LovinNewsWeekly November 2, 2018

Friday, November 2, 2018 CanStruction Competition to Year: 0 No.: 20 Benefit Local Charities in Obion and Weakley Counties School/Group: Union City High School - SKILLS USA Students pictured (left to right): Jose Godinez, Grant Jernigan

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GOODWILL HONORS OUTSTANDING EMPLOYEES, CLIENTS, PARTNERS Centerstone Career Connect, BLVD Estate Sales and Google were honored Thursday during Goodwill’s Impact Luncheon awards ceremony in Nashville for significant contributions to Goodwill’s mission of changing lives through education, training and employment. Representing those organizations are, from left, Erica Roberts of Centerstone Career Connect, Lee Anne Patterson of BLVD Estate Sales and Betsy Bergman of Google.

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Madison County Hunters Can Feed Hungry, Win Muzzleloader by Donating Deer

LOVINCOMMUNITYNEWS

Hunters for the Hungry connects generous hunters in Madison County with Tennesseans in need

Keri Daugherty, a Goodwill donation attendant who works in Paris, was honored Thursday at the nonprofit organization’s Impact Luncheon awards ceremony in Nashville.

GOODWILL HONORS OUTSTANDING EMPLOYEES, CLIENTS, PARTNERS Stories of Success, Determination Celebrated at Annual Impact Luncheon

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Tennessee Wildlife Federation’s Hunters for the Hungry program is in full swing for the 2018 deer season. More than 80 processors throughout the state are now accepting donations of whole deer to help feed local families in need.

In Madison County, that includes Latham’s Meat Market. Contact information and a full list of processors is available at tnwf.org/processors.

Through the generosity of hunters over 20 years, Hunters for the Hungry has provided more than 6.5 million meals worth of healthy, much-needed protein to the hungriest Tennesseans. As a thank you for those years of support, hunters will be entered in a drawing for each whole deer they donate to win one of four made-in-Tennessee muzzleloaders by Knight Rifles. More information, including alternate ways to enter, can be found at tnwf.org/ HuntersForTheHungry.

“This is a really exciting year. We’ve had multiple record-breaking years recently and we’re adding more processors and counties to our program,” said Matt Simcox, Hunters for the Hungry manager. “Even with the tough season for hunters last year, we still saw incredible giving. This program works because of Tennessee’s volunteer spirit in our hunters and processors. Without them, there would be fewer full bellies this time of year.”

When hunters harvest a deer, they can donate the it—in part or whole—to the program at a participating processor. The deer is processed, and the venison is delivered to local hunger relief organizations where it gets in the hands of hungry children and families. One deer provides as many as 168 meals.

Currently, all participating processors in the state are funded, meaning there is no cost to hunters to donate their venison. When deer donations surpass funding, hunters may pay a reduced, $50 processing fee directly to the processor to cover processing costs or redeem Deer Coins purchased from Tennessee Wildlife Federation at tnwf.org/DeerCoin.

“In addition to the support of countless individuals, Hunters for the Hungry is thankful for contributions by companies,” said Simcox. “Walmart Giving, in particular, has been a longtime supporter as they fight hunger in the communities their stores serve.”

For more information about Hunters for the Hungry or to purchase a Deer Coin, visit tnwf.org/HuntersForTheHungry.

About Tennessee Wildlife Federation Tennessee Wildlife Federation leads the conservation, sound management and wise use of Tennessee’s great outdoors. Since 1946, the Federation has spearheaded the development of the state’s wildlife policy, advanced landmark legislation on air and water quality and other conservation initiatives, helped restore numerous species, and introduced thousands of kids to the great outdoors. To learn more, visit tnwf.org.

Solutions clients and community partners were recognized during the event at the Music City Center. The luncheon was (NASHVILLE, Tenn.) — A man recovering from sponsored by American Paper & Twine. a near-fatal illness, a young woman with autism and The nonprofit also honored a 20-year a man trying to find his way after years in prison employee, Senior Director of Operations were among people whose inspiring stories of Mike Eisenbraun, with the Pioneeer Award achievement were celebrated during Goodwill for outstanding service to Goodwill’s Industries of Middle Tennessee’s Impact Luncheon mission of changing lives through education, awards ceremony in Nashville Thursday. training and employment. Continued on p. 6 Outstanding Goodwill employees, Career

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Friday, November 2, 2018

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CanStruction Competition to Benefit Local Charities in Obion and Weakley Counties

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CONTACT: Mary Nita Bondurant mbondurant@discoveryparkofamerica.com 731-885-5455 UNION CITY, TN- CAN you believe it is time for the 2nd annual CanStruction competition and exhibit at Discovery Park of America in Union City. Discovery Park of America hosted this region’s first ever CanStruction event in 2017 and this year’s participation was even better. Ten area schools competed with over 10,589 cans and created ten unique structures that will be on display throughout the month of November! The structures were created in the Reelfoot Room at Discovery Park where guests can enjoy the creativeness and artistry of this unique competition throughout the month of November, and it is free with park admission.

