True North Goodwill, a nonprofit organization serving northern Minnesota and Northwestern Wisconsin, has recently broken ground on a new location in Hermantown. The new store, located at 4716 Lindgren Road near Sam’s Club and Kwik Trip, is set to replace the current store along Miller Trunk Highway. Construction of the new site is expected to be completed by next spring, with the groundbreaking ceremony taking place on Friday.
The property for the new store is owned and will be developed by Platinum Properties. True North President and CEO Dodie Brown expressed excitement about the new location, stating that the retail store will not only be a bargain hunter’s paradise but will also help further the organization’s mission of inspiring personal transformation through learning and career development. This, in turn, will strengthen the community and transform lives for generations to come.
The new 7,200-square-foot large-scale retail store will feature a covered donation drive-thru and a career navigation center. True North Goodwill, headquartered in Duluth, is known for providing training, jobs, and support services for individuals with barriers to employment through the sales of donated clothing and household items.
With nearly 300 employees spread across 11 stores, one outlet, and two Career Navigation Centers in the region, True North Goodwill plays a significant role in the community. The new Hermantown store is expected to create more than 25 jobs, adding to the organization’s workforce. True North Goodwill also operates stores in Ashland and Superior, Wisconsin, as well as in Bemidji, Brainerd, Crosslake, Grand Rapids, Hibbing, Two Harbors, and two locations in Duluth.
In a strategic move to enhance their resources and better meet the community’s workforce needs, True North Goodwill merged with SOAR Career Solutions in July. SOAR, a nonprofit organization providing employment and reentry services to support low-income individuals, complements True North Goodwill’s mission.
Furthermore, True North Goodwill’s Duluth location was among the recipients of grant funding from Ascendium Education Group in April. The grant, totaling $120,000 over three years, aims to expand the opportunity accelerator program, creating post-secondary training pathways for low-income individuals in various sectors. Organizations serving vulnerable populations are encouraged to reach out to True North for more information on the accelerator program.
In conclusion, True North Goodwill’s new store in Hermantown signifies a step forward in their mission to empower individuals through employment opportunities and career development. With a focus on community impact and transformation, the organization continues to make a difference in the lives of those they serve.