Goodwill Industries of New Mexico to open retail, services center on Lomas

Goodwill Industries of New Mexico has expanded its operations to reimagine a big-box store that was shuttered on Lomas Boulevard.

Former Hastings, 6001 Lomas Boulevard. The former Hastings store at 6001 Lomas Blvd. The Goodwill-leased 20,000-square foot space will provide career development services, training in skills, veteran programs, and other resources.

Shauna Kastle is the president and CEO of Goodwill Industries in New Mexico. She said, "It's more than just a shop and a place for donations, it's a place where you can access our free services that we offer to the community."

Goodwill now has 16 locations in New Mexico. Lomas also means that there are more employees.

Kastle plans to hire 20 retail employees and two service staff. The starting wage is $13 an hour, and previous work experience will be taken into account. Goodwill will have 400 employees once these new hires are included.

Klein Constructors was the general contractor for the project. Kastle refused to reveal the total cost of the project.

Kastle stated that 'that location is underserved in terms of our services and what we can provide. So it brings us closer to the people we need to reach'. It's also right on a major bus route, making it more accessible. It's about Goodwill Industries of New Mexico expanding its services across New Mexico.

Kastle stated that Goodwill helped over 14,000 people last year in the state. The nonprofit's partners in the community helped 1,300 people find jobs outside of Goodwill and kept 9 million pounds from landfills.

Kastle stated that they want to keep growing to ensure that we are accessible to those in need.