When the exhibit is dismantled, the cans will be given to three local charities: Helping Hands, Chimes for Charity in Obion County and We Care Ministries of Martin. The result is 8,500 meals being provided to needy people in this area. Local sponsors were Westan Insurance and Allen Searcy Building Contractors. “Our sponsors provided the money to purchase cans for the schools to use,” Andrew Gibson, who headed up the project for the park, explained. “We couldn’t have done this without them,” he added. According to the CanStruction rules, each school could raise money or do other activities to add additional cans to their exhibit. “The sky is the limit,” Gibson said.

The deadline for registration was September 8th of this year. Gibson has worked closely with the schools and provided the rules and framework for the competition. “It was extremely helpful that the national organization behind CanStruction provided so many resources,” Gibson explained. “It is a great competition that allows the participants to engage in structural design, while also allowing them to make Pictured are Lauren Aldridge, daughter of Martina and Jason a positive impact on hunger in their communities,” he stated.

Aldridge, and Makaily Thomason, Hosting CanStruction at Discovery Park was a dream of Jenny Kirkland, whose family built daughter of Cheryl and Dwight Discovery Park of America and continues to provide funding through its foundation. “I saw an exhibit Thomason, of Union City High like this in Memphis,” Jenny said. “This is just a great way for the schools to help feed the hungry in the School. They were part of the UCHS community, while learning about design, engineering and even the artistic elements of creating a design team that built the Juror’s Favorite out of cans,” she went onto explain. “I just really wanted Discovery Park of America to offer this design entitled, “Strike out Hunger” competition to the schools in this are,” she added. during the CanStruction Competition that took place at Discovery Park of Winners in each category were: America on Friday, November 22nd.

• Best Overall: Project Homeschool (Gibson County Homeschool 4-H Group)“The Good Ten area groups of students Samaritan Dragon” participated in the competition that • Structural Ingenuity: Hillcrest PLUS “What So Proudly We Give” resulted in a unique exhibit which • Best Use of Labels: Obion County Central High School “Peas Out, Hunger!” will be on Display in the Reelfoot • Best Meal: Black Oak Elementary “Mount VeSOUPius” Room in Discovery Center through • Most Creative: Project Homeschool (Gibson County Homeschool 4-H Group)“The Good the month of November. The Samaritan Dragon” CanStruction structure exhibit is free • Juror’s Favorite: Union City High School Art, Key and STEM Clubs “Strike Out Hunger” with park admission.

The eight schools that participated were: Obion County Central High School, South Fulton Middle School, Union City High School Skills USA, Black Oak Elementary, Hillcrest Elementary, Union City High School STEM, Key and Art Clubs, Lake Road Elementary, Westview High School, South Fulton High School and Project Homeschool. Engineering students from UTM assisted the schools with their design concepts and plans, and were on hand to give advice during the build.

The CanStruction Exhibit will be open Tuesday through Sunday from 10:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. in the Reelfoot Room inside Discovery Center.

“We are excited for our guests to stroll through the amazing structures that the students built,” Gibson said. “It’s free for members, and anyone with park admission,” he added.

Discovery Park of America is located at 830 Everett Blvd. in Union City, TN. You can keep up with what is going on at the park, including upcoming educational and entertaining events, by visiting the website at www.discoveryparkofamerica.com . In addition to offering educational and interesting traveling exhibits, the park is 50 acres of a unique blend of history, science, architecture, art and fun.

Non Profits Join Together For Christmas In The City JACKSON, TENNESSEE —Reindeer in Downtown Jackson? Yes, Virginia there will be live Reindeer at the West Tennessee Farmers Market!

Mark your calendar and plan to bring your family to experience Christmas In The City, 12:00 –4:00 pm, Saturday, December 1, 2018 at the West Tennessee Farmers Market, 91 New Market Street.

