TACOMA – LaTasha Smith had the best description for Tacoma Goodwill’s new Milgard Work Opportunity Center at today’s public dedication: “It’s inspiring – it makes me want to work harder and do better.”

Gov. Chris Gregoire, Tacoma Mayor Bill Baarsma and more than 300 others joined Smith in praising the new facility, which opened Sept. 14 at 714 S. 27th St. in Tacoma. The $21.7 million, 63,000-square-foot building is a LEED Gold-qualified “green” building that supports the agency’s initiative to triple services in its 15-county service area.

“There’s a different air in there – it feels like somewhere I want to be and grow,” Smith said. “When someone’s totally defeated, this is what they need.”

Smith said things changed for her after taking Goodwill’s Key to Change financial literacy class. Now, she said, she can set goals instead of hiding from bill collectors. “It’s absolutely life changing – and that’s just one program,” said Smith, who received a standing ovation for her remarks.

The power of changing lives was a theme throughout the event.

Gov. Gregoire said while most people know Goodwill for donating clothes or shopping at stores, “every purchase furthers the goal of breaking down barriers to employment for people with disadvantages or disabilities.” She said she was confident the state will emerge stronger from “this Great Recession” as a result of the work of agencies such as Goodwill.

“Tacoma Goodwill is a great example of how communities can come together to help those in need,” said Gov. Gregoire. “This truly is a center of opportunity, a place of dignity and respect.”

Mayor Baarsma emphasized how much Goodwill means to Tacoma and proclaimed the day in honor of the agency.

“Goodwill serves as a true community leader and an anchor for growth in this part of town,” said Mayor Baarsma. “The Work Opportunity Center couldn’t be opening at a better time…working with people to better themselves which will in return improve our community.”

Tacoma Goodwill Board of Directors President Bob Bruback, a senior vice president with Heritage Bank, opened the ceremony with thanks to major donors such as the Gary E. Milgard Family Foundation, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, longtime friend of Goodwill Hugh S. Ferguson, and federal and state officials – including $3.3 million from the state of Washington. He especially recognized the work of John and Buzz Folsom, who led the agency’s capital campaign that raised more than $12 million for the project.

Bruback noted the agency’s history, starting with its founding in 1921. Today, Goodwill has 23 stores and is serving more than 6,000 people with job training services.

“The Goodwill mission has remained the same: to change lives by helping people with disabilities or disadvantages go to work,” he said.

Tacoma Goodwill CEO Terry A. Hayes promised to double the agency’s efforts to live up to that mission.

“We will use this gift to give hope, build confidence and give people skills for a better future here in our community, because jobs change lives,” Hayes said.

Connie McCloud, an elder with the Puyallup Tribe of Indians, and Rev. Chris Morton, executive director of Associated Ministries in Tacoma, each blessed the facility.

For LaTasha Smith, the Milgard center is the place to go for help from Goodwill staff.

“If there’s anyone you know who’s struggling, point them in this direction,” Smith said. “You just have to walk in the door and ask for help and it’s here – abundantly here.”