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Goodwill Hosts Special Ceremony To Highlight Renovation Project

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ORLANDO, Fla. (April 9, 2024) – Orange County community and business leaders recently joined Goodwill Industries of Central Florida (GICF) to ceremoniously “demo” the start of a significant renovation project.
 
On April 3, Dr. Michael Armbruster, Bill Tovine, Scott Wall, Max Brito and Commissioner Mayra Uribe picked up a “golden” sledgehammer alongside Goodwill President and CEO Ed Durkee to commemorate the beginning of construction at 7531 S. Orange Blossom Trail. The project is expected to take 24 months to complete and, when finished, the 92,236-square-foot building will be transformed.
 
An integral part of the plan has Goodwill revamping the classroom space in the building used by Orange County Public Schools. Since 1998, GICF has been home to Project Compass, an alternative education high school program serving students who need extra support as they work toward graduation.
 
Other enhancements of the project include:

  • A substantially larger retail store to enhance the customer experience.
  • An improved donation area featuring covered drive-through lanes to protect donors and employees from the weather.
  • A spacious, modern and efficient donation processing area for employees.
  • Redesigned administrative spaces that will include a wellness room.
  • Upgrades to the exterior of the building, including resurfacing the parking lot, adding new landscaping and restructuring traffic flow.
  • A makeover to the Lynx bus stop in front of the building.
“Goodwill’s investment in Project Compass goes beyond brick and mortar – it doubles down on education which lays the framework for nearly everything,” said Durkee. “We know this new space will not only provide a safe place for students to achieve their goals of today, but it sets the stage for inspiring lifelong learners who are confident to pursue their dreams of tomorrow.”
 
Upgrades for the Project Compass space will create a state-of-the-art learning environment, a canopied entry for a more secure drop-off and pick-up zone, as well as a dedicated faculty area and a parent conference room.
 
“Orange County Public Schools is committed to providing rigorous learning experiences for all students. We appreciate the long partnership with Goodwill and how it has helped enhance Project Compass,” said Superintendent Maria Vazquez, Orange County Public Schools. “It complements the district’s mission to create enriching and diverse pathways that lead our students to success.”
 
Crews will complete the renovations in phases as the store remains open. Donations will be accepted at a temporary location set up in the parking lot. Donors are asked to follow signs to a mobile trailer and specialized blue bins.
 
Donations allow Goodwill to provide high-quality, low-cost goods to the community while also generating resources and jobs for Central Floridians. Revenue earned through the sales of gently used items finances the organization’s employment placement and job skills training services.
 
For more information about Goodwill, its job programs and how to apply to work at the organization, visit www.GoodwillCFL.org.
 
About Goodwill Industries of Central Florida, Inc. (GICF) 
For 65 years, Goodwill Industries of Central Florida has provided vocational and job placement services to tens of thousands of people living in Central Florida. Through 31 retail/outlet stores and 16 Donation Xpress locations in Orange, Seminole, Osceola, Brevard, Lake and Volusia counties, Goodwill diverted nearly 24 million pounds of clothing and household items from landfills in 2023. Goodwill Industries of Central Florida directly channels more than 90 percent of its annual revenue into programs that enable individuals to secure meaningful employment, achieve their personal goals and thrive economically.
 
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Goodwill Hosts Special Ceremony To Highlight Renovation Project

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