This highly anticipated store features a 17,500-square-foot sales floor within a 36,000-square-foot total footprint, providing ample room for a spacious shopping experience as well as efficient donation processing and warehousing operations. The new Moon Township location will bring substantial economic benefits to the local community—creating over 50 new jobs, which represents more than $600,000 in annual payroll reinvested into Moon Township and generating an estimated $7.5 million in total economic impact. These new jobs also directly support Goodwill’s mission to provide workforce development opportunities and create pathways to economic mobility for local residents.

The store also includes a convenient drive-through donation door at the front of the building. Donors can simply pull up without leaving their vehicle and will be greeted by a friendly Goodwill team member ready to assist with unloading donations.

The Moon Township Goodwill reflects the organization’s ongoing commitment to sustainability by utilizing a third-generation building—formerly a Kuhn’s Market and later a Big Lots. Repurposing and revitalizing this existing space reduces environmental impact while bringing new life to a key property within the community.

As the most innovative Goodwill location in the Southwestern Pennsylvania region to date, the store incorporates AI-assisted technology to help process donations more effectively and efficiently, allowing Goodwill to refresh the sales floor faster and better than ever before. Shoppers can expect 5,000 new items added daily, including both donated goods and brand-new overstock merchandise from major retailers.

Customers will enjoy a modern, updated shopping environment, designed to elevate the thrifting experience. The store also features a community room available for neighborhood meetings, gatherings, and Goodwill programs and services.

“We are thrilled to bring our largest Goodwill store yet to Moon Township,” said Monique McIntosh, President & CEO of Goodwill of Southwestern Pennsylvania. “This new location represents the future of Goodwill—where innovation, sustainability, and community impact come together. With the support of this generous community, we can strengthen our mission and expand economic mobility for people in need across our region with our workforce development efforts. We look forward to welcoming shoppers to our newest Goodwill store and donation center.”

Grand opening festivities will run from 10:00 a.m. to noon and include photos with Santa from 10:30 to 11:30, holiday music from a local DJ, Goodwill freebies, and the first 100 shoppers will receive a FREE Goodwill tote bag. Shoppers will discover an incredible selection of pre-loved treasures as well as brand-new overstock items from big box retailers—perfect for holiday shopping.

Regular operating hours for the Moon Township Goodwill store will be: Monday–Thursday: 10:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m. Friday–Sunday: 10:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m.

For a full listing of Goodwill SWPA stores, visit goodwillswpa.org/goodwill-stores.

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The event brought together community leaders, elected officials, and residents to mark the opening of the new center, which will serve as a hub for career services, workforce training, and essential community resources.

Speakers included:

• Sarah Innamorato, Allegheny County Executive
• Senator Wayne D. Fontana, Pennsylvania State Senate
• Monique McIntosh, President & CEO, Goodwill of Southwestern PA
• Richard Stephenson, Executive Director, Allegheny County Housing Authority
• Dr. Beverly Moore, Deputy Executive Director, Allegheny County Housing Authority
• Dontez Ford, community member and program participant, who shared his personal success story about overcoming barriers and building a better future

“The McKees Rocks Opportunity Center is a powerful example of Goodwill’s mission in action, creating pathways to opportunity, dignity, and hope,” said Monique McIntosh, President & CEO of Goodwill SWPA. “By meeting people where they are and working alongside partners like the Allegheny County Housing Authority, we are removing barriers to employment, education, and essential services. Together, we are helping more families thrive and building stronger, more resilient neighborhoods.”

The McKees Rocks Opportunity Center connects residents to:

• Career coaching and job placement support
• Skills training and workforce development programs
• Access to education, housing, and family support services

The new center is part of Goodwill’s growing network of community-based service hubs, joining locations in Lawrenceville, the Southside, Northside, and a soon-to-open center in Morgantown, WV.

The grand opening event highlighted the impact of local collaboration and the role that Opportunity Centers play in helping individuals achieve economic mobility and long-term stability. In 2024, Goodwill of Southwestern Pennsylvania served over 21,556 individuals through their life-changing services.

For more information about the services being offered at the McKees Rocks Opportunity Center, visit goodwillswpa.org/adult-career-services.

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The winners will be celebrated during the Annual Power of Work Awards Ceremony on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, at the Carnegie Science Center.

