At Goodwill, we're changing lives, one job at a time.
This North Texas Giving Day, we’re raising $30,000 to expand Empowerment Works — a program that helps adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) build skills, confidence, and connection through Vocational Opportunities, Lifelong Learning and Community Engagement.
Empowerment Works supports adults with IDD through three key pillars:
Vocational Opportunities – Hands-on training and exposure to workplace settings that prepare participants for meaningful employment.
Lifelong Learning – Classroom-based courses designed around participants’ interests, encouraging curiosity, personal growth, and practical life skills.
Community Engagement – Real-world experiences that foster inclusion and connection, including our signature Offsite Learning Opportunities.
Offsite Learning Opportunities bring classroom lessons to life. Participants visit libraries, parks, grocery stores, and museums, among others — practicing independence, building confidence, and engaging with the North Texas community. Thanks to generous North Texas Giving Day donors last year, we purchased a wheelchair-accessible van, making these outings possible twice a month.
This year, with your support, we’re setting our sights higher: weekly Offsite Learning Opportunities and expanded Lifelong Learning classes that spark connection, build confidence, and open doors to new possibilities. Participants will experience:
Science lessons at the Perot Museum
Nature study days at the Dallas Arboretum
Visits to inclusive workplaces where adults with IDD are thriving
Art classes that encourage creativity and self-expression
Cooking and nutrition lessons, like our From Scratch course
Exercise and wellness sessions that promote physical health
Independent living skills like budgeting, time management, and personal care
Your gift empowers adults with IDD to unlock their potential and embrace new possibilities. Together, we can open doors to connection, confidence, and purpose — helping every participant learn, grow, and thrive
Giving Activity
Mission
At Goodwill Industries of Dallas (Goodwill), we are changing lives, one job at a time. We exist to help people with barriers recognize and reach their full potential and experience a life filled with purpose, accomplishment, and self-sufficiency.
Since 1923, Goodwill has supported thousands of North Texans seeking opportunity, stability, and independence-including individuals with disabilities, those reentering the workforce, and people facing economic or personal barriers to employment.
Needs
Through the Goods for Good Volunteer Program, Goodwill transforms donated items into meaningful support for neighbors across North Texas. By partnering with local nonprofit organizations, we deliver mission-critical goods to adults, children, and pets, ensuring donations reach those who need them most.
In 2025, Goodwill welcomed more than 150 volunteers who contributed nearly 300 hours, working hands-on to sort, select, and prepare donated goods for delivery.
Equity Statement
Our core values are respect, commitment, improvement, integrity, and service. The consistent execution of these core values drives success for both our organization and those that we serve. Goodwill Industries of Dallas, Inc. is committed to building a diverse, equitable, and inclusive culture that encourages and celebrates the distinct voices of our people and clients. It is through our shared awareness, commitment, and embodiment of these principles that we foster a culture of belonging, where everyone is welcome and appreciated, because diversity, equity, and inclusion is not just something we do, it is the core of who we are.