CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Goodwill Industries of the Southern Piedmont announced the naming of their new 160,000 square foot campus in honor of Leon Levine. The new building will be called 'The Leon Levine Opportunity Center.' Leon, and Sandra Levine were in attendance for the annual Cornerstone Celebration at the Charlotte Convention Center Thursday. The Leon Levine Foundation donated $1.2 million to Goodwill for this project.
"I think it's an opportunity for a lot more people to find good jobs. It will really make a difference in this county, and this country," said Leon Levine. "I meet them in their old facility, and also toured their stores. It's a need particularly when we were in a recession for 4, or 5 years, they served so many people that needed clothes. What they're doing to bring jobs to people is outstanding."
The Leon Levine Opportunity Center will provide a comprehensive collection of resources and opportunities for job training, job placement for anyone willing to walk through the doors. Construction started in early 2015, with completion anticipated about this time next year. The total cost of the project is $20 million. Goodwill needs to raise $2.8 million more to have all the money they need for the center.
"The work of goodwill is more needed than ever." said the CEO of Goodwill Michael Elder, "As we in this community are talking about Charlotte is last in terms of economic mobility. That's exactly what goodwill is focused on particularly the new campus will really allow us the partners to provide more of the services that will help."
To learn more about the Goodwill Opportunity Campus visit www.goodwillsp.org.
To learn more about The Leon Levine Foundation visit www.leonlevinefoundation.org.
