Case Studies

Goodwill Industries of Kentucky Louisville Opportunity Center – Creating a Space for Community Impact

RCF Group collaborated with Goodwill Industries of Kentucky, Inc. on their new Louisville Opportunity Center, a facility designed to house both Goodwill Industries of Kentucky Headquarters and co-located nonprofits such as KentuckianaWorks, Volunteers of America, University of Louisville School of Dentistry, and Power of Works. The opportunity center reflects Goodwill’s mission to support job training, personal development, and community resources. This large-scale, multi-functional space includes classrooms, training centers, resume-building support, job placement, and even a dental clinic. 

Although RCF Group initially bid on the project, the long-standing partnership on previous projects was instrumental. As the headquarters required architectural input, Goodwill brought on an architect and designer who, in turn, introduced a competing dealer. Despite the competitive landscape, RCF Group’s track record and their client contact’s support were key, leading to a selection process that ultimately favored RCF Group for the project. 

RCF Group leveraged a strategic approach to avoid price increases by ordering furniture in advance, despite an 18-month lead time. Through effective monitoring and coordination with manufacturers, RCF Group saved Goodwill $216,821in value engineering on new product and secured a significant donation of conference and training tables from a local corporate partner, contributing an additional $30,500 in savings. This allowed Goodwill to redirect funds toward essential program resources, maximizing the project’s impact on the community. 

RCF Group worked closely with a Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) installer, demonstrating a commitment to inclusivity and community support, though the installer was new to projects of this scale. RCF Group supported them through the process, contributing to Goodwill’s diversity objectives and delivering on an ambitious installation timeline. 

The 18-month project required continuous tracking, adjustments to installation schedules, and patience through long periods with limited updates. RCF Group’s commitment to regular monitoring ensured that all elements were delivered on time and within budget, despite the lulls and subsequent surges in project activity. 

The headquarters, which opened in early 2024, provides a vibrant, community-focused space that is already making an impact. Each floor has a unique purpose: the second floor is dedicated to Goodwill’s operations, while the first floor hosts various public-facing services, including job training, financial literacy classes, and nonprofit workspaces. The new location is helping Goodwill further its mission by facilitating collaboration among nonprofits to amplify their impact on the Louisville community. 

Case Studies