From CWLP’s Website

Published January 29, 2009

The eligibility requirements for participation in the Hand Up customer bill assistance program have been eased, making it possible for more Springfield residential customers to receive aid.

Hand Up is a joint cooperation between CWLP and Land of Lincoln Goodwill Industries that allows customers to work at Goodwill in exchange for payment toward their past due CWLP bill. Previously, customers had to have a minimum past due bill of $400 in order to take part in the program. Under the new program parameters, no minimum amount is required. This will open the program to more in-need customers at a time when other assistance options are dwindling.

The Hand Up program, which debuted in September 2007, has helped nearly 500 customers pay off over $66,000 in debt so far.

From Springfield Journal-Register

By TIM LANDIS
STAFF WRITER

Published June 6, 2008

The knickknacks, used blue jeans and donated housewares traditionally associated with Goodwill Industries are still there � next to the coffee bar, bookstore-style reading area and pastry display case.

Then again, the new Goodwill retail outlet on Wabash Avenue is considered an experiment for a not-for-profit business that operates more than 2,200 stores nationwide and had 2007 revenues of $3.2 billion.

‘We’re testing it here, and if it works well here, we’ll take it to other Goodwill stores,” Land of Lincoln Goodwill Industries chief executive Sharon Durbin said Friday as employees prepared for today’s grand opening. Read More »