Member-only story
Doing Good with Goods for Good
I recently got in touch with Elizabeth Workman. She’s the founder and director of Goods for Good. Our exchange, which has been edited lightly, is below.
What does everybody need to know about Goods for Good?
Goods For Good (GFG) is a grassroots, community-based nonprofit that harnesses the power of community volunteers to support other local nonprofits in providing critical care to the city’s most vulnerable through housing/shelter, food, health, as well as various life enrichments. We serve as a liaison between community members and businesses looking to make a difference, and those organizations that provide direct services for populations greatly in need.
For almost a year and a half, GFG has offered service projects to the community by providing opportunities to get involved and make a difference in these COVID times in a safe and impactful way. The GFG community has rallied and shown their care for their DC neighbors who have been disproportionately affected by COVID. Since May 2020, over 600 volunteers have cooked more than 6,500 meals for those experiencing food insecurity, created birthday celebrations that provided over 950 children and family members the opportunity to celebrate birthdays regardless of circumstance, and donated over 85,000 items like winter clothing, diapers, toiletries, gift bags to isolated seniors, fresh produce, and health-related items. (See what more we have done!)
You have a background in nonprofit work. How much has that experience helped with your current role
Tremendously! My experience and good fortune working in the social service and nonprofit field in Washington, DC for 25 years has been intricate to the work GFG does. In particular, working at a domestic abuse survivor shelter and Sasha Bruce Youthwork for 13 years fed the social service side of me, and five years at Fair Chance enhanced the nonprofit organizational side of me, resulting in the best of both worlds in GFG.
My background in nonprofit management, program development, direct services, outreach, and staff/volunteer development all influence GFG’s ability to build partnerships with nonprofits, create meaningful service projects, engage hundreds of volunteers, and invite sponsors into our work. GFG affords me the opportunity to continue…
