GW Boutique Goodwill
2010: GW Boutique
Goodwill was founded in 1902 in Boston by Rev. Edgar J. Helms, a Methodist minister and early social innovator. Helms collected used household goods and clothing in wealthier areas of the city, then trained and hired those who were poor to mend and repair the used goods. The goods were then resold or were given to the people who repaired them. The system worked, and the Goodwill philosophy of “a hand up, not a hand out” was born. Dr. Helms’ vision set an early course for what today has become a $3.2 billion nonprofit organization. Helms described Goodwill Industries as an “industrial program as well as a social service enterprise…a provider of employment, training and rehabilitation for people of limited employability, and a source of temporary assistance for individuals whose resources were depleted.” Even with a laudable history and record of accomplishment, Goodwill won’t be satisfied when so many people still need our services. Through our 21st Century Initiative, we aim to improve the economic self-sufficiency of 20 million people and their families by 2020. Times have changed, but Helms’ vision remains constant. “We have courage and are unafraid. With the prayerful cooperation of millions of our bag contributors and of our workers, we will press on till the curse of poverty and exploitation is banished from mankind.” In 2010 Goodwill Industries International, Inc. changed their name to GW Boutique Goodwill, Inc.
We have courage and are unafraid... Reverend Edgar J. Helms
GW Boutique enhances the dignity and quality of life of individuals, families and communities by eliminating barriers to opportunity and helping people in need reach their fullest potential through the power of work.
ViSiON Values
Every person has the opportunity to achieve his/her fullest potential and participate in and contribute to all aspects of life.
Respect We treat all people with dignity and respect. Stewardship We honor our heritage by being socially, financially and environmentally responsible. Ethics We strive to meet the highest ethical standards Learning We challenge each other to strive for excellence and to continually learn. Innovation We embrace continuous improvement, bold creativity and change.
Goodwill Industries, a global network of communitybased organizations, collectively reported the following for 2008...
We believe that work creates the economic energy that builds strong families and strong communities. Work helps build selfconfidence, friendship and independence. Everyone deserves a chance to have those things in life. Goodwill provides that chance.
World of Difference
Trinidad & Tobago
Mexico
The mission of Industrias de Buena Voluntad (Goodwill Industries) in Mexico is to create work training centers that help people with disabilities who have limited economic resources. Its objective is to teach positive work habits and to help people obtain productive employment and achieve social and economic integration, thereby improving their quality of life.
Goodwill Industries of the West Indies (Trinidad) offers exceptional and effective services within its employment training program to people with disabilities. Its key areas of operations include work adjustment, occupational skills training, job placement and work services.
Venezuela
Panama
Key Areas of Operation: * Occupational evaluation * Work adjustment * Vocational training * Job placement for people with disabilities
Asociación Panameña de Industrias de Buena Voluntad (Goodwill Panama) offers professional training to young people and adults with physical or mental disabilities, along with basic labor and vocational training in production workshops. Additionally, it offers technology training and labor adaptation in an integrated setting through the Alliance with Commerce and Industry program.
Costa Rica Uruguay Many of our international agencies were formed in the 1970s and still exist today. In fact, Goodwill’s oldest international member, Instituto de Buena Voluntad, was founded in 1925 in Montevideo, Uruguay.
Italy Goodwill Italia offers three primary services: * Classroom-based instruction in computer literacy. * Paid work experience and job placement services at the Goodwill Restaurant. * Additional job placement services.
Israel
South Korea In 2007, Goodwill Industries of Korea (GIK) served 3,000 individuals — a great number of whom are North Korean refugees who had a difficult time adjusting to life in South Korea. Seventy-three percent of GIK’s employees have disabilities.
Taiwan, R.O.C. Since 1981, when the Goodwill in Taiwan was founded, the country’s economy has undergone dramatic growth which has created new opportunities for employment for Goodwill trainees. Goodwill Taiwan has work training programs that focus on computer training courses and serves about 300 people.
Philippines
Thailand South Africa
Goodwill Industries of Thailand was founded in 1966 with the goal of helping people with disabilities earn a living for themselves and for their families. According to Kanittha Dhevinpudi, chairperson of Goodwill Thailand, “Perceptions of people with disabilities are changing – instead of thinking they need charity, now they are seen as capable of being contributing members of society.”
