LOUISVILLE, KY. – Goodwill Industries of Kentucky has received a $2.758 million grant from the U.S. Economic Development Administration through the Public Works and Economic Adjustment Assistance program to support a 3,600 square-foot expansion of its Bowling Green Opportunity Center, the reconfiguration of the center’s parking lot and an update to its exterior.
The grant will largely subsidize the $3.515 million expansion project, which will allow the Bowling Green Opportunity Center to positively affect more underserved individuals with its employment and self-sufficiency resources. The EDA investment will be matched with $757,000 in local funds. The Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development has committed $475,000 to the project.
“The expansion of the Opportunity Center will allow us to create even more positive change in the Bowling Green community and partner with more like-minded agencies to not only deliver great services but utilize everyone else’s best practices,” said Chad Spencer, Regional Director of Career Services for Goodwill.
Goodwill received support for the expansion project from several stakeholders, including the City of Bowling Green, the Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce and the Barren River Area Development District (BRADD).
“Bowling Green is blessed to have innovative community partners, and Goodwill is a giant with helping us create positive solutions,” said Bowling Green Mayor Todd Alcott. “We are thrilled for Goodwill, and we congratulate our friends with this incredible expansion within our city. Together, we will ensure every citizen has the best opportunity for prosperity.”
“Goodwill has been a great partner to the City of Bowling Green for many years,” said Bowling Green City Manager Jeff Meisel. “We are very excited to see this highly anticipated Opportunity Center on U.S. 31-W Bypass in Bowling Green become a reality. This program will help redirect the life paths of countless individuals in need, empowering them to become successful and contributing members of society.”
“As the fastest growing county in Kentucky, the services that the Bowling Green Opportunity Center provide our citizens are a vital part of the workforce development efforts in our region,” said Warren County Judge Executive Doug Gorman. “These funds will ensure that even more citizens are able to get the assistance they need to overcome employment barriers and ensure their future success in the workforce.”
“The grant announcement on the expansion and renovation of Goodwill Industries’ Opportunity Center in Bowling Green will be a great addition to our region’s growing workforce,” said BRADD Executive Director Eric Sexton. “Solutions-based initiatives such as this are strategically aligned with BRADD’s mission, and we were excited to provide technical assistance for this application.”
For more information about services provided by Goodwill at its Opportunity Centers, visit GoodwillKY.org.
About Goodwill Industries of Kentucky
Goodwill Industries of Kentucky is a 100-year-old nonprofit organization that operates in 103 of Kentucky’s 120 counties. The organization is committed to using resources from its 67 retail stores to help build pathways out of poverty for individuals who need a hand up in life. In 2023, Goodwill helped place 3,185 Kentuckians into jobs with its 1,330 employer partners and inside its own retail stores. Goodwill uses approximately 90 cents from every dollar generated in its retail stores to operate programs and services that help Kentucky’s hardest-to-serve job seekers build the life they desire.