FALL/WINTER 2010
A publication of Morgan Memorial Goodwill Industries
Computer Training for Employment Makes a Difference In this day and age, it is virtually impossible to search or apply for jobs without going online. That is why Computer Training for Employment at Boston Career Link is such a critically important program for thousands of area job seekers. Boston Career Link is the one-stop career center operated by Goodwill. Computer Training for Employment, or CTE for short, is a weekly class that helps students learn how to apply and search for jobs online. The program recently received a boost from the National Grid Foundation. The support and grant from the Foundation will help Goodwill continue assisting Boston’s underserved communities. National Grid Foundation focuses on creating opportunities for solutions to educational and environmental issues. Its objective is based on the principle that giving people the tools to build hope is an essential ingredient in the development of individuals, families and communities.
“In challenging economic times, Goodwill’s CTE program can make the difference between getting a job and being unemployed,” said Bob Keller, president, National Grid Foundation. "With Goodwill’s help, CTE can literally be a life changing experience.” For the students in CTE, the class is making a difference. “The class was very helpful,” said Na’Imah Jeffries, who is looking for a job in early education. “I knew some of the basic things, but I learned a few shortcuts. I learned a lot.” continued on page 3
Goodwill CEO Celebrates 15th Anniversary
Youth Programs..................................page 2 Hartl Award Winner ........................page 2 Goodwill Launches Donate Movement .............................page 3 Eric Goes to Washington ...............page 3
After the Deluge, Somerville Goodwill Store Makes a Splash
Congratulations to Joanne Hilferty who celebrated her 15th anniversary in August as CEO and president of Morgan Memorial Goodwill Industries! As Congressman Michael Capuano and state Senator Pat Jehlen look on, sales associate Michelle Finch talks about what Goodwill means to her. Finch is a graduate of Goodwill’s job training program.
Boston University and Goodwill Team Up to Go Green Goodwill, Not Landfill provides alternative for students Boston University and Goodwill teamed up this past spring to collect reusable goods during the Move Out period when students leave the dormitories for the summer break. The campaign, called Goodwill, Not Landfill, exceeded all expectations and resulted in the collection of 35 tons of goods that could be resold in The Goodwill Stores.
Students at Boston University donated more than 35 tons of goods as part of Goodwill, Not Landfill earlier this year.
inside this issue
From April 24 to May 19, sustainability@BU and Goodwill worked together to collect gently used clothing and other working items that might otherwise have ended up in a local landfill. Goodwill bins were placed at all the campus dorms and the goods were collected on a daily basis. Sometimes several pick ups were needed because of the volume of the donations. continued on page 2
U.S. Representative Michael Capuano, Somerville Mayor Joseph Curtatone, and state Senator Pat Jehlen were among the special guests at the grand reopening of the Somerville Goodwill Store on June 22, 2010. The Somerville store, which has been a fixture in Davis Square since 1990, sustained major damage during the heavy rainstorms in March. Fortunately for Goodwill, renovations had already been planned, so it was just a matter of moving ahead sooner than anticipated. The renovations to the store, located at 230 Elm Street, included new paint, new floor covering, new fixtures, and new cash counters. The store didn’t close during the renovations. At the grand reopening celebration, dignitaries talked about Goodwill’s positive impact in the community “Goodwill is not just a retail business,” Capuano told the crowd. “It’s also a training continued on page 4
Goodwill Youth Programs Focus on Academics, Mentoring Another Fresh Air Camp is on the books – the 104th year, to be exact – but the Goodwill’s BNY Mellon After-School Academy for Girls and the new GoodGuides youth mentoring program are in full swing.
Research has demonstrated that youth who are matched for one year or more in mentoring relationships are more likely to graduate from high school, attend college, and show respect for adults. Youth are also more likely to avoid alcohol, drugs, and violence.
The After-School Academy for Girls opened for the new academic year and is once again offering a wide range of programs to encourage academic achievement, leadership development, civic engagement, and career success for girls in grades four through 12.
GoodGuides differs from other youth mentoring programs because it is focused on career and college exploration for older youth. GoodGuides staff plan, lead, and support activities for groups of mentors and their mentees to take part in together each month. Morgan Memorial Goodwill Industries is one of 56 Goodwill organizations across the country participating in this national effort.
