Background

What eventually became Goodwill of Hampton Roads (now part of Goodwill of Central and Coastal Virginia) had humble beginnings. The organization was started in the basement of Epworth United Methodist Church on Boush Street in Downtown Norfolk in 1925, 100 years ago. A little over 20 years ago, Goodwill of Hampton Roads closed its last store in Norfolk. Several years after, Goodwill of Hampton Roads merged with Goodwill of Richmond to form Goodwill of Central and Coastal Virginia (GCCVA). GCCVA has grown to more than 950,000 SF in three hubs (Richmond, Hampton and Virginia Beach) and 34 stores throughout central and coastal Virginia. From those humble beginnings, GCCVA now employs almost 1,500 associates, 38% of whom have barriers to employment (disabilities and/or are formerly incarcerated).

What has not changed in Goodwill’s Mission to offer a hand up, not a hand out to those with barriers to employment. We hire and train employees through our Goodwill Academy thereby increasing the economic mobility of our most needy citizens. Our Associates get paid training both on the job and in classrooms as well as job coaches/career advisors and case managers to amplify their job and life skills.

JANAF Store Details

JANAF will be Goodwill’s first store in over 20 years to open in Norfolk. The store is over 16,000 SF and will directly employ approximately 25 associates, over 40% of whom have one or more barriers to employment. The store will have a classroom area for Goodwill Academy as well. Goodwill will invest over $750,000 in the space initially and another $3.5 million over the life of the 15 year lease.