The fun-filled afternoon offers visitors a host of activities and over 25 booths including: •Pictures with Santa •Homemade baked goodies •Make your own gifts and ornaments •Shopping •Music and caroling Numerous Non-profit agencies have come together to host booths and thank the community for their year-long support. All proceeds from the booths and activities go back into the participating agencies.

Chair Joel Newman “Christmas In The City offers families an opportunity to create some fantastic memories in Downtown while also benefitting our local non-profits. Enjoy some Chili, hot chocolate, and a host of other fine Christmas goodies or try any of the other activities to keep you busy all afternoon.”

A special thank you to sponsors BancorpSouth, City of Jackson, Jackson Chamber, PRA, Spectrum, WBBJ TV, and Visit Jackson TN. Mark your calendars for Christmas In The City Saturday, December 1, 2018! For more information visit JacksonChristmasInTheCity on facebook or contact Joel Newman at 731.427.4044 for sponsorship and vendor opportunities.

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Art Exhibits November 2 – December 27, 2018

The Ned R. McWherter West TN Cultural Arts Center presents two new art exhibits.

The Jackson Visual Art Association will have their “Fall Exhibition” in the Main Gallery. In the Upstairs Gallery the Jackson Photo Club presents “Colors of Jackson.” There will be a reception for all of these artists November 13, 2018 from 5-7 pm. Both exhibits are free and open to the public from 9:00 am – 4:30 pm daily. Call 425-8397 for more information.

The Jackson Visual Art Association 2018 Fall Exhibition will be on display at the Ned this holiday season. Bring your family and friends to view beautiful works of art by our very talented local artists. The Jackson Photo Club is proud to present “Colors of Jackson.” We hope you enjoy our effort as we show our world as we see it through our Camera.

Tennessee Veterans Small Business Forum Date : November 9, 2018 * Time: 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.

Place: DSCC Jimmy Naifeh Center, 3149 Hwy 51 South Covington, TN 38019 Baptist Memorial Health Care Academic Building & Auditorium !Active Duty, Veterans and Spouses are encouraged to attend! !Veterans are encouraged to please wear a shirt or hat from your respective branch of the military!

Come out and learn about the programs and services designed for Veteran entrepreneurs to aid in the start and expansion of your small business SBA and USDA Business Loan Programs Small Business Counseling & Education through Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs) Veterans Business Outreach Center programs and services Women’s Business Center programs and services Contracting Assistance For more information and to register, please access: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/national-veterans-small-business-seminartickets-51522676713 !This event is Free and Registration is not required!

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Friday, November 2, 2018

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Respiratory Care Program to host information sessions

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LOVINEDUCATION

Jackson, Tenn– The Respiratory Care Program at Jackson State Community College will host two information sessions on Thursday, November 15 from 1 to 2 p.m. and 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. The sessions will be held in room 136 of the Jim and Janet Ayers Center for Health Sciences on the college’s main campus at 2046 North Parkway.

There are many opportunities for licensed respiratory therapists. Nationally, employment for respiratory therapists is expected to grow by 12 percent from 2014 to 2024, which is faster than the average for all occupations, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

“Here in West Tennessee, we are seeing a great demand for respiratory care therapists, and there is no other program in West Tennessee outside of Shelby County,” said Cathy Garner, program director. “After graduation, our students will take a national exam, and then they will get a job.”

Respiratory therapists focus on patients with breathing difficulties, from newborns with underdeveloped lungs to elderly patients with a chronic disease like emphysema. There are many specialties respiratory therapists can pursue, such as critical care, home care, case management, pulmonary rehabilitation, pulmonary diagnostics, sleep medicine, and surface and air transport. The work environment is often fast and fluid, Garner said.

“We work under the direction of a physician, and we provide an assessment of a patient to determine the kind of therapy a patient needs,” Garner said. “We focus on the cardiopulmonary system – any patient having any difficulties related to the lungs.”

Respiratory therapists work with mechanical ventilators and artificial airways, respond to code-blue resuscitative efforts and can be found treating patients from the front door of the hospital to the back, Garner said. Students who want to pursue a medical career but want an alternative to nursing should consider the program.

“If they are someone who is interested in bedside patient care but doesn’t want to be a nurse, this is the field they should really investigate.”

Anyone wanting to learn more about respiratory care as a career is encouraged to visit www.jscc.edu/rc. The deadline to apply for spring 2019 is December 1.

