People of Progress had been struggling to continue providing safety net and connectivity services to the community.
In the last five years its government grants decreased by 75% and thrift store sales decreased by 54%. Despite increasing support from local donors and despite reorganizing and downsizing – it became unlikely that their programs would continue.
This situation did not go unnoticed. Goodwill Industries of Sacramento Valley and Northern Nevada has stepped up to adopt POP’s store, providing major assistance that will ensure services will continue to help over 14,000 people each year. They have analyzed POP’s thrift store and plan to bring sales up to pre-recession levels.
The store will be closed until late July to remodel and re-stock. A grand opening is planned for July 25th .
More information will be available closer to that date.
With Goodwill’s expertise and resources, combined with continued community support, POP’s food bank and resource center will now be able to continue to provide services.
Melinda Brown, POP Executive Director notes that, “The People of Progress Board of Directors and staff look forward to this partnership and to where it will lead. As we stabilize, we will look for ways to expand our services. POP’s long-stated mission is changing lives and strengthening our community in a spirit of goodwill. Goodwill’s mission parallels our own and now we are on this path together.”
Goodwill’s CEO Joseph Mendez states that, “People of Progress’ services are essential to Shasta County and their store is pretty unusual. Unlike most nonprofit thrift stores, the POP store is integral to the organization’s actual survival, not just raising additional funds for certain programs. In additional, their clients receive clothing and other goods directly from their inventory.”
“We know that the survival of POP’s services is vitally important to the community and we are excited to enter into this relationship. It’s a new role for Goodwill; however, both of our organizations missions are to serve people facing barriers. This is a good fit.”
From press release
