速
SPRING 2015
extreme T H R i F Tesi ,N G Outlet stor like our new one in St. Petersburg, ial! are fun AND benefic
INSIDE: A Dinosaur Discount Our Readers Upcycle! 1
L E T T E R
F R O M
T H E
P R E S I D E N T
Benevolence Realized ®
As this newsletter goes to press, we just learned that Goodwill has been selected by U.S. consumers as the Disability Nonprofit Brand of the Year. We recognize this is a reflection of community support for the Goodwill mission.
President and CEO Deborah Passerini Board Chair Oscar J. Horton Members of the Board Lee Bell Heather Ceresoli Robert D. Dobkowski Steven M. Erickson Tom Falone IV Mark E. Gauthier Martin W. Gladysz Marie Carson Hebbler Paul Horowitz Andrea D. Kiehl Louise R. Lopez Richard E. Ludwig John Maceovsky David E. Murphy Carole F. Philipson Mark Pichowski Ed Rader Charlie Robinson, Jr. Bob Wabbersen President and CEO Emeritus R. Lee Waits Our Mission: To help people achieve their full potential through the dignity and power of work. GoodWorld News is a quarterly publication for friends and employees of Goodwill Industries-Suncoast, Inc. 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.
In this issue, I invite you to read about some of the ways your support and kindness are making a difference in our community. It starts with our story about Goodwill outlet stores in Lakeland, Ocala and the newly remodeled store in St. Petersburg. At these outlet stores, shoppers can buy things that do not sell in our 16 retail stores. It’s just another way we value every donation we receive … and also put people to work. You see, our outlet stores are staffed almost entirely by people with disabilities gaining real-life experience in retail; it’s work that prepares them for jobs in the community. You’ll read about Kenny who works in the Lakeland outlet store, and about David, who landed a job at McDonald’s with assistance from Goodwill’s Supported Employment program. On May 6, during Goodwill Industries Week, we will host a community job fair in St.Petersburg to connect people who are unemployed or underemployed with local businesses. These are all ways that Goodwill helps people achieve their full potential through work. Please know that when you shop at a Goodwill store or donate to Goodwill, you support these services and help change lives. Each time someone gets a job with assistance from Goodwill, it is an example of your benevolence realized in our community.
Sincerely,
Deborah A. Passerini President and Chief Executive Officer B O A R D
M E M B E R
P R O F I L E
Addicted to Helping Mark Pichowski learned about responsibility as a child by taking care of animals on his family’s farm in Ocala. Today, as a Goodwill-Suncoast board member, he lends his business expertise to Goodwill. A shareholder with Bouchard Insurance in Clearwater, Mark joined the board in 2013. Since then he has been surprised to learn about the scope of Goodwill’s services, such as housing for people with disabilities and programs to help offenders transition into society. “Once you’re involved you begin to understand how contributions to Goodwill come back to help the local community,” he said. “Doing something like dropping off clothes makes a difference in people’s lives.” Mark is a longtime Tampa resident who lives in a house full of females. He and his wife, Gayle Guyardo of News Channel 8, have four daughters – Katie, 17, Lindsay, 15, Ali, 9, and Ella, 7. A female Havanese dog named Dolce completes the family. Supporting Goodwill is a family affair, with Gayle serving as emcee for Ghoulwill, the annual Halloween fundraiser. “Once you’re involved, it’s addictive,” observed Mark.
In Memoriam
Christopher Phillips, a former technician at Tampa Bay Community Corrections Center, passed away on Jan. 21. Chris was a natural leader who was well liked by his co-workers and had a good rapport with residents of the center. Those who worked with him during his five years at Goodwill remember his excellent sense of humor. In addition to being a valued employee, Chris was a proud father and a family man. He will be missed, but not forgotten. 1
COVER STORY
extreme
Our Outlet Stores are Fun and Beneficial!
T H R iF T iN G
Some find it thrilling, others find it crazy. Whether shopping at our three outlet stores is your thing or not, the stores serve an excellent purpose. But first, the stores! Our outlets are a true bargain-hunter’s paradise. Items that don’t sell in our regular stores are piled up and wheeled into the outlets. Shoppers dive and rummage to pick what they want, then pay for the items by the pound. Clothing, for example, sells for $1.49 a pound. It’s a fastpaced shopping environment not for the faint of heart or the casual browser. But those who do it regularly love the thrill of the hunt! Best of all, our three outlet stores serve as job training ground for adults with disabilities participating in our Life Skills Development program. Jobs range from organizing the merchandise to running the register, with the goal of learning responsibility, customer service skills and ultimately transitioning to outside employment. Our outlet stores are in Ocala, Lakeland and St. Petersburg. The St. Petersburg store just moved to a bright, new, open and airy space. For directions, please visit our website.