This year’s awardees are:

• Champion Award – Kristin Ioannou, Executive Director, Pennsylvania Women Work
  Honoring C-suite leaders who champion workforce inclusion, Ioannou has expanded Pennsylvania Women Work’s programs by 40% and built partnerships with 200+ employers, helping women overcome barriers such as incarceration, recovery, and immigration challenges.
• Innovation Award – Sims School of Construction (Mr. Brian M. Sims, Sr.)
  Recognizing organizations driving new solutions, the Beaver County–based nonprofit equips underserved youth and returning citizens with trade skills, mentorship, and workforce readiness to build stable careers.
• Trailblazer Award – WIN-Spirations, Inc. (Dawn Pomaybo)
  Celebrating those pushing systemic change, WIN’s workforce programs bring digital literacy labs to underserved communities, train employers in inclusive hiring, and embed career services within Westmoreland County Drug Court—the only program of its kind in the region.

“We are thrilled to honor this year’s awardees, each of whom embodies the spirit of Goodwill’s mission,” said Monique McIntosh, President & CEO of Goodwill of Southwestern Pennsylvania. “Kristin Ioannou, Brian M Sims, Sr., and Dawn Pomaybo are not only removing barriers but also building pathways that transform lives and communities. Their leadership shows what is possible when compassion, innovation, and equity are at the center of workforce development. It is a privilege to celebrate their work and the hope they bring to others.”

About the Power of Work Awards

This year’s Power of Work Awards ceremony marks the 28^th anniversary of the recognition program. Goodwill created the Power of Work Awards program in 1997 to honor individuals, organizations, and companies that are changing lives through opportunity and inclusion in the workforce. Awards are presented in three categories: Champion, Innovation, and Trailblazer.

The 2025 Power of Work Awards Ceremony will take place on October 22, 2025, at the Carnegie Science Center. Tickets, sponsorship opportunities and event details are available at:
https://goodwillsp.givecloud.co/2025powerofworkawards

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PITTSBURGH – April 11, 2024 – Goodwill of Southwestern Pennsylvania (Goodwill SWPA) has announced that applications are open for its Give Back Program. The Give Back Program is a transformative partnership that provides retail vouchers to help meet the needs of individuals and families across Southwestern Pennsylvania and parts of West Virginia. Applications must be submitted by May 15.

Since the program’s launch in July 2021, Goodwill of Southwestern Pennsylvania and regional nonprofits in SWPA and West Virginia have worked together to eliminate barriers to opportunities and strengthen their communities. To date, the program has allocated $785,000 to 114 organizations, resulting in a direct benefit to 25,706 individuals. The Give Back program’s goal is to facilitate participants’ journey toward self-reliance and empowerment.

“The Give Back Program fosters community support through Goodwill vouchers, enabling recipients to embrace new beginnings,” said Monique McIntosh, President and Chief Executive Officer of Goodwill of Southwestern Pennsylvania.  “The vouchers can be used for things like outfitting a child for school, dressing for success in job interviews, or creating a new living space after homelessness.  “By offering these vouchers, we bolster our nonprofit partners, enabling them to address the urgent needs of the people they serve. Together, we’re dismantling barriers and fostering a more resilient, interconnected community.”

“In Fayette County, the program has been successful in supporting nonprofits like the Fayette County Community Action Agency.  In this case, a single mother of three was having a difficult time getting much-needed household items after a recent move.  The program helped her get the items the family needed without straining the family’s limited budget,” said Amy Donaldson, FCCAA Community Based Care Manager. “FCCAA is thrilled to be partnered with Goodwill for the Give Back Program. Having the ability to offer these gift cards to our clients in need is a much-needed resource. We are so thankful for this program.”

FOR NONPROFITS: HOW TO GET INVOLVED

Nonprofit organizations interested in partnering with Goodwill through the Give Back Program are encouraged to apply by visiting this link and submitting their application by 5pm on Wednesday, May 15. The selected organizations will then be given Give Back Cards, pre-loaded with $25, to be distributed to individuals and families they serve. Upon selection, organizations receive two installments of Give Back Cards, each pre-loaded with $25, to be redeemed at any Goodwill thrift store within the service territory. Partners are then equipped to distribute Give Back Cards to their participants in amounts up to $100 per household, thereby enabling individuals and families to access essential items without additional financial strain.

