OUTLOOK
The Official Newsletter for Supporters of Morgan Memorial Goodwill Industries
Fall 2019
A Good Party for a Great Mission Local leaders come together to celebrate Goodwill The Good Party was once again a festive celebration as board members, business partners and community leaders came together to kick off summer and recognize all that the participants in Goodwill’s programs accomplished during the year. The event was held inside a gigantic tent at Goodwill’s Roxbury headquarters and guests enjoyed lively entertainment and great food from some of Boston’s tastiest restaurants. For the second year in a row, The Good Party raised over $300,000 to provide crucial support for Goodwill’s mission services. Honorary chairs included Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker, Boston Mayor Martin Walsh, Dr. J. Keith Motley, and WCVB’s Karen Holmes Ward. A highlight of the event was the presentation by Nakiba Browne who told attendees how Goodwill helped him regain his confidence and find a job to support his family. His wife and young son were there to celebrate with him. Joanne K. Hilferty, President and CEO, addressed the crowd about the possibilities and opportunities that
Goodwill Board of Directors members Jane C. Edmonds (left) and Linda Williams (center) with Goodwill President and CEO Joanne K. Hilferty (right) continued on page 2
Goodwill participant Nakiba Browne inspired attendees at The Good Party when he spoke about his journey from incarceration to steady employment on his return to the community. While at the Boston Pre-Release Center, Nakiba utilized every opportunity for self-improvement and visited MassHire Boston Career Center, operated by Goodwill. “At the Boston Pre-Release Center, I met someone who works with Goodwill and he told me about opportunities to visit the career enter at Goodwill. I was able to look for jobs and received a suit to wear on interviews. “I went to the career center every time I had the opportunity. I worked on my resume, researched jobs, and went to job fairs. Everyone there was really helpful and I had the resources I needed to succeed. “My hard work paid off and I was hired as a chef at a restaurant in Dedham. “I was released in April and now live in Dorchester with my wife and my son. My job has helped me support myself and my family, and I am truly grateful for the opportunities I have received.” Morgan Memorial Goodwill Industries
www.goodwillmass.org
1
OUTLOOK
Fall 2019
continued from page 1 SM
Goodwill creates for people:
Bring Good Home
“In a time of divisiveness, Goodwill is a place that welcomes every person of every background. Often when people come in the door, they feel beaten down. We are there to provide a welcoming place, words of encouragement, and a belief in their ability to lift themselves up.”
Goodwill serves more people across the Commonwealth
You can learn more about The Good
Michael turned to Goodwill for help finding work.
Party at the official event webpage: goodwillmass.org/thegoodparty2019. Thank you to our friends, supporters, and sponsors! Goodwill would again like to express its sincere gratitude to all of its sponsors including Title sponsor Bank of America and Silver Sponsors Acadian Wipers, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts, Boston Private Bank, and The TJX Companies.
As of July 1, 2019, Morgan Memorial Goodwill Industries has taken full responsibility for the operation of all aspects of Goodwill programs and services in the western part of Massachusetts. This comes after an 18 month affiliation with Goodwill Industries of the Pioneer Valley which had served that territory for over 90 years. There is significant need for Goodwill services in the region that spans from Greenfield to Chicopee to Springfield. The team that is now the Goodwill Springfield office has extensive experience offering job training programs and day services. Michael, a West Springfield resident, recently turned to Goodwill with the desire to work, but had limited job experience to fall back on. After completing a job readiness program and earning a forklift operator’s license and certification, he was hired at the Advanced Auto Parts distribution center in Enfield, CT, with help from his career advisor. Goodwill now serves 319 communities across Massachusetts and more than 7,500 individuals each year. Your support helps us continue to provide a broad array of programs and services to help individuals enter and succeed in the workforce. To learn more about Goodwill, visit our website at www.goodwillmass.org.
BY THE NUMBERS
7,500 Individuals served annually
2
Morgan Memorial Goodwill Industries
www.goodwillmass.org
Fall 2019
SEARCHing for a Career Program helps youth with disabilities prepare for work
OUTLOOK
Upcoming Events at Goodwill Goodwill finds so many ways to help people who are working to achieve independence and dignity. Follow on social media @GoodwillBoston to see photos from our signature events this fall and to learn more about our mission. Thanksgiving-in-a-Basket
Nakia learned the skills and found a job she loves through Goodwill.