The Academy meets after school at Goodwill Monday through Friday during the school year. Programming at the Academy is tailored to meet the academic needs and healthy development of each girl. This year, the girls will also have an opportunity to participate in Goodwill’s new youth mentoring program called GoodGuides. The goal of the program is to match 100 youth, both boys and girls, ages 12 to 17 with supportive adult volunteer mentors who commit to mentoring for four hours each month for at least 12 months.
For more information about GoodGuides or the After-School Academy for Girls, please contact Valerie Gold at 617-541-1434 or vgold@goodwillmass.org.
Wanda Velazquez is Hartl Award winner Goodwill has presented Wanda Velazquez with the 2010 Emil Hartl President’s Award in recognition of her outstanding performance as a Goodwill employee.
Senior administrative assistant Louella Hoffman, Goodwill president Joanne Hilferty, and sales associate and Hartl Award recipient Wanda Velazquez.
Wanda is a sales associate at The Goodwill Store at 1010 Harrison Avenue. In this role, she assists customers in the boutique department, rings the register, and maintains the store by cleaning and handling merchandise. She is also active in training new employees and participants from Goodwill’s job training programs.
A Dorchester resident, Wanda has been working at Goodwill for seven years. “I am very proud to work at Goodwill,” she said. “It has been a good opportunity for me to learn and work with other people.” “Wanda is a tremendous asset to Goodwill and the retail store,” said Joanne Hilferty, president of Goodwill. “She goes above and beyond to provide excellent customer service. She is a role model for new staff members and program participants and extends herself to support them. She is most deserving of this honor.” Wanda was nominated by Louella Hoffman, the senior administrative assistant for retail at Goodwill. A frequent customer at the Roxbury store, Louella nominated Wanda for her calm demeanor and expertise in pricing and customer service. “She gets along so well with all of the customers and knows exactly what they like,” Hoffman said. “She really filled the bill.” The Emil Hartl Award is presented annually to an employee who clearly exemplifies the mission of the organization by demonstrating creativity, innovation and leadership and who has accomplished significant achievements within the preceding year that have added quality and value to Goodwill. Dr. Emil Hartl was the director of rehabilitation for Goodwill and the founder and director of the Charles Hayden Goodwill Inn School, a program for troubled youth. A noted researcher in psychology and an expert on delinquency prevention and treatment, Hartl’s creativity and innovation won the respect of his colleagues and kept Goodwill on the cutting edge. He came into work every day well into his nineties. G
BU – continued “Many reusable items are tossed out at the end of the year, including working lamps, usable carpets, good linens, those sorts of things,” said Dennis Carlberg, Sustainability Director at Boston University. “The Goodwill, Not Landfill campaign was an opportunity to change that and we were thrilled with the results. Students who participated helped the environment and the programs at Goodwill that help people lead better lives.” “Moving out took on a whole new meaning at Boston University this past spring,” said Terry Fitzpatrick, vice president of retail enterprise at Goodwill. “By merely putting their unwanted clothes in the Goodwill bin instead of throwing them away, students made a social and environmental statement.” The campaign was promoted through e-mail blasts, social media, and posters at BU dorms and around the campus. Goodwill and BU plan to hold Goodwill, Not Landfill drives at the end of every term. Thanks to donations, Goodwill annually diverts 18 million pounds of items from local landfills. These items are sold in one of the 11 Goodwill stores in eastern and central Massachusetts and support charities and other community based organizations such as guests at the Pine Street Inn. Goodwill’s mission is to provide job training and related services for individuals with disabilities and other barriers to employment. G
Goodwill Launches Donate Movement Goodwill has launched the Donate Movement, a public awareness campaign to emphasize the positive impact that donating clothing and other household goods can have on communities and the planet. The Donate Movement was created by Goodwill Industries International, a network of 165 community-based Goodwills in the United States and Canada. Through the Donate Movement, Goodwills across the country are encouraging people to empty their closets and homes of usable, unwanted items and put them to good use by donating them. Locally, at Morgan Memorial Goodwill Industries, more than 400,000 donors in eastern and central Massachusetts give 18 million tons of goods every year. These donations, which are sold at Goodwill Stores, support job training and other community programs. Nationally, 67 million donors give to area Goodwills, supporting critical services to nearly two million people. As part of the Donate Movement, Goodwill is also unveiling a new “D” donation icon with the goal that it will become a universally recognized symbol, similar to the recycling symbol. Levi’s is one of the businesses that has partnered with Goodwill to show their support of the Donate Movement by placing the “D” icon on care tags on their jeans. The tag reads, in part, “Donate to Goodwill when no longer needed and care for our planet.”
