GoodWorld News Fall 2020

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FALL 2020

INSIDE: New Virtual Services Hippie Dash 2021

JET Certified Takes Off! Our new program offers real-world training leading to career certifications.

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Meeting Needs in New Ways As we deal with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Goodwill-Suncoast is rethinking the way we deliver services and adapting to serve the community during these challenging times.

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President and CEO Deborah Passerini Board Chair Carole F. Philipson Members of the Board Mike Attinella Steve Bivens Shauna Burkes Heather Ceresoli Christina Elam, CFP Steven M. Erickson Marie Hebbler Louise R. Lopez Dominic Macrone Tony Martinez Melissa Mora, Esq. Kimberley Perez Carole F. Philipson Ed Rader Scott Rutz Sandra Young H O N O R A R Y

Our Job Connection services are now available virtually as well as at Job Connection centers in St. Petersburg and Riverview. The interactive website at myjobconnection. org offers abundant resources to aid with job searches and enhance skills, including the option of chatting online with Goodwill employment specialists. We’re also opening a virtual Job Connection center at our store on Hillsborough Avenue in Tampa to reach even more people with these services.

Our cover story focuses on JET Certified, an extension of our JET (Job, Education & Training) internship program. The program offers virtual instruction coupled with hands-on training leading to credentials in hospitality, customer service and food service. Both programs help young people with disabilities transition to community employment.

Our mission is transforming lives through lifelong learning and the power of work. We will continue to find new ways to carry out this mission, delivering services that are needed now more than ever.

Sincerely,

President and CEO Emeritus R. Lee Waits

Our Mission: Transforming lives through lifelong learning and the power of work.

GoodWorld News is a quarterly publication for friends and employees of Goodwill Industries-Suncoast, Inc.

Deborah A. Passerini President and Chief Executive Officer

Goodwill Board Elects New Members

Goodwill Industries-Suncoast Board of Directors elected 4 members in September.

Jennifer Fleming, Editor 727-523-1512, ext. 1015 jennifer.fleming@goodwill-suncoast.com Visit our website at goodwill-suncoast.org Call toll-free: 888-279-1988 TTY: 727-579-1068 Goodwill Industries-Suncoast, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer that provides services without regard to race, spiritual beliefs, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, socioeconomic status or disability. If you need accommodation or assistance in accessing any area of employment or program services, please let us know.

Shauna Burkes

New to the Goodwill board is Shauna Burkes, Vice President and Senior Council in Labor & Employment and General Litigation for HSN in St. Petersburg.

She lives in Tampa with her two children.

Heather Ceresoli

Returning to the board is Heather Ceresoli, COO & Shareholder at Taylor White. Heather first joined the board in 2006 and served as Board Chair from 2015-2019. She lives in Tampa with her husband and twin boys who are attending college.

Louise Lopez

Also returning to the board is Louise Lopez, Chief Financial Officer at Focal Point Data Risk. Louise originally joined the board more than 15 years ago. She lives in South Tampa with her husband and children.

In Memoriam

Kimberly Perez

Another new board member is Kimberly “Kim” Perez, Chief Accounting Officer with Welbilt. She lives in Tampa with her husband and their four daughters.

Christie Coppersmith, a retail associate at our Ocala superstore, passed away in July.

She had been with Goodwill for three years and is remembered as having a great sense of humor and a work ethic that was second to none. “Christie was one of the best and smartest workers I’ve had the pleasure of working with. She was always a bright spot in my day,” said store manager James Rogers. We are deeply saddened by her passing.

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The three who received training at Crump’s Landing were helped by their Goodwill Workforce Specialist Robert Batista (see story below), a longtime Goodwill employee.

Get Certified!

A new program improves job placement chances for our neighbors in need

“One of the coolest things is seeing these individuals grow from beginning to end,” Robert says. “When they reach the point where they have the skills to be hired, it’s a complete transformation that really shows their growth.”

To become a host site or a participant in JET or JET Certified, contact Derek Arnold at derek.arnold@goodwill-suncoast.com

At Crump’s Landing Bar & Grill in Homosassa, three young adults earned Foodhandler certificates over the summer by getting paid, hands-on training rotating through different aspects of the restaurant’s operations.

At Mojo’s Grill in Ocala, four others did the same.

The seven were participating in a new segment of our JET program (short for Job, Education & Training), called JET Certified. The program is for students and adults with learning difficulties or career obstacles.

It offers paid, hands-on experience leading toward certification in Food Service, Hospitality and Retail careers. A Forklift certification will soon be available. The program is currently offered in Marion and Citrus counties.