Shoppers line up as early as 6 a.m. to stake their place in line at our Outlet Store in St. Petersburg.
St. Petersburg Outlet Store
Lakeland Outlet Store
Ocala Outlet Store
(pictured on cover)
3033 Drane Field Rd. Open Tues - Sat 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.
2920 W. Silver Springs Blvd. Open Tue - Sat 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
10596 Gandy Blvd. Open Mon - Sat 8 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
A
S U C C E S S
S T O R Y
An Ideal Training “Outlet” Kenny Raglin, 27, came to Goodwill in 2007 as a participant in our Life Skills Development program for adults with disabilities in Lakeland. In 2008, he had progressed enough to begin working in our Lakeland Outlet store. There he learned to run a cash register and help out wherever he was needed. Kenny has learned the ins and outs of the entire outlet operation and is very helpful to the customers and his peers. “I’m a good worker!” Kenny says. “I love it. I love working on the cash register and working with my friends.” Kenny is one of many success stories from our Life Skills program. The program helps those who desire job training with careful assessment and activities to help them gain employability skills. For another success story, please see back cover.
Kenny Raglin loves the job skills training he gets at our Lakeland Outlet Store. 2
GoodLilly’s
Cha Cha Cha! Donated item $1.16 Oldsmar Superstore This album says it was “designed to put a sparkle into any party” with the Tango, Rhumba, Samba and the Cha Cha Cha. It’s fiesta time!
Be Bejeweled Donated and new items All Stores Looking for the perfect accessory piece? Check out Goodwill! We have a huge selection of donated and new pieces, priced at a fraction of regular retail.
Pretty as a Picnic New items $9.99 & $.99 All superstores This bright and sassy pitcher, along with separate salt and pepper shakers, would brighten any spring or summer meal!
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Novel Ideas Donated item $3.66 Spring Hill Superstore While you’re relaxing in Margaritaville, or wishing you were, all Goodwill stores have a great selection of books to keep you entertained!
A collection of brand new and donated items found at Goodwill-Suncoast stores Rub-a-Dub-Dub Donated item $4.26 Trinity Superstore Why pay big bucks for new art work? Check out Goodwill first! You might find what you’re looking for, you might not. But either way, it’s fun!
Got Trends? Donated items Top: $6.77 Shorts $7.87 Shoes $6.46 Wesley Chapel Superstore
Time for Fun New item $9.99 All superstores POW!!! BOOM!!! It’s time to wake up to this fun, comic book-inspired wall clock. What a fun addition to a kid’s room!
Yellow and gingham were two runway trends for spring, and our model was able to get trendy with all Goodwill finds! The Ralph Lauren shorts even had the tags still on ($40 originally)!
Send us your Goodwill finds!
If we feature them here or on our Upcycle page we’ll send you a $20 gift card to any Goodwill-Suncoast 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. 4
GoodStuff
Roar Like a Dinosaur Once again this year, everyone who donates to Goodwill-Suncoast during May will receive a coupon for a free child’s ticket at Dinosaur World in Plant City with purchase of an adult ticket. Coupons can be redeemed through July 31, 2015.
Let’s ALL Get to Work! Every year during the first full week of May, Goodwill agencies across the United States and Canada celebrate the power of work through local events and promotions in honor of Goodwill Industries Week. This year, Goodwill-Suncoast will host a Job Fair with dozens of community employers. Come jump in the job market on May 6, from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., at the St. Petersburg Marriott Clearwater, 12600 Roosevelt Blvd., St. Petersburg. For more information visit www.goodwill-suncoast.org.
Board Notes Meet community employers at the Job Fair May 6.
Disability Nonprofit Brand of the Year
2015
We’re Brand of the Year! Goodwill was named the Disability Nonprofit Brand of the Year as part of the 2015 Harris Poll EquiTrend® Study. The study ranks consumer awareness and perception of charitable nonprofit brands based on three factors — familiarity, quality and purchase consideration — that result in a brand equity rating for each brand. For more than 110 years, Goodwill has helped people navigate the challenges they face when seeking employment, including disabilities, lack of education or work experience, and other factors that make it difficult for them to gain employment and build careers.
