2026 Goodwill Gulf Coast Annual Celebration Highlights Mission Impact and Future Growth

The 2026 Goodwill Gulf Coast (GGC) Annual Celebration and Luncheon was held on January 26 at the Frank Harkins Auditorium, bringing together board members, nonprofit partners, community leaders, and supporters to celebrate the organization’s mission and look ahead to the future.

The program opened with a prayer led by Rev. Brandon Miles of Spring Hill Presbyterian Church, a valued partner of Goodwill’s Child Development Center. Emma Powell of Girl Scout Troop 8718 led attendees in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Hosted by GGC Board Chair Adele Hapworth and generously sponsored by Publix Charities, the luncheon featured Goodwill Gulf Coast’s new CEO, Barry Reed, who shared his personal journey with the organization from donation attendant to CEO. Reed highlighted key accomplishments from Fiscal Year 2025, including the number of individuals served through Goodwill’s more than 40 mission programs, and provided an inspiring preview of what lies ahead in 2026.

Among the exciting announcements were plans to break ground on a new Goodwill retail store and Opportunity Center in Gulf Breeze, Florida, a new partnership with the South Alabama Homebuilding Academy, and the expansion of Goodwill’s popular GED program into Florida locations.

During the celebration, GGC presented its Community Partner Award to Escambia County Public Schools (Florida) in recognition of its outstanding work training program for high school students with disabilities. Pam Cebula, District Extended Program Administrator and Program Specialist, was recognized for her leadership and continued collaboration as the program prepares for expansion.

Guests also viewed powerful testimonial videos highlighting three of Goodwill’s 2025 success stories: Shreve McWilliams (Early Intervention), Helen Sims (Adult Education), and John Bliss (Career Navigation), each demonstrating the life-changing impact of Goodwill’s mission services.

Attendees received a copy of the FY 2025 Annual Report, generously printed at no cost by Gwin’s Commercial Printing in Mobile. The annual report is also available on the Goodwill Gulf Coast website.

Goodwill Gulf Coast extends sincere thanks to its board members, nonprofit partners, sponsors, and supporters who helped make the Annual Celebration a success. Together, the organization continues to change lives and strengthen communities across the Gulf Coast.