07/29/2008
(Fredericksburg, VA) – Congressman Robert J. Wittman of Virginia’s First Congressional District received a personal tour of some of Rappahannock Goodwill Industries operations on Monday, July 28th in Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania County. Congressman Wittman came to Fredericksburg to see, first-hand, Goodwill’s commercial laundry operation, outsourcing and contract services facility, and tour Goodwill’s newest Job Help Center in Spotsylvania County. The tour also included one of Goodwill’s newest Retail Stores and Donation Centers located at Cosner’s Corner across from Target on Route 1.
“The opening of a new retail store and donation center at Cosner’s Corner is going to have a positive impact for our citizens in need of a helping hand by providing them with jobs and an affordable location to shop,” said Congressman Wittman.
Goodwill’s President and CEO, Woody Van Valkenburgh served as tour guide for Congressman Wittman and his Military Legislative Assistant, Bradley Harrison. Some members of Goodwill’s board of directors joined the tour group including Eldon James of King George County, Linda Lumpkin of Essex County and Bob Hagan of Spotsylvania County. “We were so pleased that Congressman Wittman took the time to learn first hand about the work of Goodwill in our community and to meet some of our people,” said Mr. Van Valkenburgh, “particularly some of the folks with a severe disability who work for Goodwill.” Last year, Rappahannock Goodwill provided training programs and employment services to over 2,000 people in the region.
“Goodwill Industries is a model for our nation’s employers by taking those who are willing and able to work and providing them the opportunity to become productive members of the community,” said Wittman.
Rappahannock Goodwill Industries is a private not-for-profit organization that serves the city of Fredericksburg and a 12-county region. It provides work opportunities and job training to people with barriers to employment, particularly those with disabilities. Its operations include three job help centers open to the public, a commercial laundry, off-site custodial and administrative services, an outsourcing and contract facility and eight retail stores and donation centers.