Goodwill Industries of the Philippines provides rehabilitation services, training programs, and opportunities for personal growth that prepare people with disabilities who are not ready to enter the competitive labor market. The philosphy of the agency is that work has the power to transform lives by building self-confidence, independence, creativity, trust and friendship. The Goodwill also has a retail store that helps fund their rehabilitation services, offers employment and provides affordable goods to the community.
resident/CE
Before coming to Goodwill in April 2008, Gibbons served as president and CEO of National Industries for the Blind (NIB), a nonprofit organization that works in partnership with more than 88 associated agencies around the country to enhance economic opportunities and professional development for people who are blind. Through comprehensive marketing and branding strategies and an emphasis on aggressive mission measures, Gibbons transformed the nearly 70 year-old NIB into a results-oriented social enterprise for the 21st century. An expert at social enterprise management, socioeconomic program strategy and leadership skills development, Gibbons is a veteran speaker, guest lecturer and information resource for educators, advocates and journalists. He has been featured in more than 100 national and regional media outlets including The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Chicago Tribune, CNN and ABC News. Prior to NIB, Gibbons was president and CEO of Campus Wide Access Solutions, a wholly owned subsidiary of AT&T. An employee of AT&T for over a decade, Gibbons held leadership positions in operations, product management, and mergers and acquisition.
An expert at social enterprise management Jim Gi bbson
GW Boutique is committed to helping people earn a living and improve their lives, families and communities. Helping people find work is at the core of who we are. But more than that, we want to make sure that you can start or advance your career — because a career is what enables you to achieve your dreams.
Every 42 seconds of each workday, someone earns a job with Goodwill’s help
Helping You Find a Job Often, the first step to finding a job is understanding your skills, interests and abilities. We have specialists who work with you to understand your prior experience as well as your job and career goals. Together we’ll design a plan to bring those dreams to life while connecting you with other community resources, like childcare or reliable transportation.
What to Expect
When you visit our career centers, you can expect to build a professional résumé and the secrets of networking successfully. We will also help you practice for job interviews and how to dress properly for your work environment. We will also talk directly with you to help you understand what employers will expect from you.
Skills You Will Learn
Goodwills offer training for jobs in healthcare, IT, retail sales and management, food services, banking, manufacturing and more. Many will offer office and computer skills training. We work closely with local business to know where jobs are growing and what skills are needed to fill them. Then, we tailor our training to make sure that you develop the skills that employers want.
Working and Learning
We know that, many times, people in our training programs need income now — and we can help you earn a paycheck while you’re getting ready for your next job. Many Goodwills offer opportunities to work in temporary jobs, such as our retail stores or in our business or government contract work sites.
Other Ways We Help You
Sometimes personal and family needs, or even the difficulties of everyday life, can keep people from finding and keeping good jobs. At Goodwill, we have professional staff available to assist you in addressing your personal or family needs. We can help you find childcare options, reliable transportation or provide access to counseling services, if needed. And if Goodwill doesn’t provide the service, we can locate other community organizations that do.
Immigrants We are committed to helping you earn a living and improve your life. A career can enable you to achieve your dreams.
At GW Boutique career centers, we welcome people from all ethnic and national backgrounds. Our organization began in 1902 by providing worthwhile employment to immigrants in Boston, MA, and we continue to believe that everyone should have equal opportunities to support themselves and their families, and obtain the support services they need. Goodwills assist immigrants and refugees from Europe, including Russia, Africa, the Middle East and Asia; and from Latin American and Caribbean countries. Depending upon where you live, you may find different career and family services. In most cases, your neighborhood Goodwill career center will offer: •One or more Spanish-speaking employee to assist you. •An employee who can use sign language in Spanish and English. •Training classes with bilingual instructors. •Classes in reading, English as a Second Language (ESL), or Vocational ESL. •Referrals to other community organizations, if we can’t offer you needed services. At Goodwill, we work with foreign language and Spanish-speaking job seekers to create job opportunities, and offer help with documentation and navigating the U.S. immigration system.
People With Criminal Backgrounds
People With Disabilities
We understand that for people who have been incarcerated, there are many barriers to successful re-entry to public life, including drug dependency, serious illness, debt and limited work options. Just getting a second chance may seem almost impossible at times. We offer services to men, women and youth who have served their time and are trying to get back on track.
We offer quality, customized services that enable people with disabilities to live, work and thrive in their local communities. Some GW Boutiques specialize in services for children and adults with specific disabilities, including, but not limited to, vision or hearing impairments, mental health issues, brain injuries, substance abuse, and autism.
