Tacoma Goodwill Industries has been named the State of Washington’s 2002 Large Private Non-Profit Employer of the Year by the Governor’s Committee on Disability Issues and Employment.

Nominated by Washington’s Department of Services for the Blind, the annual award honors employers who have been leaders in the recruitment, hiring, integration and advancement of employees with disabilities.

Tacoma Goodwill has been helping people with disabilities become productive in the workforce for over 80 years.

“We work tirelessly to educate, train and place disabled individuals into competitive jobs in the fourteen counties we serve,” said Terry Hayes, CEO of Tacoma Goodwill Industries. “To win this award is a real honor for this organization.”

Said Hayes, “Our vocational services staff are true champions of the disabled and deserve to be recognized, but our real rewards come through the success of those we serve.”

This year Tacoma Goodwill Industries will provide vocational services to 1500 people who have disabilities or other special needs. These education, job training and job development services are funded through financial gifts, grants, fees and the operation of 17 thrift stores throughout western and central Washington.