The Itzkowitz family at the Goodwill Industries of Arkansas warehouse. Clockwise from top left: Bryce, Braeden, Dawn and Brian.

John D. Rockefeller, Jr. said, “Giving is the secret of a healthy life. Not necessarily money, but whatever a man has of encouragement and sympathy and understanding.” The Itzkowitz family embodies that statement. Brian Itzkowitz is the President and CEO of Goodwill Industries of Arkansas. His wife, Dawn heads up Autism Speaks. They along with their two sons, Braeden, 15, and Bryce, 13, dedicate their lives to serving and building others up. Brian describes son Braeden as having a servant’s heart. Bryce, who is on the autism spectrum, was recently voted the friendliest student in his grade.

Decoration Inspiration Found! The Little Rock Family team created this photo vignette using items from Goodwill’s Outlet Store and on-line auction inventory.

Early in their marriage Brian and Dawn lived in Maryland. That’s where Brian, a RiteAid pharmacy manager, first became acquainted with Goodwill. He had an employee who he says “dressed to the nines.” The employee took Brian down to Goodwill because that’s where he shopped. Brian was intrigued by this form of retail and the beneficial impact it had on people’s lives. That’s when he decided to make the career shift to Goodwill which then led his young family to Florida and eventually Arkansas. Brian says, “We’re not making money for some faceless stockholder. We’re helping people.”

Brian & Dawn Itzkowitz in the Goodwill warehouse.

Since 1927, Goodwill has helped build lives through assisting people with disabilities, challenges and other special considerations through training, education, and employment services. They work to reach this goal by giving people with barriers a chance at personal and economic independence and the dignity of a paycheck. In Arkansas alone this year, the non-profit has served 17,245 individuals with 4,751 of them being placed in competitive employment receiving an average hourly wage of $9.87.

The Goodwill spirit is infused in the Itzkowitz household. Brian says, “We encourage independence and compassion. Dawn and I want to raise good citizens of the world. They see giving things away as a good thing. And, we have a lot of fun just figuring out life!”

Gifts of Goodwill

In addition to Goodwill industries of Arkansas helping thousands annually, the organization also keeps millions of pounds of household goods out of area landfills. And, it recycles thousands of pounds of hazardous waste materials each year. By donating gently used household items and electronics to Goodwill, individuals exemplify the organization’s mantra of “Donate. Shop. Change a life.” “Because of the generosity of Arkansans, 96% of our agency’s budget comes from the donation and sales of used goods. We feel good about that. Funds we generate stay in Arkansas helping Arkansans. It’s one big circle,” affirms CEO Brian Itzkowitz.

“What drives me is the people. It’s the people we serve who may have given up hope and we help restore hope in their lives. Everyone deserves someone in their corner,” shares Goodwill of Arkansas CEO Brian Itzkowitz.

Workforce Development Programs

  • Career Services Centers – free job placement service including preparing resumes, identifying prospective employers and developing interview skills
  • Supported Employment – training individuals with severe disabilities in the competitive employment department
  • Work Activity Center/Adult Development Program – provides services to adults who are developmentally disabled to participate in work, community experiences and social development activities
  • HORIZONS – vocational and career training program for young adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder
  • Beyond Jobs - program for women
  • Transitional Employment Opportunity – 16 week paid training program for re-entering citizens with non-violent and non-sexual felonies for successful employment
  • Health Equipment Link Program Services – collects, cleans and refurbishes equipment free of charge for those in need in the community
  • Youth and Family Services – helps Pulaski County youth to explore career pathways
  • Arkansas Career Readiness Certificate – employment training programs

On-Line Treasure Hunt


Go to GoodwillAR.org and check out these and other valuable auction items. Inventory is ever changing!

  • Elvis and Johnny Cash memorabilia
  • Vintage Typewriters
  • Star Wars Collectibles
  • Legos galore
  • Heirloom jewelry
  • Designer purses
  • Electronics
  • Guitars and assorted musical instruments
  • Camera equipment
  • Fine art, antiques & more

Speaking of Autism

When the Itzkowitz family was considering moving from Florida in 2008 Dawn says, “One of the first things I did as a parent was to look into what resources were in Little Rock.” She was passionate about bringing the Autism Speaks presence to the Natural State.

“Arkansas didn’t have a walk and I knew we had to have an event here,” Dawn says. She brought her experience as a walk chair and began with community meetings to see if there would be interest. As the grassroots effort grew, community interest and support grew as well. In 2010, the first Walk Now for Autism Speaks event was held in Arkansas. The annual walks have grown each year and so have autism resources and services. There is now a Family Advisory Board, Autism Treatment Network, insurance reforms, grants and scholarships, Family toolkit for the newly diagnosed, and outreach into minority communities.

It’s ribbon cutting time for Bryce’s Brigade. Brian, Bryce, Braeden, and Dawn Itzkowitz lead the way at a Walk Now for Autism Speaks event.

The entire Itzkowitz family is involved with Autism Speaks through volunteering, fundraising and beyond. They lovingly refer to themselves as Bryce’s Brigade in honor of their son who is on the autism spectrum.

When asked how her work with Autism Speaks has impacted her life Dawn shares, “For me it has really changed me as a person. I was always shy. Now I love speaking to families. I get calls all the time. Every one of our committee members is engaged. It’s amazing. I feel fortunate that I’m able to devote that time to the community.”

So what is Autism Speaks?

Autism Speaks is the world’s leading autism science and advocacy organization. Their goal is to positively change the future for individuals and families who are struggling with the effects of autism spectrum disorders. Efforts include biomedical research into the causes, prevention, treatments and cures for autism. The group works globally to raise awareness and funds. Autism Speaks works through science, family services, advocacy and awareness. The Walk Now for Autism Speaks events draw roughly 890,000 individuals in nearly 100 cities across North America to raise much needed funds for mission advancement. Go to AutismSpeaks.org for more information and a wide range of free, downloadable toolkits for parents.

My child has autism. Now what?

Receiving the news your child has autism can leave you with what feels like millions of questions. The 100 Day Kit for Newly Diagnosed Families of Young Children was created for parents and caregivers to make the best possible use of the 100 days following their child’s diagnosis. The priceless information is divided into sections that cover the following topics.

  • About Autism, Diagnosis, Causes and Symptoms
  • You, Your Family and Autism
  • Getting Your Child Services
  • How is Autism Treated?
  • Making it Happen
  • 10 Things Your Child with Autism Wishes You Knew
  • A Week by Week Plan for the Next 100 Days
  • Useful Forms
  • Glossary and Resources