Eric Goes to Washington They say good things come in threes, and Eric Chouinard certainly experienced that earlier this year when he graduated from high school, landed a full-time job, and made a trip to Washington, D.C., where he spoke to hundreds about his Goodwill experience. Eric made the D.C. trip in April as a special guest of Goodwill Industries International, which was honoring Congressman John Tierney with its 2010 Goodwill National Policymaker Award. The award recognizes a federal policymaker who has clearly demonstrated support for Goodwill’s public policy priorities. Morgan Memorial Goodwill Industries nominated Tierney. Eric was there to speak about how Goodwill had helped him secure a housekeeping internship at the Peabody Essex Museum in Salem that eventually became full-time employment. “I talked about my job and how Goodwill helped me with getting the job,” Eric told the Salem News, which profiled his visit. “I was a little nervous.” Eric traveled to D.C. with his case manger Julie Armstrong. Eric received job training as part of Goodwill’s School-to-Work program in Salem, which is funded by the Salem Public Schools. And while Eric was one of the stars in D.C., the event was an opportunity to thank Tierney for his service. “Congressman Tierney has been a strong supporter of job training and workforce issues,” said Joanne Hilferty, president of Goodwill. “We are thankful for the work he has done that has benefited the individuals we serve in our job training center in Salem and throughout the region.” “The work Goodwill does to provide job training and employment services to those looking for a better future for themselves and their families reflects the priorities for which I have long fought in Congress,” Tierney said. “I am grateful and honored to be the recipient of Goodwill’s Congressman John Tierney, Goodwill case manager Julie National Policymaker Award for Armstrong, Eric Chouinard, Goodwill president Joanne 2010.” Hilferty, and Goodwill Industries International president G Jim Gibbons.
COMPUTER TRAINING – continued Jeffries, who is from Roxbury, said the class has already helped her with many online job search techniques. Olga Martinez of Roxbury agrees. “CTE was very useful,” she said. “We learned very specific information to help us find employment. We learned a number of tips to improve our profiles.” Martinez added: “Everything was really well done. The presentation was very good and everyone was participating.” Madeline Vinitsky of Hyde Park said the class had really made a difference for her. “I was laid off last year and have been doing substitute teaching since then. I don’t have a computer, so it was really good for me to be able to take a class like this.” G
Goodwill kicked off its Put Your Clothes to Work drive at a reception at Caturano and Company on May 12. The clothing drive collects business outfits from corporate partners for Boston-area job training program graduates. At the reception, from left to right, were Joanne Hilferty, president of Goodwill; Gloria Epps, a Goodwill employee, clothing collaborative participant and program speaker; Steve Pogorzelski, CEO of clickfuel.com and Goodwill board chair; Nancy Aubrey, vice president at Caturano and Company and Goodwill board treasurer; Janet Wu, WHDH-TV reporter and program emcee; and Sandy Lish, principal of The Castle Group, a program sponsor.
Help Goodwill Raise the Roof this Fall! Thanks to the generous support of many individual, corporate, and foundation friends, the Building Goodwill…By Raising the Roof and More! capital campaign is within sight of its $2 million goal! As the capital campaign enters its final stage, the push is on to raise the remaining funds needed to make the repairs and renovations to Goodwill’s headquarters at 1010 Harrison Avenue. Goodwill still needs your help! Renovations are slated to begin this fall with the roof replacement and installation of rooftop heating and ventilation units. Time is of the essence, as it is critical to start work no later than this fall; the heating and cooling units are failing and the leaking roof will not withstand another winter. The entire project is expected to be completed by the spring of 2011.
To make a contribution or for more information, please contact Christine Lojko in the Development Office at 617-541-1213 or clojko@goodwillmass.org.