Existing partners must submit a new application for the current program year to continue participation and further support their communities. For more information on the Give Back Program and to apply, visit www.goodwillswpa.org/give-back.

ABOUT GOODWILL OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA 

Goodwill of Southwestern Pennsylvania is a nonprofit organization that operates a network of donation centers and thrift stores to fund vocational rehabilitation and job placement services for people with disabilities and other barriers to employment. Goodwill of Southwestern Pennsylvania offers life and work skills to help individuals develop the abilities they need to obtain and maintain jobs in the community.

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“Through this program, Goodwill is simultaneously jump-starting an effort to revive the truck-driving industry in Southwest Pennsylvania and solve the bus driver shortage, as well as providing employment opportunities to Allegheny County young adults,” said Monique McIntosh, President and CEO of Goodwill of Southwestern Pennsylvania.

The truck driver shortage has not only had a profound impact on the nation, but on the commonwealth of Pennsylvania as well. The Pennsylvania Motor Truck Association estimates that in 2023, there was a shortage of approximately 4,000 truck drivers statewide. Goodwill’s CDL program specifically targets this underrepresented age group (18-24 year olds). The program assists young adults in finding employment within the industry

Not only does Pennsylvania struggle with a statewide truck driver shortage, but a lack of school bus drivers as well. In 2023, there were nearly 3,500 unfilled school bus driver positions in the state. With more and more bus routes being canceled because of this shortage, many students and their families are unfairly being forced to find alternate forms of transportation. This past September, the 4,700-student Pittsburgh-area Baldwin-Whitehall school district experienced its own schedule disruption when a bus driver shortage forced it to cancel two consecutive days of classes after around 150 students were left without a ride to school.

“There is a tremendous need for CDL Drivers in today’s job market,” said Tiffanee Heywood, Director of YouthWorks at Goodwill of Southwestern Pennsylvania. “This impactful training program provides the skills and credentials young people can use immediately to gain employment, and provides a weekly stipend for the individuals while in training.”

The CDL Program offers the Class A license training course at the Community College of Allegheny County (CCAC), Boyce Campus, spanning a period of approximately 8 weeks. Participants gain experience truck driving and receive access to comprehensive soft skills training. Notably, successful program completion guarantees a Class A Commercial Driver’s License, as well as a paid work opportunity through YouthWorks program. This program provides personalized support to learn more about industry terminology & career opportunities, master interview skills, and establish direct connections with local employers. With a focus on job readiness, participants receive guidance for successful job searches and maintain employment. Additionally, YouthWorks offers transportation assistance, employment services, financial literacy guidance, and follow up support. To be eligible, one must be 18-24, a resident of Allegheny County, have a valid Pennsylvania Driver’s License, and be out of school. High school diplomas or GEDs are not required for eligibility.

“Goodwill gave me the stepping stones I needed to further my education and career in commercial truck driving,” added Kyah Dillard-Smart, a CDL Program graduate and current employee at Hogan Personnel. “Thanks to them I now have a full-time job on the road doing what I love!”

The Commercial Driver’s License Program’s curriculum begins with training for the Knowledge Test, mandatory for obtaining a CDL permit. The subsequent weeks immerse participants in practice maneuvering the trucks, becoming acclimated to the vehicles, and preparation for the skills road test necessary to obtain a Class A CDL. This program not only opens doors to immediate employment but also offers a career path, with opportunities for advancement in responsibility, complete with added benefits. The program is free to the Allegheny County public and incentivizes young adults to participate with a promised stipend throughout the course. Additionally, the Department of Transportation’s (DOT) prerequisite testing is paid for by Goodwill. This ensures program accessibility to a diverse range of economic backgrounds.

Those interested in enrolling or learning more can call 412-632-1742 or email cassandra.confer@goodwillswpa.org.

The CDL Program is made possible by the YouthWorks Initiative launched in 1994 by the Goodwill of Southwestern Pennsylvania. YouthWorks empowers Pittsburgh-area youth, particularly from disadvantaged communities, to unlock their full potential through career-building experiences and opportunities, fostering social and economic upward mobility for over 23,000 young individuals in southwestern Pennsylvania. Since its creation 2 years ago, the CDL program has grown and highlights the need for more career readiness programs catered to young adults.