As Nakia was nearing the end of her time at the English High School in Jamaica Plain, she knew she needed a plan for her next steps. She was excited about the opportunity to learn job skills, so she turned to Goodwill and enrolled in Project SEARCH, a proven national model for young adults with developmental and intellectual disabilities. Many students with disabilities age out of the public school system at 22 without a clear plan for next steps, and may be unemployed for months or years. Goodwill’s Project SEARCH helps address this by working with young adults to increase their independence and job skills prior to finishing high school. Over the course of a year, participants complete three internship rotations. Goodwill staff and a special education teacher are onsite to provide individual coaching to help students succeed. Through the program, Nakia had the opportunity to complete internships at Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital, working in human resources, the cafeteria, and housekeeping. She enjoyed being able to interact with so many people while learning valuable job skills. After graduating from the program, Nakia was hired as an usher at AMC Theaters, making a successful transition to adult life.
984 People placed in jobs
Thanks-for-Giving Dinner
Youth Holiday Party
319 Communities served across Massachusetts
For more information on these events, contact Chris Martin at cmartin@goodwillmass.org or (617) 541-1256. Morgan Memorial Goodwill Industries
www.goodwillmass.org
3
OUTLOOK
Fall 2019
Goodwill to celebrate 125 years
Goodwill Shopper to Young Professionals Committee Member
Morgan Memorial Goodwill Industries will be celebrating its 125th anniversary in 2020. Founded in 1895 by Rev. Edgar J. Helms as a way for people to lift themselves out of poverty, it became the first in what is today a worldwide network of 158 organizations in the United States and Canada and affiliated organizations in 12 countries.
Brad Miles is committed to paying it forward
Join us as we celebrate this milestone throughout 2020! Be sure to follow us on social media. Follow us @goodwillboston
Goodwill CEO, Joanne K. Hilferty, to Chair AIM Board of Directors Joanne K. Hilferty, President and CEO of Morgan Memorial Goodwill Industries, has been elected Chair of the Board of Associated Industries of Massachusetts (AIM), the state’s largest business association. A member of the AIM board since 2008, Hilferty most recently served as Treasurer and is the first woman to serve as chair of the AIM board. Founded in 1915, AIM engages in public policy advocacy for more than 3,500 Massachusetts employers who collectively employ one of every five residents. AIM is dedicated to being the voice of employers on legislation and policy for the full range of economic issues. Congratulations Joanne!
4
Morgan Memorial Goodwill Industries
www.goodwillmass.org
From an early age, Brad Miles learned the value of Goodwill. Now 25, he’s an associate at Thomas H. Lee Partners in Boston. Miles grew up the child of two teachers living in California and then Arizona, as the family followed good job opportunities for his parents. Miles has fond childhood memories and notes the role of Goodwill throughout it. With a growing family, Miles’ parents often shopped at their local Goodwills to find great deals on quality clothing and goods. “Shopping at Goodwill made life easier for my family, but it also helped me participate in school theater,” Miles remarked, “allowing me to find just the right costume at an affordable price so my parents wouldn’t have to worry about the added expense.”
Brad Miles at the recent YPC event
Miles moved to Boston in 2018 and immediately began looking for opportunities to give back. His first stop was Morgan Memorial Goodwill Industries, where he learned about the Young Professionals Committee (YPC). “It was important to find a group of like-minded individuals committed to doing good for the community.” As an active member of the YPC, Miles engaged other young professionals at the group’s recent networking event at Harpoon Brewery. The event was held to recruit new members for the YPC and educate the community on Goodwill’s mission. He is excited to grow the YPC’s impact through engagement and fundraising events and to see Goodwill in action. Miles is also committed to supporting Goodwill financially, as donations help fund the crucial programs and services Goodwill offers. Through his sponsorship of The Masquerade Party, Miles joins many other leadership donors as a member of the Edgar J. Helms Society. To learn more about the YPC and the Helms Society, visit www.goodwillmass.org. Morgan Memorial Goodwill Industries 1010 Harrison Avenue Boston, MA 02119 617.445.1010 www.goodwillmass.org Morgan Memorial Goodwill Industries, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation. Your gift to support Goodwill is fully tax deductible to the extent provided by law.