As an organization with great concern for the people it serves and employs, Goodwill Industries of Kentucky is making adjustments to its programs and services based on the rapidly evolving circumstances associated with the coronavirus (COVID-19).
Because of the critical role Goodwill plays in helping families throughout the state sustain themselves through its 66 retail stores and four employment and training centers, the organization is prepared to continue operating within its normal business hours. However, to help limit the spread of COVID-19, Goodwill Industries of Kentucky is:
- Postponing all Goodwill events in Kentucky that are projected to have more than 100 participants, which includes expungement clinics, workforce conferences and job fairs.
- Immediately implementing routines to more regularly clean and disinfect frequently used areas in all Goodwill facilities and stores, including cashier stations and bathrooms, along with other commonly handled surfaces such as railings, doorknobs and light switches.
- Working with suppliers to ensure all Goodwill facilities are stocked with high-demand disinfecting products.
Additionally, Goodwill Industries of Kentucky has established a series of communication touch points for employees, customers, participants, community partners and stakeholders that offer instructions on how to protect themselves and others from the coronavirus and answer frequently asked questions they may have about it.
“Our organization is partnering with Goodwill Industries International to closely monitor this very fluid situation on a local and national level,” said Barnard Baker, director of public relations and communications. “We recently implemented our statewide preparedness plan, which includes guidance from federal, state and local agencies, including the CDC (Center for Disease Control and Prevention), WHO (The World Health Organization), Kentucky CHFS (Cabinet for Health and Family Services) and local health departments.”
Goodwill Industries of Kentucky operates in 103 of the state’s counties. All 1,700 of the organization’s staff members are being provided best practices to help them monitor their health and reduce the risk of spreading the virus throughout the state.
“Obviously, this situation requires Goodwill and its partners to remain flexible in how we operate. We will continue to communicate any changes to store hours, program services or event schedules as they happen,” said Baker. “Despite the ever-changing environment, we will continue to monitor the situation closely and make swift and responsible decisions that balance the well-being of our employees along with our promise to protect our customers and program participants.”