Goodwill Breaks Ground on New Facility

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Columbia, S.C.(WOLO) — On Tuesday, Goodwill broke ground on it’s new retail and warehouse facility on Sunset Boulevard in West Columbia. “We feel really good about creating opportunities here,” said Patrick Michaels, Goodwill President for the Upstate and midlands. For Michaels, breaking ground on the new Goodwill Headquarters in West Columbia symbolizes hope for thousands of South Carolinians seeking a better future. “The whole idea is to create opportunities for people that want to go to work but can‘t,” explained Michaels. The roughly 35,000 square foot facility on Sunset Boulevard will serve as a retail and warehouse hub creating more than 20 new jobs. However, officials say more importantly, it will give thousands of people searching for jobs an opportunity to find employment through Goodwill’s job connection program. “This is entry level jobs, this is an opportunity to start over again,” said Rep. Joe Wilson. “It’s not only great for people who want to contribute but then to give other opportunities for jobs.” “We’re excited about connecting employers with employees and kind of helping meet that need because it makes a real difference for communities when people go to work,” said Michaels. Michaels said last year in the midlands, Goodwill helped place more than 2,100 people in new jobs. However, he said there is still work that needs to be done and the new facility is a step towards opening the door towards a brighter future for many. “We know there‘s a lot more need out there and a building like this gives us a better opportunity to meet that need,” said Michaels. Construction on the new Goodwill facility is expected to be complete by Summer 2016.