Fantastic Fan Fest The Tampa Bay Rays Fan Fest was a big success, and Goodwill Suncoast stepped up to the plate and hit many home runs with the attendees! Hundreds of people lined up to spin our wheel and answer questions about the Goodwill mission in order to win some great prizes. A big thank you to everyone who participated, including our fantastic Goodwill Ambassadors volunteers! Go Rays!
Sun State International Trucks, Inc., owned by Goodwill-Suncoast Board member Oscar Horton, has acquired LBS South. As a result of the purchase, Sun State International Trucks is now the distributor of IC Bus brand school buses. Former board member Loreen Spencer was recently named Tampa Bay Lightning Community Hero of the season for her work in support of Gifts of Adoption, which provides grants to adoptive parents. Former board member Josh Beyer was recently promoted from VP Florida Development to Senior VP of Development for The Sembler Company.
Reduce Taxes, Increase Income! Consider a Goodwill Gift Annuity. 60 years or older? Invest in Goodwill for tax savings and lifetime income! When you make a gift of cash or stock into a Goodwill annuity, you receive an immediate charitable income tax deduction. You also receive guaranteed income for life, after which Goodwill uses the remaining principle for services to people who are disabled or disadvantaged.
Annuity Rates Age 60 Age 65 Age 70 Age 75 Age 80 Age 90
4.8% 5.3% 5.8% 6.5% 7.5% 9.8%
Rates as of 6/1/2013
For a free proposal, please contact Jim Williams, Vice President for Fund Development (888) 279-1988 Ext. 1050 or e-mail jim.williams@goodwill-suncoast.com
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up• cy•cle rded objects or 1. reuse (disca create a product material) to ality or value of a higher qu al. than the origin
Rock On Readers ! We love to get pictures of your Goodwill finds! These three shoppers –Chantelle, Sharon and Kayla– will each get a $20 gift card to Goodwill for their submissions.
Submit your own Upcycle ideas. If we use them here you’ll get a $20 gift card.
What are you waiting for? Send yours in! See page 4 for details.
House of Goodwill Goodwill shopper Chantelle finds most of her household treasures at our Oldsmar Superstore. Her buffet hutch is stocked with all white china from Goodwill, like Ikea soup bowls
and an Oneida basket weave service for 8. She uses the pretty table linens for Thanksgiving and Easter. Even her “mini-mantle” is from Goodwill, along with some of its accessories.
Ashes to Organization
A Spicy Idea!
Sharon of New Port Richey says “I found this beautiful ashtray at Goodwill and cleaned it up and I now use it as a jewelry holder!” Easy, pretty and affordable!
Another smart shopper, Kayla from Spring Hill, says “I could never find a good spot to store my nail polish but when I saw this spice rack at Goodwill I knew exactly how I could store them safely!” Genius!
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Non-Profit Org. US POSTAGE
10596 Gandy Blvd. St. Petersburg, FL 33702 ®
PAID
Permit #5008 St. Petersburg, FL
Change Service Requested
GoodWorld News • Spring 2015
GoodWorks David Granger, 40, has come a long way since he first enrolled in Goodwill’s Life Skills Development program for adults with disabilities back in 2009. His Goodwill case managers say that ever since David began the program, he has diligently worked through his barriers to employment.
He’s Lovin’ It!
How Goodwill’s Life Skills Development program helped David find meaningful work
In fact, David progressed so much he was able to land a job at a McDonald’s in St. Petersburg last November. He recently upped his work days there from three to four a week, and was able to cut his time in our Life Skills program from two days a week to just one. In addition, he moved into his own apartment and is living independently for the first time.
"Do I recommend other businesses hire people with disabilities? You bet!" –Missy Stefanos, McDonald’s owner-operator “It’s worked out great,” he says, smiling. Missy Stefanos, owner-operator of the McDonald’s, says she has hired many people with disabilities during her 42 years with the company. “David has done a great job and is learning more each day,” she says. “Do I recommend other businesses hire people with disabilities? You bet! They many times develop into long-term employees.”
Talk about progress! David Granger has a new job and is living independently.
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Goodwill-Suncoast President and CEO Debbie Passerini met with Florida State Rep. Colleen Burton and several other legislators during a visit to Tallahassee in March. She thanked the representatives for supporting legislation that will continue to open doors and provide opportunities for people with disabilities.
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