“One of the coolest things is seeing these individuals grow from beginning to end,” The certifications include both hands-on and classroom and/or virtual learning. For each certification track, Goodwill provides on-site job skills support with highly-trained “JET Techs” on hand to help ensure success. Currently, the program is offered at two restaurants and two hotels in Citrus and Marion counties.

A Goodwill “JET Tech” For almost 10 years, Robert Batista has spent his Goodwill career helping others.

He began as a Skills Trainer working with adults with disabilities at our St. Petersburg Outlet store. He then took those same talents to our St. Petersburg Life Skills Development program and our Pinellas Park donation center before moving to Citrus County. He is now a Workforce Specialist engaged in three youth programs – Project SEARCH, JET (Job, Education & Training) and the new JET Certified.

Before joining Goodwill, Robert did companion and respite work with individuals with disabilities taking them to medical appointments and other activities in the community.

Clearly, the desire to help others runs in his blood.

“I enjoy helping people reach their goals, whether it’s employment or moving out on their own for the first time,” he says. “I like to see the progress the individuals make throughout our programs. I really enjoy helping them navigate the obstacles that they were challenged with while at work and at home.”

Robert looks forward to growing the new JET Certified program and helping even more people.

“I like the JET Certified program model,” he says, “because it gives the participants a certificate that they can bring with them when they begin to look for employment.”

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GoodLilly’s

Will Croak for Cookies

Green Lantern

Donated item

New item

4.98

4.99

$

$

St. Petersburg Superstore

Most Superstores

Imagine how much this toad-ally cute cookie jar could brighten up a kitchen!

Soak up some power and light with this sleek and solar powered lantern.

Be a Thrift-o-saurus!

Donated item

3.98

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Oldsmar Superstore It’s easy to be green (literally) and sustainable by shopping for toys and other household items at Goodwill.

How Does Your Garden Grow?

New item

5.99

$

Most Superstores Hopefully your garden thrives – right along with your wallet – by making Goodwill your first choice for bargain shopping!

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A collection of brand new and donated items found at Goodwill-Suncoast stores

Mrs. Green Jeans Donated item

9.98

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Trinity Superstore Need designer-brand slacks or capris for far less? You’re sure to find what you’re looking for at Goodwill!

Sock it to Me New item

1.99

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Most Superstores Honor our Stanley Cup Champions, the Tampa Bay Lightning, all year long with these hockey-themed socks.

Slip into Style Donated item

12.96

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Wesley Chapel Superstore These classic G.H. Bass men’s driver shoes are a steal at a fraction of their original retail price.

Send us your Goodwill finds!

If we feature them here or on our Upcycle page we’ll send you a $20 gift card good at any Goodwill-Suncoast retail store. Post your photos on our Facebook page (www.facebook.com/goodwillsuncoast) or e-mail them to jennifer.fleming@goodwill-suncoast.com. For Goodwill store locations, visit www.goodwill-suncoast.org.

Check Out

the Goodwill Huntress!

Our huntress found this adorable multi-colored dress for just

5.98

$

at Goodwill! Check out her blog to see many more of her fashionable Goodwill finds at https://blog. goodwill-suncoast.org/

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Be a Team Player!

GoodStuff Donation Drive for Vets

VFW Auxiliary member Sandra Johnson is all smiles as she takes delivery of one batch of donated clothing.

In September, we partnered with VFW Auxiliary SPC Zachary L Shannon Memorial Post 2550 for a donation drive for veterans.

“Clothing Drive for Veterans” collection boxes were available inside Goodwill stores in Pinellas County. The collected new and gently used clothing – with a value of more than $3,600 – was given to veterans served through the Social Services Department of Bay Pines Healthcare System. Thanks to all who donated!

When you “Round Up” your purchase this November, the funds will go to helping our team members develop and achieve their career goals via our Career Navigation and Tuition Assistance programs. Training programs and topics offered through the program include financial literacy via our partners Bank of America, PNC Bank, Regions Bank, Suncoast Credit Union and Wells Fargo, plus digital literacy and remedial education.

Our tuition assistance program pays up to $5,250 per year, even for career paths outside of Goodwill. These programs support our core value – that work and lifelong learning transform lives and strengthen communities. We believe that this begins with supporting our greatest asset, our team members.

Shop for gifts at smile.amazon.com/ch/59-0718492 to generate donations for Goodwill!

End 2020 on a Happy Note!

One of the best ways to put this trying year behind you may be with a year-end charitable gift! It’s easy, and the tax benefits can allow you to give at a lower cost. Because of the income tax charitable deduction, individuals who make their gifts by December 31 and itemize, can significantly reduce their income taxes for 2020. An outright gift of $10,000 can save you $3,200 in taxes if you are in the 32% tax bracket. If you do not itemize, you may still deduct up to $300 of charitable gifts made in cash or by check.