Some of the services you may access through Goodwill® include: •Pre-release services. Get a head start on building your work skills and obtaining the necessary documentation to start your job search before you are released. •Basic skill development. Prepare for your GED, and take ESL classes or basic education classes. •Employment readiness training. Learn “soft skills” that help you succeed at work, including interviewing and workplace communication skills. •Occupational skill training. Learn a skill or trade that can get you back to work, or help you move on to a better job. •Job placement assistance. Open doors to employment opportunities with the help of Goodwill employment specialists. •Life Skills. Learn new skills that help you round out your life, such as parenting, relationship and communication skills.
The Goodwill in your community may offer one of the following programs for people with disabilities: •Free career centers that assist you in searching for a job, writing a résumé and building your job interview skills. •Placement in jobs with businesses and state and federal governments. •Rehabilitation programs that help you in your physical recovery. •Resources for farmers and ranchers with disabilities through our AgrAbility partnership. •Assistance with your taxes through our Real Economic Impact (REI) partnership, which can provide you up to $5,000 in credits, if eligible.
Seniors
Veterans
Growing older is a part of life, but just because we get older doesn’t mean that we can’t keep learning. Growing skills, landing a job, and earning an income help seniors continue to have economic security and well-being. At GW Boutique, we help seniors find work, develop new skills and talents, build their financial security, and find affordable housing and health care.
GW Boutique appreciates your service to your country, and is committed to helping servicemen and women make a successful transition into civilian life.
Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP) is a training and employment program for older adults funded through the U.S. Department of Labor. As a program participant, you will receive paid training, gain valuable skills and experience, and build self-confidence. You will be able to contribute your skills and talents in your community by training at important locations such as libraries, schools, housing agencies and food banks. Currently, we offer comprehensive services for persons 55 and older in six states, including the entire state of New Mexico; large portions of Washington, and Virginia; and in the counties near Fort Washington, PA; Indianapolis, IN; and Phoenix, AZ.
We provide an array of services to veterans who have served in all periods of combat, from Vietnam and the Gulf War, to Iraq and Afghanistan. If you are a veteran and are in need of transitional housing, job training or employment, we are here to help. The Goodwill in your community can work with you to create an individualized plan to help you identify and set realistic and achievable goals. Goodwill is committed to helping your whole family be successful, and we provide a variety of family strengthening services. And if we can’t meet your need, we will refer you to one of our community partners that can.
Youth Everyone should have the opportunity to achieve his or her dreams, including you. If you are struggling in school or have dropped out, if you have committed a crime, or if you have a disability, GW Boutique can help you find a way to succeed. We help you begin by building on your strengths and understanding your goals. We can help you figure out a career path, pair you up with a mentor, and offer ways to help you become independent. How We Can Help: •By developing a career plan, we can help you focus on your interests and skills. This plan will help guide your training path so that you gain the right skills and experience. •A mentor is someone you can talk with, ask questions, and find out how they dealt with problems. We can match you up with a mentor.
•We hold career fairs/career days at schools or in your neighborhood, and maintain career centers for job searches, classes in career planning and summer employment. •We can help you find service learning, internships and volunteer opportunities with businesses and nonprofits. •We offer job shadowing and hands-on training so you can learn about potential occupations and meet career professionals. •We can train you for jobs in retail sales, technology, computers, and for green jobs, such as recycling and electronic recycling. •We can help you complete high school or assist you in getting your General Educational Development (GED) certificate. •We offer training in daily living skills to help you figure out how to live independently. •We offer financial education, so you can develop or refine your money management skills
Simply drop off your gently used items at your nearest donation center. Some Goodwill locations also accept donations of computer equipment and vehicles. Just keep in mind a few simple guidelines. Do •Wash or dry clean clothing. •Test electrical equipment and battery-operated items. •Include all pieces and parts to children’s games and toys. •Check with your local Goodwill Industries agency to determine standards for donating computers and vehicles. Don’t •Leave items unattended outside a collection center. •Donate broken or soiled items. •Give items that have been recalled, banned, or do not meet current safety standards. For more information about questionable items, visit the Consumer Product Safety Commission.
GW Boutique earned the support of 64 million donors in the United States and Canada in 2008.
computer equipment a vehicle
Goodwill Industries encourages businesses and individuals to donate their new and used computers. Since 2004, Goodwill Industries and Dell, Inc. have worked together to responsibly recycle unwanted electronics at no cost to the public. To date, the Reconnect partnership has collected more than 50 million pounds of electronics. Simply take your unwanted electronics — any brand, any condition — to a participating Goodwill store or donation drop-off site. Goodwill will refurbish or recycle the equipment, benefiting communities and putting people to work.
