved lives,” Shelfer said.

“Goodwill Industries has been a strong partner in the Tallahassee community and we congratulate them on the grand opening of the new store,” said Tallahassee Mayor John Marks.  “In addition, the City of Tallahassee is proud to collaborate with Goodwill on the upcoming Prosperity Center, which will bring new skills, opportunities, and, most importantly, jobs to our community.”

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.