The Festival of Words, 506 Plaza Village Dr, Lafayette, LA 70506, US

Goodwill Industries International is one of the world s largest nonprofit providers of education, training and career services for people with physical, mental and emotional disabilities, as well as those with disadvantages, such as welfare dependency, homelessness and a lack of education or work experience. Founded in 1902, Goodwill collects donated clothing and household goods and then sells these items in more than 2,000 retail stores throughout North America and abroad. The company generates revenue by helping community-based businesses fill gaps caused by labor shortages and time constraints. The charity trains and employs industrial and service contract workers to fill outsourced needs for packaging, assembly, mailing, custodial work, grounds keeping and other occupations. General Motors, Briggs & Stratton, and the United States Navy, Marines, Air Force and Army are among those who have tapped into Goodwill s services. Additionally, more than 105,000 people have been placed in jobs outside of Goodwill.