SPRING/SUMMER 2013
www.goodwillmass.org
Beyond Jobs: Your Gift at Work Maybe you know someone like Tiana — someone who is shy and reserved. Imagine how she must have felt being out of work for several years. She didn’t just need to acquire new skills. She needed to find her self-confidence. And, thanks to Morgan Memorial Goodwill Industries, she has done both. Tiana was referred to Goodwill by a counselor at the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission and enrolled in First Step, an intensive four-week class that is part of Goodwill’s Beyond Jobs program. Through Beyond Jobs, single mothers receive help as they seek job training and placement. It is a vital program that was established through a grant facilitated by Goodwill Industries International. Additional support has been received from the Mabel Louise Riley Foundation. Thanks to supporters like you, Tiana found the help she needed at Goodwill.
In just four weeks, Tiana began preparing herself for competitive employment by writing her resume and cover letter, practicing her interview skills and rebuilding the confidence that being unemployed for so long had cost her. After completing a retail internship, Tiana became a sales associate in Goodwill’s Boston store on Harrison Avenue. Her new job allows her to work with customers every day and provides her with the type of experience she will need when she transitions into her next long-term job opportunity.
Youth Initiative is Path to College Tamesis Rodriquez and David Stewart are good examples of how Goodwill’s Youth Initiative helps young people stay on track for college and careers. Active in Goodwill’s youth programs since their early teens, both high school seniors are making final arrangements for higher education. Tamesis values the time she spent with Boston College student mentors who volunteer in the Youth Initiative. “It definitely helped me,” said Tamesis, 19, “It was really great to be able to talk to the students about college. They helped me through the whole process.” She plans to attend Elms College in western Massachusetts in the fall. For David, a two-sport athlete from Madison Park High School in Roxbury, Goodwill’s youth continued on page 2
When you give to Goodwill, you support people like Tiana — a young woman who was simply looking for a chance to succeed in life. For her, and so many other people, any gift you make has a tremendous impact.
The Good Party: Celebrating AND supporting everyday success stories Goodwill’s signature event is right around the corner. On Thursday, June 13, leaders from the local business and civic communities will join Goodwill’s Board of Directors and other invited guests for The Good Party. Goodwill serves more than 9,000 men, women and children each year, and The Good Party is a chance to celebrate their wonderful success stories with continued on page 2
Your gift to Goodwill benefits youth initiatives that students like Tamesis and David rely on.
Happenings at Goodwill
Path to College – continued programs provide valuable after-school activities where he can participate in field trips, work on homework, and be with friends. “It’s always a lot of fun to be here,” said the 18-year-old. David is planning on attending a preparatory school for a year with the goal of going to a four-year college where he can play football and basketball. Goodwill’s Youth Initiative includes mentoring and after-school programs as well as opportunities for jobs in the summer.
Boston Celtic star Jared Sullinger lent his support in January for a donation drive that collected almost 12,000 pounds of clothing for Goodwill. With Jared are Goodwill CEO Joanne Hilferty and biggest clothing donor Lindsay Gray.
The Put Your Clothes to Work drive beneficiary Kathleen Sifuentes chose an outfit to wear for job interviews during the Clothing Collaborative for Job Trainees in March. Many of the clothes from the collaborative are collected during the annual drive. At the annual Thanks-for-Giving dinner, Goodwill participants Brian Wynott and Danielle Morris enjoyed the festivities.
“It’s been a really good experience,” Tamesis said. “It helped me stay focused on school and stay off the streets. I’d recommend it to any youth.” the good party – continued community leaders, local personalities, and generous supporters alike. The Good Party is held outdoors — beneath a giant tent at 1010 Harrison Avenue in Boston — and always draws a great crowd. Goodwill is especially grateful to the generous businesses and individuals that sponsor The Good Party each June.
Marathon Update The events at this year’s Boston Marathon were tragic. We are grateful that the 15 members of Goodwill’s Running for Great Kids team were unharmed and the children from our programs who cheered them on along the route were safe. Together, the team members who came from as far away as Australia raised nearly $60,000 to support Goodwill’s youth programs. Goodwill stands alongside the entire Boston community and will not let senseless violence keep us from participating in the Boston Marathon again next year.
Double your gift’s value! Make your next gift to support Goodwill soon and your contribution will be matched dollar for dollar. That’s because an anonymous, longtime supporter just stepped forward with a generous offer: He is matching every gift Goodwill receives until the goal of $25,000 is reached. Why would you delay? Send your next gift to Goodwill — it could double in value right away! And remember, your online gift reaches Goodwill today. Just visit: www.goodwillmass.org.
If you are interested in tickets or sponsorship information, please contact Erin Flaherty at 617-541-1255 or eflaherty@goodwillmass.org.
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.
Morgan Memorial Goodwill Industries 1010 Harrison Avenue Boston, MA 02119 617-445-1010 www.goodwillmass.org For more information call the development office at 617-541-1259.
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