Giving is much more than tax brackets and deductions because it provides a meaningful difference in what a charity can accomplish.

Gifts of stock and real estate may also be excellent gifts to consider. You can deduct up to 30% of your adjusted gross income, with an additional five-year carry over. This also allows you to avoid paying capital gains taxes on the sale of these items.

5 Years Running As the Grateful Dead said, “What a long, strange trip it’s been!” After having to cancel the 2020 Hippie Dash for Peace, Love & Goodwill, we’re really looking forward to 2021! On May 15 we’ll celebrate our fifth year of groovy fun as hundreds of free spirits take to the streets of Safety Harbor. Participants can choose from a 10k or 5k run, a 1-mile Walk, Woof & Roll (dogs welcome) and a Flower Child Fun Run for the little hippies. After the race, we’ll hang out at Safety Harbor’s waterfront downtown and enjoy a stroll through vintage VWs on display, a DJ spinning tunes from the ‘60s, free beer and munchies, costume contests with prizes and an all-around super psychedelic vibe! Save the date for the grooviest day in Tampa Bay!

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In addition, the IRA Charitable Rollover allows those 70 ½ or older to donate as much as $100,000 of IRA account assets each year. The donations will count as part of the IRA required annual payout. Although there is no income tax charitable deduction, it doesn’t count as income.

You may also consider Life Income Gifts. These will allow you to make a gift now, receive a charitable gift tax deduction, while receiving a life income. These are commonly through a Charitable Gift Annuity or a unitrust or annuity trust.

To learn more, please contact us toll free at 888-279-1988 or email jim.williams@goodwill-suncoast.com.

This is not tax or legal services but for informational purposes only. Please consult your tax attorney and/or registered financial representative to determine what is in your best interest.

Sweet!

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P R O J E C T

Create easy cand y jars that can change with the season!

Standing Candy Jars

Start with an assortment of clean glass jars or containers to hold your candy, and candlesticks or other objects that would work as a “base.”

Spray paint in the color of your choice, and allow to dry. We added glass “candy” beads as top handles.

Use an x-acto knife to scrape any excess paint from contact points to help them stick.

Glue your bases to your tops with a strong adhesive and allow time to set.

Once ready, add your candy of choice.

It’s easy to update the look of your thrifted creations to fit any season!

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St. Petersburg, FL 33702 ®

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GoodWorld News • Fall 2020

GoodWorks A young Air Force veteran gets help navigating civilian careers When Ceylin Brooks decided to leave the Air Force after serving for six years, she moved from the Hurlburt Field Air Force installation in northwest Florida to Tampa. The transition to civilian life was a little difficult, especially when it came to looking for a job.

While searching to find a new position, a friend told her about Goodwill’s Job Connection Center in Riverview. The help she got there was an instant game-changer.

“I’m telling you, I got the job, so it works!”

In fact, with input and advice from Job Connection staff, Ceylin soon landed two job interviews. Best of all, she received offers for both positions! She chose to go with a fulltime receptionist position at a day spa, but, she says, that’s just the beginning. She’s also enrolled in training that leads to Google IT Support certification, funded by a scholarship through a Google and Goodwill partnership.

The most beneficial advice she received was from Goodwill’s Job Connection employment specialist Raymond Steward, who is himself an Air Force veteran. With his help, Ceylin was able to modify the jargon of her “very military” resume to align more with the civilian work force. She also learned interviewing tips and how to target her resume depending on the position she wanted.

“I felt very welcome,” she says. “The Job Connection Center was a super big help!”

Let’s Get Virtual!

You may already know that we operate two Job Connection Centers inside superstores in St. Petersburg and Riverview, offering free and comprehensive help to job seekers. Recently we added virtual services via a website, www.myjobconnection.org, where job seekers can find up-to-date information on community services to help them navigate issues related to unemployment, as well as tools and resources to augment job searches and employment skills.

The site contains access to job boards, resume help – including the ability to upload a resume for free feedback – and online certification courses to help increase employability. The website also has a live chat portal that allows Goodwill employment specialists to assist people immediately. A dedicated phone line 727-282-4478, (include area code) was also implemented to help those who may be uncomfortable with computers.

In addition, we plan to open a virtual Job Connection Center inside our Tampa store at 4102 W. Hillsborough Ave. The Center will offer FREE services that include computer and internet access, resources to develop skills, job search assistance and career planning and exploration.

“The Job Connection Center was a super big help to me,” says Ceylin Brooks. She was able to get the help she needed to land a job during the pandemic. Read more about her story above.