RESOLUTION NO. 240187

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Sponsor:  Councilmember Wes Rogers

RESOLUTION - Celebrating the 130th anniversary of Goodwill of Western Missouri and Eastern Kansas and recognizing their dedication in strengthening communities through their work.

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WHEREAS, the Helping Hand Institute was founded in Kansas City, Missouri in 1894, and it provided food, shelter and a work relief program for those who were homeless and without resources; and

WHEREAS, after the founding of Goodwill Industries in 1902, Goodwill Industries of Greater Kansas City opened its first repair shop in 1925 at St. Peter’s Evangelical Church on Oak Street, and impacted the community over the next several decades through employment skills training and vocational rehabilitation for persons with disabilities and other disadvantages; and

WHEREAS, the Helping Hand Institute and Goodwill Industries of Greater Kansas City merged in 1978 to form the Helping Hand of Goodwill Industries and changed to its present name, Goodwill of Western Missouri and Eastern Kansas in 2010 (aka MoKan Goodwill); and

WHEREAS, today MoKan Goodwill continues to be a non-profit leader in the Kansas City region providing resources and services to individuals who face barriers to obtaining employment, including one-on-one career navigation and employment services, wraparound services, digital skills training and digital navigation services, reentry services, and occupational training within the Goodwill Artemis Institute courses such as the Bridge to Technology and Certified Manufacturing Associate; and

WHEREAS, today MoKan Goodwill also continues to support the community by directly employing nearly 700 people, operating 17 donated goods retail stores and one outlet center, providing inexpensive household items and clothing for citizens while diverting items from landfills, and offering janitorial services to government and commercial customers; and

WHEREAS, in 2024, MoKan Goodwill celebrates their 130th anniversary, serving and strengthening the communities within the Kansas City region; NOW, THEREFORE,

BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF KANSAS CITY:

That the Mayor and Council hereby celebrate the 130th anniversary of MoKan Goodwill for their leadership in building stronger communities in Kansas City, Missouri and surrounding areas; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this Resolution be spread upon the Minutes of the Council in testimony thereof and that a copy hereof be presented to MoKan Goodwill, with the Mayor and Council encouraging all citizens to join in celebration of the 130th anniversary and the continued good works of Goodwill of Western Missouri and Eastern Kansas.

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