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John Kraus, retired general counsel of Heinz North America, was elected as the new Chairperson of the Board of Directors. Mr. Kraus holds a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from the University of Michigan and a Juris Doctor degree from Case Western Reserve University. A member of Goodwill’s board since 2014, Mr. Kraus is a resident of Mars, PA.

The other recently elected board officers are: Debra Valentine-Gray, retired, Vice Chairperson; Scot Stevens, CIO and Vice President, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center and UPMC International, Secretary; Joshua Askews, VP of Finance at Allegheny Millwork, Treasurer; and Marijane Treacy, Director of Human Resources and Title IX Coordinator, North Allegheny School District, who will serve as Immediate Past Chairperson.

The newly elected directors are Daniel Bruan, Manager – Corporate FP&A, United States Steel Corporation; Laura Everhart, Associate Director, Development, School of Computer Science, Carnegie Mellon University; and Linda Ulrich, retired.

The entire list of Goodwill SWPA board members can be found at www.goodwillswpa.org.

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With this new location, Goodwill provides a convenient option for area residents to donate gently-used goods to support the organization’s mission. This is the second Donation Express Center in the greater Pittsburgh region after the Donation Express Center in Wexford opened in 2019. Additionally, Community members can drop off donations at any one of Goodwill’s 34 thrift stores.

Donations play a crucial role in supporting Goodwill’s mission of changing lives and strengthening communities. Each donation of gently-used goods dropped off at a Goodwill store and donation center is sold in one of its thrift stores. The money from those sales funds jobs training and education programs that help people with barriers to employment achieve competitive employment and independence.

“The community’s support is critical to the work we do: 1,361,017 people donated to Goodwill in 2022, which helped us serve 15,248 through our programs,” said Andrew Marano, Vice President of Donated Goods Retail. “We hope that our Donation Express Centers provide a pleasant and convenient experience for donors and that our West Liberty Donation Express becomes a regular stop for community members looking to support a great cause while saving items from the landfill.”

In 2022, Goodwill of Southwestern Pennsylvania kept over 56 million pounds of household donations out of landfills through its thrift stores and recycling efforts.

For more information – including a listing of all retail locations and donation centers – visit www.goodwillswpa.org/goodwill-stores

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“I am excited for this tremendous opportunity to lead Goodwill of Southwestern Pennsylvania,” said McIntosh. “It’s an amazing organization with a long, storied history of providing valuable services to improve the quality of life for people in our region. I am incredibly impressed with Goodwill’s well-known social enterprise model using revenue from retail stores to fund job training, address workforce access barriers, and increase family economic stability. I want the public to understand better that when they donate and shop at Goodwill SWPA, they are impacting thousands of individuals through our mission-critical services.”

Joining Goodwill SWPA from her most recent position as the Chief Program Officer of YWCA Greater Pittsburgh, McIntosh also served in various leadership capacities at the organization, including Co-Interim Chief Executive Officer and Chief Administrative Officer.  Previous to her leadership at the YWCA, she served as Urban League of Greater Pittsburgh’s Vice President of Programs and Services. In each of these roles, she expanded the reach and effectiveness of the organization.

McIntosh is a member of The Forbes Fund Advisory Council and United Way of Southwestern PA Women’s Leadership Council Diversity Work Group. She serves on the Wilkinsburg Community Development Corporation Board, where she chairs the Development Committee, and the Sixth Economic Empowerment Development Corporation Board. She also serves as an Advisory Committee member for the Homewood Community Development Collaborative and a Core Team member for the

Homewood Comprehensive Community Plan, formally adopted into the city’s Comprehensive Plan. Additionally, McIntosh is an Advisory Committee member for the University of Pittsburgh Community Engagement Center. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Pittsburgh and a Master of Education from Penn West California.

“We are thrilled to have Monique as the new leader of Goodwill of Southwestern Pennsylvania,” said Marijane Treacy, Chairperson of Goodwill SWPA’s Board of Directors. “For over 100 years, Goodwill has been a pillar of our community, and we look forward to her commitment to continuing Goodwill’s success, while forging new ways Goodwill can help our community in our next century of service.”

