Seabrook Goodwill Honored with Employment Leadership Award for Inclusive Hiring

We’re proud to share that our Seabrook, New Hampshire Goodwill location has been named one of the 2025 Employment Leadership Award (ELA) recipients by the New Hampshire Department of Education’s Bureau of Vocational Rehabilitation (VRNH).

This recognition celebrates employers who go above and beyond to create workplaces where people of all abilities are welcomed, supported, and empowered to thrive. At Goodwill Northern New England, that mission is at the heart of everything we do.

“I want people to come here and feel safe and feel valued … It is almost like a family,” said Stephanie Souther, Assistant Store Manager at Goodwill in Seabrook.

The ELA honors businesses that demonstrate a strong commitment to hiring and advancing individuals with disabilities. It’s about seeing people for their strengths, not their limitations, and building workplace cultures rooted in respect, collaboration, and opportunity.

Creating Pathways to Meaningful Work

At Goodwill NNE, we believe employment is more than a paycheck. It’s a pathway to stability, dignity, and purpose. That’s why our Seabrook team works intentionally to ensure every employee feels seen, supported, and valued.

This award is a testament to the transformative power of inclusive hiring, and to the Seabrook team’s leadership in showing what’s possible when compassion meets opportunity.

Celebrating National Disability Employment Awareness Month

The Employment Leadership Awards were presented in celebration of National Disability Employment Awareness Month, which highlights the contributions of workers with disabilities and the value they bring to the workforce.

“When businesses look at candidates based on their strengths and what they bring to the job, rather than making assumptions about limitations, everyone benefits,” said Richard Sala, Director of VRNH.

We’re honored to be recognized alongside other outstanding employers across New Hampshire who are helping build a more inclusive workforce. Congratulations to all the 2025 ELA recipients!

Goodwill Northern New England is a local nonprofit dedicated to investing in people. Goodwill NNE provides comprehensive support to those facing barriers to achieving their work and life goals. Our Workforce Services serve thousands of individuals each year – including our own teammates! Our holistic approach to employment combines the best practices of social work and workforce development. Goodwill NNE stores embody our mission and drive sustainability through re-use, while offering good jobs and free supports to all employees. Goodwill NNE operates in Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont. For more information visit GoodwillNNE.org.