For questions about the respiratory care program or for questions about the information sessions, contact Cathy Garner at cgarner@jscc.edu or 731-424-3520 ext. 50372.

JACKSON STATE COMMUNITY COLLEGE PROVIDES ACCESSIBLE LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES THAT ENHANCE THE LIVES OF INDIVIDUALS, STRENGTHEN THE WORKFORCE AND EMPOWER THE DIVERSE COMMUNITIES OF WEST TENNESSEE. THE INSTITUTION OFFERS TRADITIONAL AND CONTEMPORARY ASSOCIATE DEGREES, CERTIFICATES, CONTINUING EDUCATION AND ENRICHMENT, AND COLLEGE-READINESS PROGRAMS. FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT JSCC.EDU.

Tennessee Secretary of State Announces College Voter Registration Contest Winners Nearly 3,000 students registered to vote during September as part of the contest NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Tennessee Secretary of State Tre Hargett today announced the University of Memphis, Tusculum University, and Walters State Community College as the winners of this year’s Tennessee College Voter Registration Competition. Nearly 3,000 students registered to vote during September as part of the contest.

The Tennessee College Voter Registration Competition took place during the month of September in honor of National Voter Registration Month. Every college and university in the state was encouraged to compete to register the most students to vote and to spread awareness of the campaign on social media using the hashtag #GoVoteTN along with their school-specific hashtag.

“Getting more young people engaged in the political process is essential to our goal of increasing voter participation across the Volunteer State,” said Hargett. “I am pleased with the nearly 40 Travel football playoffs were held in Dyersburg TN on October 30, Tennessee colleges and universities who chose to participate in our 2018. The Jackson Cougars defeated the UNION City Jr Tornados competition - and proud of our three winning schools who emerged with a score of 22-6. The Jackson Cougars won the Northwest from this spirited competition. The real winner in this competition Tennessee Football Association Championship (NWTFA) for the 3rd is the State of Tennessee which benefits from young people who grade division. Players on the Jackson Cougars (3rd Grade Division) are becoming engaged citizens.” are ages 7 and 8. The team coaches are Tony Clark, Nick Stafford, The winning schools include a 4-year public college/university, a private college/university, and a 2-year community college,- were and Keith Anderson. The Jackson Cougar’s 6th grade team were Runner Ups to Union City on October 29, 2018. The City of Jackson, selected based on the number of new students registered and their TN plans to recognize The Jackson Cougars at City Hall on Tuesday, social media presence (both weighted by student enrollment,) as well as their campus creativity in promoting the college voter November 13, 2018 at 9am. registration drive.

JACKSON COUGARS WIN PLAYOFFS

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GOODWILL 2018 IMPACT LUNCHEON AWARD WINNERS Achievers of the Year The recipients of this award have achieved great success since being hired by Goodwill.

Shane Abbott came into the world with the deck stacked against him. From birth, cerebral palsy made use of his left arm and leg difficult, and he developed other medical issues. He needed physical therapy until he was 16. But Abbott was determined to make his own way in the world. He worked for more than a decade at department stores until losing his job in 2009. He was out of work until 2017 when, he says, he began to want more Goodwill on Thursday in Nashville honored several individuals who have achieved great success since being hired by Goodwill or receiving out of life. He applied for a job at the Goodwill store in services from Goodwill Career Solutions. Among those receiving awards Cookeville. At first, the single father of two processed were, from left, Jorge Estrada and Lateasha Davis of Nashville; Shane donations, but his supervisor saw potential in Abbott’s Abbott of Cookeville; Keri Daugherty of Paris; and Ticaric “Bear” customer service skills and moved him to the cash register. Abbott works hard to make every customer smile, Williams of Nashville. and when he is not on duty, customers ask about him. He says the job has helped him regain his confidence, and his family is proud of his progress.

When Keri Dougherty began working at the Donation Express Center in Paris, Tenn., in June of 2016, it was her first real job. Keri’s aunt and uncle hoped the job would help her mature and become more independent. But Keri has autism, and communication has not always been her strong suit. She initially struggled with some tasks, such as remembering where to put different donated items after sorting them, and she lacked confidence, particularly about interacting with donors. But, Keri’s supervisor helped her develop a “mental script” for those interactions — greeting the donor, collecting their items, handing them a donation receipt and thanking them. Keri’s work experiences have improved her ability to navigate social situations, and her confidence has grown. Today, Keri loves her job and being part of Goodwill’s mission of changing lives through education, training and employment. She recently bought a car with the pay she earned from Goodwill, and she is on a waiting list for her own apartment.