Succeeding Michael Smith, who retired last fall after serving as Goodwill SWPA’s President/CEO for 20 years, McIntosh will officially begin in her new role on March 1, 2023. She represents a considerable step forward for Goodwill SWPA as the first woman and person of color to lead the organization. Intentional diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging efforts at Goodwill SWPA over the past three years have led to stronger employee awareness and understanding, new community partner relationships, and elevating equity through the lens in which organizational decisions are made. Creating a culture of belonging where everyone is valued for who they are is the foundation of Goodwill SWPA’s DEIB strategy.

For more information about Goodwill of Southwestern Pennsylvania, visit www.goodwillswpa.org.

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“There’s always a slow down in donations during the winter months,” said Robert Stape, Goodwill SWPA’s Interim President/CEO. “That’s why we are making this special appeal to the public at this time.”

Donations of clothing and household items are the life-blood of Goodwill, representing well over half of the operating revenues for the diversified human services agency. Revenue from Goodwill stores support the organization’s charitable mission to provide job training and education programs that change lives. Goodwill stores also serve as a training ground for hundreds of people annually.

“Goodwill stores are important to the community in two ways,” Stape said. “Many of our customers are on very tight budgets and they rely on the stores’ low prices for their families’ needs. Also, revenue from the stores helps to sustain the programs Goodwill provides for people with employment barriers. Your donations literally help people get jobs.”

Goodwill is asking the public to take a look inside closets, attics, basements and garages and make an extra effort to donate at this time of year. The organization encourages the public to declutter houses and give a second life to items that are longer needed. In addition to clothing and housewares, Goodwill accepts donations of books, jewelry, computers, and electronic equipment.

Donating to Goodwill is also good for the environment. Last year at Goodwill SWPA, over 56 million pounds of household donations were thrifted, repurposed, recycled, or reused. Furthermore, donating to Goodwill combats climate change by giving items a second life and encouraging secondhand shopping. The average American has over 100 pieces of clothing in their closet, representing half a swimming pool worth of water which is used to produce these items. This is enough drinking water to serve 500 people for an entire year.

“We are truly grateful and humbled by everyone’s generosity during the whole year, but donations are important now more than ever due to the ongoing high demand from people in the community who count on our stores to have the goods they need,” Stape said.

Find the nearest Goodwill SWPA no-contact donation location by visiting www.goodwillswpa.org/donate-goods.

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The goal of the Power of Work Awards program is to recognize the extraordinary workforce development efforts of local businesses and their impact on the community, especially for people with disabilities and employment barriers. Since the program’s inception in 1997, Goodwill has bestowed Power of Work awards to more than 65 unique southwestern Pennsylvania area businesses.

The Power of Work Awards recognizes businesses in two categories – those that HIRE people with disabilities and/or other barriers to employment; and those that HELP workforce development by going the “extra mile” to offer work-related support and experiences. The nomination deadline is February 23, 2023, and nominations can be submitted online at www.goodwillswpa.org/powerofwork. Winners will be honored at an awards ceremony on Friday, April 21, 2023, at the Sheraton Station Square.

“This year we are excited to be able to gather and celebrate the Power of Work Awards in person again, ” said Robert Stape, Interim President/CEO for Goodwill SWPA. “We can’t wait to honor businesses that continue to show empathy despite some of the struggles they may be facing themselves. Anyone can submit a nomination and businesses are strongly encouraged to nominate themselves.”

Winners of the 2022 Power of Work Awards in the HIRE category were the Fudge Farm and Nancy’s Revival/Revival Chili/Revival Pasta of Revival Enterprises for their exceptional hiring principles, which include efforts to hire people who have criminal backgrounds, little work experience and people with disabilities. Accenture was the recipient of the HELP category award for their dedication to making sure everyone is accepted and can have the opportunity to be the very best version of themselves. Goodwill also presented a special Legacy Award to Construction Junction for their long history of working with Goodwill program participants and their promotion of a diverse, equitable and inclusive workforce.

An independent panel of diverse and forward-thinking judges who represent the human services, higher education, and community investment sectors will evaluate the nominees’ efforts in creating enhanced opportunities for people who face employment barriers.

For more information, including how to purchase tickets or become a sponsor for the event, contact Elaine Malcolm at 412-609-0513, elaine.malcolm@goodwillswpa.org, or visit www.goodwillswpa.org/powerofwork.

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