Shutdown but Not Shut Out: Goodwill of Orange County Opens Fitness/Rehab Center to Veterans Impacted by Government Shutdown

SANTA ANA, CA--(Marketwired - Oct 3, 2013) - Orange County's 142,000+ vets are currently being turned away from their rehab and fitness centers due to the government shutdown. Goodwill of Orange County, a social enterprise organization in the business of helping people who are facing barriers secure jobs that provide purpose, has announced it is opening its fitness center (free of charge) to vets shut out by the shutdown as well as the ongoing availability of employment support services for O.C. veterans via its Enduring Independence program.

"Veterans are one of the key populations we serve, and our focus at this time is to provide employment, fitness and rehabilitation services to those who have sacrificed so much to serve our country," says Frank Talarico Jr., president and CEO of Goodwill of Orange County.

Goodwill of Orange County's Enduring Independence initiative assists unemployed and underemployed veterans and their spouses, and spouses of active-duty military personnel, helping them secure regular employment and increase their earnings through general placement services, sector-based training and business engagement strategies. Goodwill is actively enrolling and placing veterans in competitive jobs, and appealing to employers by highlighting the advantages of hiring veterans.

"Our Enduring Independence initiative connects employers with veterans who possess the skill and experience advantages that non-vets are missing," notes Talarico. Veterans currently seeking employment should call 1-855-99-VETERAN for more information.

Talarico also announces that Goodwill's Fitness Center at (1601 E. St. Andrew Place, Santa Ana, Calif. 92705) will welcome any vet impacted by the shutdown. The Goodwill Fitness Center is Orange County's only gym specifically designed for people living with physical disabilities or chronic illness and Goodwill is currently extending access to its state-of-the-art facilities to otherwise healthy Orange County-based veterans whose regular VA gyms may be impacted by the shutdown. Interested candidates should contact 1-888-623-4823 or email info@ocgoodwill-fitnesscenter.org for more information.

"Since Goodwill of Orange County opened its doors in 1924, the federal government has shut down many times, but because Goodwill is not dependent on federal funding, our doors have always remained open to our nation's veterans," concludes Talarico.

To learn more about the wide array of services offered by Goodwill of Orange County, please visit www.ocgoodwill.org.

ABOUT GOODWILL OF ORANGE COUNTY: Now in its 89^th year, Goodwill of Orange County is in the business of helping people who are facing barriers to enter the workforce in a meaningful, fulfilling manner. Founded on the belief that every person should have the opportunity to achieve the independence that work provides, Goodwill is most recognized for being the conduit where donated goods are sold in America's favorite thrift stores to generate the revenue that provides the services to those who face employment challenges. Goodwill leads the nation in creating and providing quality training and employment services to empower individuals to be productive and independent. In 2012, Goodwill was named one of Orange County's Most Trusted Brands. For more information, visit www.ocgoodwill.org.