Goodwill Excel Center to Host Springfield Open House on Monday, October 15

Dignitaries, donors, students, area businesses get a sneak peek at the new school

WHAT:  MERS Goodwill will host an open house for its Springfield Excel Center at 1514 S. Glenstone Ave. on Monday, October 15. Prospective students, Springfield residents, area businesses and dignitaries will be able to experience the new Excel Center first hand. There will be an opening ceremony from 10 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. followed by tours of the new location until 1 p.m.

The new school will begin its classes on October 22 and will help adults to earn their high school diploma free of charge. It will also help individuals to gain workplace certifications that allow for higher wages and greater career opportunities. The center will be led by Joseph Cole, recently named as the new Director of the Goodwill Excel Center in Springfield.

WHO: David Kutchback, President and CEO of MERS Goodwill; Tani Wolff and Michael Iskiwitch, MERS Goodwill Board Members; representatives from Goodwill along with Joseph Cole, Director of the Springfield Goodwill Excel Center.

Additional dignitaries include:

  • Ken McClure – Mayor of Springfield
  • Sen. Roy Blunt’s Office staff person
  • State Senator David Sater
  • Bryan Coomer – Bryan University
  • Jennifer Biri – Springfield MO Job Center
  • Rep. Crystal Quade
  • Rep. Travis Fitzwater

WHERE:
Goodwill Excel Center
1514 S. Glenstone Ave.
Springfield, MO 65804

WHEN:  Monday, October 15 at 10 a.m. – Opening Ceremony

MORE: The Goodwill Excel Centers are aiming to serve the 500,000 people in Missouri that are over 21 without a high school diploma. Class times will be flexible to accommodate people’s work schedules, and each facility will have a drop-in child care center.

About MERS Missouri Goodwill Industries
MERS Goodwill changes lives through the power of work. Its vision is a community where each individual has the opportunity to learn, work, and achieve their greatest potential. Annually serving more than 50,000 individuals, the non-profit agency operates in 75 locations serving 89 counties in the bi-state area. Revenues from 44 Goodwill stores assist with funding MERS Goodwill job training and employment services. MERS Goodwill is a proud member of the United Way. For more information about MERS Goodwill or to find a Goodwill donation center near you, call (314) 241-3464 or visit www.mersgoodwill.org.