Palmetto Goodwill Services

Palmetto Goodwill Services (Goodwill) continued creating employment opportunities for individuals who are blind or have significant disabilities under the sourceamerica abilityone program which has a congressional mandate that 75% of direct labor hours are performed by this population of employees. Goodwill reported direct labor hours of 88% which demonstrates the commitment to increasing training opportunities above the federal mandate. Goodwill also reported five contract sites where 100% of the direct labor hours were worked by individuals who are blind or have significant disabilities. Wages are at or above $16.20/hour for all individuals working at these contract sites. Goodwill employs 208 individuals who are blind or have significant disabilities performing Services in federal buildings and military installations in south carolina and Virginia. Goodwill is recognized as the largest (non-profit organization) employer of individuals who are blind or have significant disabilities in the state of south carolina. In 2023, Goodwill created 25 new employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities.

Palmetto Goodwill Services receives several different ratings and certifications from widely known systems and organizations. Goodwill has received 13 satisfactory, 5 very good, and 2 exceptional ratings under cpars (contractor performance assessment reporting system) over the past 5 rating periods. Cpars is a u.s. government system that collects and reports on the performance of federal contractors across different categories, such as quality, schedule, cost control, management, and regulatory compliance. Cpars ratings range from exceptional to unsatisfactory. Palmetto Goodwill Services also received the cims-gb (cleaning industry management standard-green building) certification with honors in december 2023. The cims-gb certification is issued by issa, the worldwide cleaning industry association. To receive this certification, an organization must demonstrate that it meets or exceeds the industry standard in the core areas of business, all while showcasing professionalism and a customer-focused approach that can provide sophisticated, proven green-cleaning programs for its clients. This certification has been held by Goodwill since 2019.

Palmetto Goodwill Services renewed three 5-year contracts in 2023; two food service contracts and one mailroom service contract. One of the two food service contracts is based in Virginia and was celebrated for reaching a 10-year anniversary since the start of the contract. The other food service contract is one of Goodwill's largest contracts and has been in place since 1998. The mailroom service contract has been in place since 2010. These three contracts give the opportunity for 188 people to have gainful employment.