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Goodwill Southwest Florida Awarded $7,500 Grant from Charlotte Community Foundation

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PORT CHARLOTTE, Fla. - EntSun -- Goodwill Industries of Southwest Florida, Inc. (Goodwill SWFL) is pleased to announce it has been awarded a $7,500 grant from the Charlotte Community Foundation as part of its Spring 2026 Grant Cycle. The unrestricted funds will be evenly distributed to support three key programs serving Charlotte County residents: MicroEnterprise (Goodwill's small business development initiative), the Port Charlotte Community Resource Center (CRC), and Disability Navigation services.

The funding will help expand access to essential, no-cost services offered through Goodwill SWFL's Port Charlotte Community Resource Center, located at 24123 Peachland Blvd., Port Charlotte, FL, as well as its Mobile Unit, which brings services directly into the community.

Goodwill SWFL's Community Resource Centers are designed as "one-stop shops" that remove barriers for individuals and families who may lack transportation or time to visit multiple agencies. Through the CRC and Mobile Unit, community members have access to a wide range of free services, including:
  • Employment services through the Opportunity Accelerator, including job search assistance, resume preparation, and employability skills training, including digital and AI upskilling
  • Job fairs and on-site hiring events with employer partners
  • Financial literacy training
  • Tax preparation and education through VITA and FAFSA assistance
  • Digital skills and computer literacy classes
  • A six-week intensive entrepreneurship training program through The MicroEnterprise Institute
  • Assistance with public benefits applications such as SNAP and Florida KidCare
  • English as a Second Language (ESL) classes
  • Disability Navigation services for families of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), including assistance applying for resources through the Florida Agency for Persons with Disabilities
  • Disability etiquette and inclusion training for local businesses

The Mobile Unit extends these services throughout the region and is equipped with six computers and a printer/scanner, enabling staff to assist job seekers on-site with resume creation, job applications, digital account setup and digital skills training for upskilling. The Mobile Unit also plays an important role at community events. On April 23, 2026, it participated in the Second Chance Job Fair at St. Mary Baptist Church in Punta Gorda, helping individuals, including formerly incarcerated individuals, overcome digital barriers and connect with employment opportunities.

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Through these programs, Goodwill SWFL continues to empower individuals, strengthen families, and build a more inclusive and economically resilient Charlotte County.

For more information about Goodwill SWFL's services, visit https://goodwillswfl.org/ or call (239) 995-2106 Ext. 2226

Contact
Debra Donatto, Director of Communications & Marketing
***@goodwillswfl.org


Source: Goodwill Industries of Southwest Florida, Inc.

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