Some people need many second chances in life. Ticaric “Bear” Williams needed only one. After Williams went to prison, he was determined to make a change. But when he got out in January of 2009, he was 34. He had never had a real job. After months of submitting applications, Williams couldn’t find an employer who would give him a chance. He went to Goodwill Career Solutions, took job readiness classes and applied for a position with Goodwill in downtown Nashville. He was initially hired to process donations, which he did for two years. Then he took Goodwill’s forklift classes and was promoted to tow-motor operator, a job he held for four years before deciding he wanted to drive trucks. He first earned an advanced license to drive box trucks, and then went to school to earn a full commercial drivers license. He now drivestractor-trailer rigs for Goodwill. “I love the life I have now,” he says.

David B. Lifsey Scholarship This annual scholarship, named for Goodwill’s past president who served four decades, is presented to a Goodwill training program graduate who plans to enroll in post-secondary education or a credentialed certification program.

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JACKSON-MADISON COUNTY LOVINCRIMESEENNEWS NAACP CONDEMNS SYNAGOGUE BOLO for KILLINGS, MOURNS FOR VICTIMS Jeremiah The NAACP condemns the hate-inspired killings at the Tree of Life synagogue in Pittsburgh. Our condolences go out to those who have suffered losses and injuries during this horrific event.

Mays Anti-Semitism, racism, xenophobia, and hatred represent horrible stains on our democracy. When these stains are embraced by elected officials and demagogues who prey on the fears and lowest common denominators within our nation, we all suffer.We must say no to hate, fear-mongering and the demonization of differences. We must express our opposition to hatred in all aspects of our lives including economic, social and at the ballot box. We must support those individuals, institutions, and organizations which call for inclusion. If we remain silent, then those who champion stratification and division, win.

It’s unfortunate that this tragedy follows the terroristic behavior of those who feel justified in sending bombs to those who differ politically, and the senseless shooting of two innocent lives because of racial hatred in Louisville, Kentucky. Our nation at its best represents inclusion and opportunity. This is one side of America, yet on the other side of America exists, the often embraced idea of using violence toward those with different political views. It’s a side our community knows all too well and continues to experience. We empathize with members of the Jewish Community attending a baby naming service at a synagogue, children at a school or being separated from parents at our borders or simple church-goers seeking to worship in peace– all of it is wrong and disheartening.

Today, we must not only come together to pray but stand up against hatred. We join our friends in the Jewish community and others in mourning the victims of this heinous attack and will continue our fight to eradicate bigotry in all of its forms.

For More Information Contact: Jackson Madison County NAACP Branch Office 118 North Church Street, Jackson, TN 38301 (731) 927.7004 Office, (731) 927.7003 Fax or jmcnaacp@att.net, (731.437.6811 cell)

Madison County Sheriff John Mehr is asking the for the public to help locate a suspect in the shooting of 19 year old Deon Rutherford. At 10:17 last night (November first) a black Pontiac Grand Prix drove up to the emegency room at the JacksonMadison County General Hospital with three black male subjects, one was suffering from a gunshot wound. As E.R. personnel were assisting the gunshot victim, the driver took the phone from the attendant and fled the scene.

The victim was later pronounced dead from the gunshot wound.

A BOLO (Be on the MARTIN, Tenn. – The Tennessee Tau chapter of Sigma Alpha Epsilon at the University of Tennessee at Martin was lookout) has been issued for the driver of the car, placed on interim suspension Nov. 1 by the university’s Office of Student Conduct. The university’s investigation Jeremiah Mays, who is a continues into possible hazing and other violations. person of interest by the The Sigma Alpha Epsilon national fraternity earlier ordered the immediate suspension of chapter operations until MCSO. its own investigation is complete. The suspension letter from the SAE national fraternity to the chapter was dated He was last seen wearing a Oct. 31. gray hoodie, blue jeans, and Violations of university policy and student conduct were reported to have begun in September, but details of the white tennis shoes. Anyone activities did not become known to university officials until this week. The incidents occurred off campus and no with information is asked to injuries were reported. call the MCSO or Crime Sanctions by the Office of Student Conduct can be appealed by the chapter once the investigation is complete.

Stoppers.

