In honor of October’s National Disability Employment Awareness Month, we’re proud to celebrate Zach and Adam at the Freeport Store! Zach and Adam have been valued members of the Supported Employment Program in Freeport for over a decade. Throughout the years, they have become an essential part of the store, making meaningful contributions to the team with their dedication, hard work, and expertise. Both Zach and Adam are experts in sorting donations and getting the right ones on the sales floor, bringing valuable skills and experience to their roles. Their long-standing commitment is a wonderful example of the importance of creating inclusive workplaces where everyone has the opportunity to contribute, grow, and succeed. Thank you for all that you do. We’re proud to celebrate your achievements and look forward to seeing your continued success in employment! For more information about Goodwill's Supported Employment Program, please call (815) 965-3795 or email [email protected].

𝐒𝐞𝐧𝐢𝐨𝐫 𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭 𝐖𝐞𝐝𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐝𝐚𝐲 𝐢𝐬 𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞! Seniors 60+ get 𝟏𝟓% 𝐨𝐟𝐟 their entire purchase today (and every Wednesday). Thank you for being such an important part of our community—we appreciate you! Stop in and save today! #goodwill #seniorday #thrift #goodwillnorthernil

FREE training. Real skills. Green jobs. Goodwill’s Climate Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program can launch you into the building trades or clean energy field - and it’s completely FREE! What you’ll get: Hands-on training with real-world experience Industry-recognized certifications employers value Full support services to help you succeed Rockford and Belvidere classes available. Next classes begin soon. Spots fill up fast - don’t wait! * New Accelerated Program Finish in 4.5 weeks Earn up to 5 certificates 40 hours a week with the ability to earn up to $520 per week during the program * Upcoming Class Dates: November 9th to December 16th Call (815) 965-3795 or email [email protected] today to start your journey.

The color of the week is YELLOW!⭐ All items with yellow tags are 50% off this week. Stop by any Northern Illinois Goodwill this week and score some savings!

October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month, a time to celebrate the talents, contributions, and achievements of individuals with disabilities in the workplace! Today, we're proud to recognize Cory, a participant in Goodwill's Supported Employment Program who has been a valued member of our Ottawa store team for nearly 13 years! From wet mopping floors to helping maintain a clean and welcoming store, Cory's hard work and dedication make a difference every day. Thank you, Cory, for showing us the power of opportunity, inclusion, and meaningful employment! 💚 #NDEAM #DisabilityEmploymentAwarenessMonth #Goodwill

Stick to your school budget with our Saturday Student Discount! 📚 Every Saturday, students receive 10% off their entire purchase at all Goodwill Northern Illinois locations. Find affordable apparel, course materials, and everyday home items to support your routine! #GoodwillNorthernIllinois #StudentDiscount #ShopLocal #NorthernIllinois #CommunitySupport

Are you 18 to 24 years old and ready to make an impact? 🌟 Join the new Goodwill Young Adult Advisory Council and help shape the future of youth programs and services in our community! Why join? Share your ideas with Goodwill leadership, build professional skills & your leadership portfolio, lead community projects & make lasting connections, and receive certificates & formal recognition! 📅 Meetings: Last Wednesday of every month | 4:30 PM – 6:00 PM 📍 Opportunity: 1-year leadership role 🔗 Ready to apply? Click the link to fill out the interest form:forms.gle/sbF78eoH4VzMDJyr6

Everyone deserves the opportunity to shine at work. This National Disability Employment Awareness Month, we’re proud to recognize Sara and Erik from our Crystal Lake Supported Employment Team. Whether they’re processing merchandise or preparing books for the sales floor, their dedication and hard work make a difference every day. Join us in celebrating Sara and Erik and the talents, contributions, and value that individuals with disabilities bring to workplaces and communities. #NDEAM #GoodwillNI

Meet Justus! Justus joined Goodwill’s Accelerate program to pursue his CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant) certification. He expressed that his passion was helping and caring for people, and with his sights set on becoming a nurse, he knew this was exactly where his journey needed to start. Justus completed his training, passed his CNA state exam, and is ready to move forward. "The Goodwill Accelerate Program was wonderful," shared Justus. "They gave me all the resources I needed to get started on one of my goals. They reached out to me and offered all their support for whatever I needed to succeed in the training program." Congratulations, Justus! We are so proud of everything you have accomplished in completing your CNA training. It was our pleasure getting you started on this journey, and we cannot wait to see you become a wonderful pediatric nurse For more information about Goodwill's Accelerate program, please visit goodwillni.org or call 987-6210.

