Goodwill OC Wins Wells Fargo Grant

SANTA ANA, May 10, 2010 − Wells Fargo & Company (NYSE:WFC) - Wells Fargo named Goodwill of Orange County as a winner of the Company’s Technical Assistance Grant Initiative (TA). Goodwill of Orange County is one of 12 nonprofit agencies located throughout California that will share Wells Fargo’s $1.2 million Technical Assistance Grant Initiative.

Wells Fargo’s TA program was launched to provide California’s technical assistance providers with resources they need to increase their long-term capacity to meet the growing needs of small business owners and entrepreneurial hopefuls. “As a financial institution, we’re able to help fuel Orange County’s economic recovery by aiding small business growth by partnering directly with organizations that provide technical expertise entrepreneurs need to get their business started and to keep them growing,” said Hector Retta, Wells Fargo regional president for Orange County. “I’m tremendously proud of Wells Fargo’s support for Goodwill of Orange County. Through their dedicated efforts, more local businesses will be able to succeed and hire more employees... and, that contributes to a healthier local economy!”

Goodwill serves individuals in the community with disabilities and other barriers to employment by providing them with work opportunities, education and training. “This grant will expand the Microenterprise Development Program for individuals interested in creating a business with five or fewer employees that requires less than $35,000 in start-up capital. The program will provide entrepreneurs with tools that will enable them to create and fully operate viable and profitable businesses,” said Nancy Quarles, Vice President of Human Resources, Goodwill or Orange County. “Thanks to Wells Fargo we will be able to provide more individuals with the opportunity to explore and capitialize on their own skills, talents, and interests in a way that allows them to be more independent both personally and economically.”

Goodwill of Orange County operates 20 retail stores including the online auction site shopgoodwill.com as well as a variety of critical business services including document destruction, packaging and assembly, custodial services and workforce development The organization has provided thousands of people with disabilities and other barriers the opportunity to achieve the highest levels of personal and economic independence though competitive employment Ninety-one cents of every dollar spent is reinvested back into services, earning Goodwill of Orange County a four-star rating from Charity Navigator for organizational efficiency and capacity. Additional information, including a more information about Goodwill’s programs and services can be found at ocgoodwill.org.