UT MARTIN SIGMA ALPHA EPSILON CHAPTER PLACED ON INTERIM SUSPENSION

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GOODWILL HONORS OUTSTANDING EMPLOYEES, CLIENTS, PARTNERS Lateasha Davis, a 29-year-old mother of five, is a tomboy who loves working with her hands. But while her position as a housekeeping supervisor paid the bills, it had become boring and repetitive. She yearned for something that would challenge her — a job that would allow her to start over and build a more rewarding future for herself and her kids. At a Goodwill-hosted job fair, she learned about Goodwill’s Construction Training Program. Students attend classes five days a week for six weeks. They learn safety, construction math, the use of hand and power tools, how to read blueprints, budgeting and much more. They also receive a stipend. In January, Lateasha took the plunge and entered the program. She worked hard and excelled at all subjects. Soon after graduation, she was hired by Messer Construction and put to work helping build a Family Justice Center at Metro Nashville Police Department’s new administrative headquarters. Lateasha plans to take college business courses to pursue her ultimate goal of owning a home-cleaning service that also does repairs.

LaVoi-Katz Award This award is named in honor of two women who were loyal supporters of Goodwill, Madaleine LaVoi and Elsine Katz. The award is given to a Career Solutions client who has made outstanding progress in their program at Goodwill.

Jorge Estrada When Jorge Estrada left Honduras for Texas in 2000, he left behind a girlfriend, whom he hoped to marry, and a small business making chairs.

His plan was to work in construction for several years, then return to his home country. But the 26-year-old was stricken with a near-fatal brain infection. His sister had him moved to a hospital in Nashville near her home. He was hospitalized for 45 days, and then he began a prolonged and difficult recovery. He had to learn to eat, to talk, to stand and eventually to walk again. Meanwhile, he lost his girlfriend, his business and his ability to live independently. But Estrada had a loving family and an unshakeable will to get a little better each day. In 2004, he finally felt strong enough to apply for a job. He found one at Goodwill. Fourteen years later, Estrada still works for Goodwill, stocking merchandise on the sales floor of its Madison store. He has made tremendous strides, mentally and physically. He bought a car and drives himself to work. “Now, because I have a job, I have a life,” he said.

COMMUNITY PARTNER, VOLUNTEER, DONOR AND AMBASSADOR AWARDS These are organizations that have significantly contributed to Goodwill’s mission of providing jobs and job services to those who struggle to find work.

Donor Partner of the Year Award BLVD Estate Sales has partnered with Goodwill for several years, recommending that its clients donate the household goods, furniture and clothing remaining after estate sales to Goodwill. In 2018 alone, the company’s clients have filled more than 20 trucks with high-quality donated items.

Community Partner of the Year Award For several years, Centerstone Career Connect, a Department of Labor funded-program awarded to Centerstone of Tennessee, has worked with Goodwill to assist youth ages 18-24 who have a criminal background. The agencies have held several events, including an expungement clinic with General Sessions Court in Nashville to help youth get criminal charges removed from their record and a community resource fair.

Volunteer of the Year Award Earlier this year, Google announced a $300,000 grant for Goodwill Industries of Middle Tennessee to incorporate more digital skills trainings for Goodwill employees and Goodwill Career Solutions clients into its workforce development programs. The grant is expected to serve more than 8,000 people over three years. Google employees have since volunteered to conduct seminars for job-seekers at Goodwill, train Goodwill staff to hold classes on Google digital tools and worked to optimize Goodwill’s website.

Goodwill Ambassador of the Year Audrey Rhodes is a fashion and thrift blogger living in Nashville who has a passion for Goodwill’s inexpensive shopping opportunities and its mission. Known to her many fans as Affectionately, Audrey, Rhodes frequently writes about — and posts photos of — her Goodwill finds. She has participated in several Goodwill fashion events, has appeared on TV to discuss Goodwill and conducted a seminar at Cumberland University on dressing for success in the workplace inexpensively by shopping at Goodwill.

Hytch Donation Hytch LLC, a Nashville-based social impact technology company, presented Goodwill with a donation of $5,000 to fund cash rewards for Goodwill employees who commute together to work and use the Hytch Rewards app to log their rides.

About Goodwill Industries of Middle Tennessee, Inc. For 60 years, Goodwill Industries of Middle Tennessee has provided job training and job placement free of charge to people with disabilities or other barriers to employment through the sale of donated items. Goodwill’s vision is that all people will have the opportunity to reach their fullest potential through the power of work. More information about Goodwill’s Career Solutions, retail stores and donation centers can be obtained online at www.giveit2goodwill.org or by calling 1-800-545-9231.