Everyone deserves a second chance - and Goodwill is here to help you find yours! Are you a young adult ready for a fresh start? Our FREE Accelerate Programs provide hands-on training and career opportunities in: • Truck Driving • Warehousing • CNA & Medical Assisting • Pharmacy Tech Build valuable skills, land a great job, and take charge of your future! Join a Free Info Session! Tuesdays at 10:00 AM 850 N. Church St., Rockford (Mission Services Building) Walk-ins welcome!

1,088 futures brightened in 2025! 🌟 That’s how many GED Scholarships Goodwill Industries of Northern Illinois provided last year. It’s all thanks to you. Every time you shop at Goodwill, you’re investing in someone’s second chance.

Nine decades of community, growth, and second chances! ⭐ We were recently featured for reaching our 90-year milestone! Head to the article to read all about our roots, our growth across northern Illinois, and how programs like The Excel Center continue to empower adult learners today!

The color of the week is GREEN!💚 All items with green tags are 50% off this week. Stop by any Northern Illinois Goodwill this week and score some savings!

Your future starts with one step. If earning your GED has been on your mind, Goodwill Northern Illinois' FREE GoodGRADS Program is here to help. Designed for adults, GoodGRADS provides the support, resources, and encouragement you need to reach your educational goals, on a schedule that works for you. Now available in Belvidere, McHenry, Ottawa, and Freeport! What you'll receive: Small, supportive classes Personalized one-on-one instruction Scholarships to cover GED testing costs Encouragement and resources every step of the way It's never too late to invest in yourself and your future. Learn more or enroll today at goodwillni.org/educational-p… or call (815) 965-3795

Ready to find a job that’s frightfully good? 🧟‍♂️ Drop by the Goodwill Spooktacular Job Fair on Oct 28th at Forest City Church! Dress up, connect with awesome local companies, and vote for the best employer costumes and table decor. No tricks here—just real career treats! 🍬💼

Happy Military Monday! 🎖️ To say thank you for your service, active military and veterans get 15% off their entire purchase today. Know a service member who could use a extra appreciation? Tag them below! ⬇️ #MilitaryMonday #ThankYouForYourService #VeteranDiscount #MilitaryAppreciation #SupportOurTroops #Veterans

It’s never too late to earn your high school diploma. At The Excel Center, adults can earn their tuition-free high school diploma while balancing work, family, and life responsibilities. Flexible scheduling, supportive staff, career pathways, and life coaching help students succeed every step of the way. Your future is waiting and we’re ready to help you get there! Enroll today at excelcenternil.org

When a local community member experienced significant hardship after frozen pipes damaged her home and ruined much of her clothing, Goodwill's Attire to Hire Gift Card Program provided access to essential items while preserving her dignity and independence. Through our partnership with Edge Community Fellowship, she was able to find clean, comfortable clothing and shoes that helped restore her confidence during a difficult time. Pictured here is our amazing partner Debra, from Edge Community Fellowship! We are grateful for partners who help us create opportunities and support our neighbors when they need it most. For more information about Goodwill's Attire to Hire Gift Card Program, please call (815) 965-3795.

𝐒𝐞𝐧𝐢𝐨𝐫 𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭 𝐖𝐞𝐝𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐝𝐚𝐲 𝐢𝐬 𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞! Seniors 60+ get 𝟏𝟓% 𝐨𝐟𝐟 their entire purchase today (and every Wednesday). Thank you for being such an important part of our community—we appreciate you! Stop in and save today! #goodwill #seniorday #thrift #goodwillnorthernil

The color of the week is BLUE!💙 All items with blue tags are 50% off this week. Stop by any Northern Illinois Goodwill this week and score some savings!