Many GW Boutique agencies accept vehicle donations. Some vehicles are used as part of Wheels-to-Work programs that provide reliable transportation to help people stay on the job. Other GW Boutiques use the proceeds from vehicle sales to fund job training, employment placement services and other community-based programs for people who have disabilities, lack education or job experience, or face employment challenges. Taxpayers can deduct only the proceeds the charity gets from the sale of the car. Donors must receive a written acknowledgment from the charity that includes the sale price of the vehicle. If the charity uses the car for a charitable purpose, such as a GW Boutique Wheels-to-Work program, donors may deduct the fair market value of the vehicle, and must obtain written acknowledgment from
In its fifth year, the Reconnect partnership is expanding its reach across the United States, allowing more people to keep their electronics out of landfills. As of April 2009, 80 GW Boutiques were participating in the Reconnect partnership in 30 U.S. states. To make the donation process a smooth one and — most importantly — protect your privacy and prevent identity theft, Goodwill recommends you remove all data from your computer hard drive before donating a computer, with the exception of the operating system.
GW Boutique that states how the car will be used. GW Boutique must provide you with written acknowledgment within 30 days of the sale of the car or, if the car is to be used for a charitable purpose, within 30 days of the donation. Valuate your car based on the fair market value, taking into consideration your vehicle’s condition. For guidance, use the “private party” or equivalent category in an accepted used car guide, such as the Kelley Blue Book, or consult with your tax adviser. GW Boutique is not permitted to determine your vehicle’s fair market value; the tax receipt is proof that you made the donation. Be sure to keep the records of how you valuated your car, as well as photographs, maintenance records, and other evidence of its physical condition.
The more than 2,300 Goodwill stores in the United States and Canada are independently owned and operated. They offer the basics — jeans, business attire, infant and children’s clothing, housewares and appliances, furniture and more — at a great value.
Most GW Boutique stores introduce more than 2,000 new items every day into their inventory mix on the sales floor. So if you don’t find what you’re looking for today, your best bet is to check back the next day. Some Goodwill stores also operate upscale boutiques and specialty stores that feature name-brand designer fashions, jewelry, wedding gowns, antiques and other amazing finds.
You can also shop from the comfort of your own home on Goodwill’s online auction site, shopgoodwill.com. On any given day, shopgoodwill.com features an average of 11,000 items listed. Shopping categories include antiques, art, books, records, cameras, electronic equipment, clothing, collectibles, home decor, jewelry and gemstones, musical instruments, pottery, seasonal and holiday items, sports, toys and dolls.
oLunteerIng
The people who donate their time are as diverse as our programs and services. Families may serve meals at a homeless shelter run by Goodwill, while individuals may lend their expertise to help others earn a living wage. Retirees may teach English as a Second Language classes and mentor students; a school may organize a donation drive. If your local GW Boutique doesn’t have the kind of volunteer opportunities you’re looking for, tell the staff about your skills and interests. They may be able to place you in a great opportunity. Our volunteers help improve the lives of people in need by: •Mentor youth. Get matched with youth. Develop a oneon-one relationship and help gain skills, be successful in school and succeed in life. •Lend your job skills. Contribute your knowledge to help others advance their skills — teach classes, review résumés or conduct mock interviews. You can help give a competitive edge to people searching for a career. •Prepare taxes for people with low incomes. Currently, more than 50 local GW Boutiques are involved in free tax preparation services. Help others avoid predatory taxfiling services and claim critical tax credits.
Goodwill’s 2009 Volunteer Leader of the Year, Doug Smith, championed an $11 million capital campaign for Goodwill Industries of Hawaii (Honolulu), and spearheaded the formation of Goodwill Contract Services Hawaii, which earned a contract to provide barracks management support services for Army Hawaii Soldier Housing. The contract created 78 jobs paying above minimum wage for those in need of work.
Goodwill’s 2009Volunteer Leader of the Year Doug Smith
You have several opportunities throughout the year to introduce your products and services to Goodwill Industries decision-makers, so developing the marketing strategy that works best for your company is easy. Companies wishing to work with GW Boutiques across the United States and Canada can choose to sponsor a function in one of two annual conferences, exhibit at one of two tradeshows, join the online vendor marketplace or do all of the above. The vendor online marketplace — a web resource reaching hundreds of Goodwill professionals — is an easy and cost-effective tool designed to help Goodwill staff find the different products they need and to help you showcase your company and special promotions to your intended audience.