Inspire 2026: Goodwill’s Strategic Plan to Eliminate Poverty
Defining a Shared Vision
Our vision statement to “Eliminate Poverty,” speaks to our belief that the resources exist for us to make a significant impact in reducing poverty as we know it. It remains a call to action we hold as the ultimate measure of accountability for our work. The conditions contributing to poverty are complex and the change we expect to see will not occur overnight. However, Goodwill has defined changes we envision are possible to see in the next five years. These time-bound aspirations and changes are our practical vision through 2026.
GOODWILL TERRITORY AGGREGATES
Population…………….…1,699,938
Households………………..688,937
Median Income………….$47,467
Poverty Level……………..215,047
At the start of the strategic planning process, Goodwill Industries of the Valleys conducted a series of surveys designed to gain authentic feedback across several of our primary stakeholder groups related to our internal and external strategies. Our external strategies came from input from:
- Clients and Individuals who Participate in Goodwill Programs
- Retail Customers
- Donors of Household Goods & Clothing
- Financial Supporters
- Community Partners and Referral Agencies
- Goodwill Team Members
- Board of Directors
Surveys were administered by an independent firm and shared with the Goodwill team as an aggregate report.
STRATEGIC DIRECTION
GOAL 1
Strengthen operations
» OBJECTIVE 1.1
Strengthen internal infrastructure (tools, data platforms, software, hardware)
» OBJECTIVE 1.2
Strengthen processes (policies and procedures to support effective implementation)
» OBJECTIVE 1.3
Develop a self-funding model to sustain mission impact
KEY METRICS
- Increase revenue and net earnings
- Grow material donations
- Improve Worker’s Compensation rating
- Maximize operational efficiencies
(production, logistics, etc.)
GOAL 2
Create an organizational culture
demonstrating concepts by Jim Collins in his work Good to Great
» OBJECTIVE 2.1
Create opportunities for employee engagement to inspire connection
» OBJECTIVE 2.2
Strengthen supports necessary for employee stability and well-being
» OBJECTIVE 2.3
Create opportunities for employee development and growth
KEY METRICS
- Retention rate
- Paying competitive wages
- Training rate
GOAL 3
Achieve greater impact for individuals and families
» OBJECTIVE 3.1
Develop an Excel Center® model that can be replicated
» OBJECTIVE 3.2
Develop virtual Career Navigation services
KEY METRICS
- Opening of an Excel Center
- Number of Excel Center enrollments
- Number of registrations for virtual
Career Navigation services - Percentage of those enrolled who
complete training and/or resumes - Increase number of financial investors
- Financial donor retention
GOAL 4
Collaborate to advance opportunities and equity in our communities
» OBJECTIVE 4.1
Lead a coordinated service delivery model in a targeted community of need that results in a positive change at the individual, family, and community levels
KEY METRICS
- Address social determinants of health
- Development of Melrose Plaza
- Develop impact framework that leads
to improved life expectancy
Melrose Plaza will be a family-friendly destination that pays tribute to Northwest Roanoke’s rich history and culture. It will provide access to healthy, affordable food; family health services; education advancement; career opportunities; financial services; and other resources. The four anchor initiatives were chosen for the Plaza through years of community input.
- Market on Melrose, a full-service grocery store, will address the food scarcity in Northwest Roanoke
- Bank of Botetourt branch will help bring financial empowerment to individuals and families
- The Excel Center® will be a free public high school for adults, making education more accessible
- Wellness on Melrose, a holistic resource center, will help improve the health and well-being of residents
Melrose Plaza will rejuvenate the community by addressing health disparities, educational opportunities, financial empowerment, and access to affordable healthy foods.
For more information about Melrose Plaza visit melroseplazaroanoke.com
Melrose Plaza | 2502 Melrose Avenue, NW, Roanoke, VA 24017
Summary
Here we are — at the end of our strategic plan, which is really the beginning. As an organization, we are focused on our vision to eliminate poverty. We have defined our mission to empower individuals, strengthen families, and inspire communities. We have set goals and put key measures in place. However, we recognize to achieve any of what has been laid out before you it’s going to take a strong team of dedicated individuals. Partnerships and collaboration. Investment and focus. We cannot make an impact unless we do it together. We invite you to join us as both a community member and stakeholder.
TOGETHER… we can address the very complex and real issues we all face.
TOGETHER… we can inspire and make a lasting change.
