Fast Facts: Debunking Common Goodwill Myths

Goodwill and its regional agencies have been a cornerstone in communities for over a century, yet several misconceptions persist. Let's debunk some of the most common myths:

Myth #1: "Goodwill is a for-profit company"

Fact: Goodwill and all Goodwill agencies (including Goodwill Acadiana) are IRS-filed 501(c)(3) nonprofits that are not owned by anyone. Goodwill Acadiana is run by a volunteer board of directors, and all profits are reinvested back into our mission to serve our community.

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Myth #2: "Read about the Goodwill CEO whose made millions"

Fact: It's simply not true. It all stems from an email rumor in 2007 about a fake CEO named Mark Curran who makes 2.3 million dollars. Mark Curran doesn't even exist, and no Goodwill CEO at any local agency has ever made millions of dollars annually. Your Goodwill Acadiana's CEO is Deacon Ed Boustany, who was born and raised right here in Lafayette, the heart of Acadiana!

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Myth #3: "Goodwill gets donations for free without supporting anyone. You're better off giving to a local organization"

Fact: Goodwill is local, and over 90% of revenue goes to providing free of cost services to local community members, with the other 10% going to administrative costs to keep the lights on and our people financially supported.

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Myth #4: "Goodwill is a huge corporation"

Fact: while the Goodwill brand is international, Goodwill is divided into over 150 regional nonprofits that are ALL locally run and operated by local people. Every Goodwill you encounter is local to that community. Goodwill Acadiana only serves Acadiana!

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Myth #5: "Goodwill employees are underpaid"

Fact: at Goodwill Acadiana, our starting pay for frontline full-time employees is $11 per hour, well above the Louisiana minimum wage of $7.25 an hour.

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Myth #6: "Goodwill is a horrible organization. Do your research"

Fact: Goodwill has a 100%, four star rating by CharityNavigator, the leading and most reputable ranking source for nonprofits!

Additionally, Goodwill Acadiana is accredited by CARF, the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities. Our Supported Employment & Pre-Vocational Habilitation Programs have earned this public seal of trust and commitment to quality, based on internationally accepted standards. Achieving this accreditation demonstrates our quality, accountability, and commitment to the satisfaction of those we serve.

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Myth #7: "Goodwill is just a thrift store"

Fact: we are a LOT more than just a store - we employ over 275 local people and provide free of cost services such as adult education and job training to those in need in our community. When you donate, you're directly supporting our 275+ employees and funding our services that we provide to the community.

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Next time you hear one of these Goodwill myths, you can educate others on Goodwill Acadiana and our local impact! Through this, you'll also help more people receive assistance and further empower our community.

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