Dear Ambassadors of Goodwill for the children of Philadelphia,

As we reflect on the past decade, we are filled with immense pride and gratitude for our remarkable progress together. Your unwavering support has been instrumental in transforming our vision into reality, and we are excited to share our milestones and look ahead to an even brighter future.

Over the last ten years, we have made extraordinary strides in improving our operational and fiscal sustainability. The introduction of the Showcase of Wine & Cheese, which raised over $3.2 million in 2024 alone, has been a game-changer for us. Coupled with the elimination of long-term debt and the significant growth of our endowment, these achievements have positioned us for continued success. We have celebrated an operating surplus for each of the last nine fiscal years, underscoring our unwavering commitment to fiscal responsibility and sustainability, and ensuring that your contributions are used effectively and efficiently.

Our dedication to implementing critical new programs has profoundly impacted our community. Since opening our first full-service Kids Café at the Wissahickon Club in July 2017, we have expanded to three locations, serving over 500 youth daily with nutritious, home-cooked meals. During the COVID-19 pandemic, we demonstrated our resilience by providing over 350,000 meals through our 15 Access Center locations. Our Lit U.S. Initiative, which began in 2013, now reaches over 2,500 youth annually, fostering a love for reading and learning. Additionally, our STEM Learning Labs, launched in 2014, continue to inspire and engage over 1,500 youth in science and technology each year.

We have also significantly increased the scale and impact of our programs. Our membership has surged by 40% as we expanded from 12 to 22 Clubs. Thanks to funding from the State Department of Education and the School District of Philadelphia, we have opened seven new school extension sites since 2019, with plans to launch two more this fall. The $1.9 million grant we received in 2023 has allowed us to extend our teen program hours and combat community violence, resulting in a 30% increase in teen enrollment over the last 18 months.

Improving the condition of our facilities has been a priority, and the results are nothing short of transformational. Since the inception of our Bold Change for Kids campaign in 2015, we have revitalized our Bridesburg and Northeast Frankford Clubs, incorporating new Literacy Centers, STEM Labs, Tech Centers, Art Studios, and Kids Cafes. The Ralph J Roberts Club opening in Germantown in April 2022, a $16 million investment, is a testament to our commitment to providing state-of-the-art facilities for Philadelphia’s youth. Furthermore, the Henry Reed Hatfield Outdoor Recreation Complex in Nicetown, completed in fall 2023, has transformed a neglected field into a vibrant community space with a baseball field, soccer field, basketball court, and field house.

Thank you for your continued support and unwavering belief in our mission. Your dedication and belief in our cause drive us forward, and we are deeply grateful for your contributions. Together, we are making a difference and confident that the future holds even greater possibilities thanks to your support.

With heartfelt appreciation,

Lisabeth and Joe Marziello
President and CEOs