In response to the significant financial impacts of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, Goodwill Manasota has made significant staff reductions that impact 374 employees—or 52 percent of its workforce—until further notice. The affected employees have been placed on temporary furlough. The nonprofit joins Goodwill organizations across the country in its decision, which is in place until the crisis has resolved and operations stabilize. Goodwill leadership is also taking a pay cut in response to the crisis. Immediate steps to provide support for affected team members include paid time off (PTO) payouts, access to health benefits and a free Teladoc service, references to assist those seeking new employment, and guidance for accessing support services.

In recent weeks, Goodwill Manasota says it has seen a decline of almost 50 percent in sales at its retail stores, with the impact heading into the millions of dollars and climbing. Goodwill president and CEO Bob Rosinsky notes that that the furloughs were particularly tragic given that many of Goodwill’s employees have significant barriers to employment and the organization’s mission is to help them overcome those barriers and become self-sufficient. While the organization did implement a reduction in their hours, it did not furlough workers employed through the Supported JobsPlus program, which enables individuals with significant physical, psychiatric or developmental disabilities to gain positive personal and workplace behaviors and skills while earning a paycheck through job opportunities at Goodwill.