Fall is upon us and at Goodwill that means something very special: planning a festive and fun-filled holiday season! This year, 1,600 individuals from Goodwill’s job training programs, career services, and youth programs will enjoy our annual Thanksgiving events and holiday party for children. Goodwill would like to thank our friends and donors who help make these holiday traditions possible. When you receive Goodwill’s holiday appeals this fall, please give generously and help make this holiday season special for local individuals, families, and children in need.
Thank you!
Looking Ahead: New Donor Recognition Society Goodwill will unveil a new Donor Recognition Society this fall. The new recognition society will help Goodwill more fully acknowledge the major impact that friends and donors make through their annual donations. Members of the new society will receive recognition in the annual Goodwill honor roll of donors, and will receive other benefits as well. Watch your To help boost donations to Goodwill, an anonymous benefactor will match new and increased donations in mail for more the coming year. details! And thank Each and every Goodwill donor provides much valued you for your support for the Goodwill mission, offering not charity, support! but a chance to thousands of individuals each year.
SOMERVILLE – continued program that really helps people who deserve our help. I’ve been a big supporter of Goodwill for years for obvious reasons. I think they combine both good business sense and good social values that really epitomize the best of our society.” Sales associate Michelle Finch is one of those who has been helped by Goodwill. She was referred by the state’s Department of Transitional Assistance to one of Goodwill’s job training programs, then trained at the Somerville store and was later hired. “I never thought I’d have a job today in this economy,” she said. “If people can give to Goodwill, you should because it really helps the community.” Among Goodwill’s 11 stores in eastern and central Massachusetts, the Somerville store is the second most supported by the community in terms of numbers of shoppers and donors. The store also employs 23 staff members. “The Somerville community is very dedicated to Goodwill,” said Joanne Hilferty, Goodwill’s president. “People shop and donate, donate and shop. The continuous cycle creates value from donations, which in turn helps support our programs and services.” G
GOOD
news
Spring Annual Fund Challenge a Big Hit The Goodwill Spring Annual Fund Challenge originated from a small group of donors who pooled together their resources and offered a generous year-end gift of $25,000 with the condition that Goodwill raise another $25,000 from other donors before June 30. With the help of other donors, and despite a challenging year for fundraising, Goodwill reached the goal, doubling the impact of the original gift. “With the help of our valued donors, every individual who steps through our doors continues to find hope and support,” said Carol Ishkanian, vice president of development and external affairs.
Boston Marathon Team Goes the Extra Mile for Kids In its sixth consecutive year, Goodwill’s Running for Great Kids Team raised almost $50,000 in this year’s Boston Marathon® in April. The money raised by the 14 team members supports Goodwill’s youth programs: the BNY Mellon After-School Academy for Girls and Fresh Air Camp. The runners’ efforts didn’t go unnoticed – at mile 17, an enthusiastic group of girls from Goodwill’s after-school academy was there to cheer the runners on! Thanks again, runners!
In Other Good News… About 20 participants from Goodwill’s Day Habilitation Program participated in the 20th anniversary celebration of the Americans with Disabilities Act on the Boston Common on July 26. The participants marched to the celebration in red Goodwill t-shirts and also heard from a number of speakers, including Gov. Deval Patrick…Goodwill employees with low English proficiency have the opportunity to take English classes thanks to a Learn to Work program funded by the state’s Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development. The classes at Goodwill are taught by teachers from La Alianza Hispana... Goodwill had 19 summer interns this past summer. The interns, who were students from local high schools, were in programs operated by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts and the Private Industry Council. Some students were sponsored by ABCD.
outlook
GOODWILL
Goodwill’s mission is to provide exemplary job training and related services to help individuals with disabilities and other barriers to selfsufficiency to achieve independence and dignity through work. Not charity, but a chance.
Joanne K. Hilferty President & CEO Joy S. Burghardt Vice President, Programs & Services Patrick Duff Vice President, Finance & CFO Terrence M. Fitzpatrick Vice President, Retail Enterprise Carol D. Ishkanian Vice President, Development & External Affairs Paul MacNeil Vice President, Work Programs Director of Boston Career Link Mary G. Rahal Vice President, Human Resources & Administration James Harder Director of Communications Editor, GoodwillOutlook Photo Credits Zev Fisher Morgan Memorial Ron Gonzalez Goodwill Industries Mike Ritter 1010 Harrison Avenue Design Studio A Design Boston, MA 02119
(617) 445-1010 www.goodwillmass.org