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It’s a School, it’s a Job, it’s Project SEARCH!
INSIDE: Scary Good Sponsors FALL 2017
Job Help for Seniors
L E T T E R
President and CEO Deborah Passerini
Our Mission: To help people achieve their full potential through the dignity and power of work. GoodWorld News is a quarterly publication for friends and employees of Goodwill Industries-Suncoast, Inc. Jennifer Fleming, Editor 727-523-1512, ext. 1015 jennifer.fleming@goodwill-suncoast.com Visit our website at goodwill-suncoast.org Call toll-free: 888-279-1988 TTY: 727-579-1068 Goodwill Industries-Suncoast, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer that provides services without regard to race, spiritual beliefs, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, socioeconomic status or disability. If you need accommodation or assistance in accessing any area of employment or program services, please let us know.
P R E S I D E N T
Amway co-founder, noted philanthropist and Orlando Magic owner Richard M. Devos knows a thing or two about trying to stay positive. His family struggled through the Great Depression and many of his initial business ventures were short-lived. Devos has said: “Few things in the world are more powerful than a positive push. A smile. A word of optimism and hope. A ‘you can do it’ when things are tough.”
Board Chair Heather Ceresoli
President and CEO Emeritus R. Lee Waits
T H E
Finding Hope
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Members of the Board Lee Bell Steve Bivens Heather Ceresoli Robert D. Dobkowski Tom Falone IV Mark E. Gauthier Martin W. Gladysz Marie Hebbler Andrea D. Kiehl Louise R. Lopez John Maceovsky Dominic Macrone Christina Miller Melissa Mora, Esq. Carole F. Philipson Mark D. Pichowski Scott Rutz Bob Wabbersen Sandra Young
F R O M
Many people know about tough times after recent hurricanes. And Goodwill joined with the community to offer help and hope. Goodwill-Suncoast pledged monetary donations collected through our Round Up program to help victims of Hurricane Harvey. After Hurricane Irma, GoodwillSuncoast and other Florida Goodwills partnered with the Red Cross to collect material donations to support relief efforts. The donations were sold and the proceeds were used to fund certificates for storm victims to use to purchase clothing and other items at Goodwill stores … allowing individuals and families to choose the items they need rather than accept handouts. But there are people with needs that do not have anything to do with the devastation wrought by hurricanes. There are people with disabilities who search for meaningful employment and independence; and people who need training and help finding a new job. At Goodwill, providing a hand up, not a handout is our year-round mission. And we want to do more! We will be opening three new stores within the coming months to fund additional services. A new St. Petersburg store will house our Job Connection Center, which offers employment services, funded by Goodwill, free to people in the community. Please know that each time you support Goodwill, either through donations or shopping in our stores, you are delivering a valuable commodity to people in your community. Hope! Sincerely,
Deborah A. Passerini President and Chief Executive Officer
Back on Board Ed Rader was elected to the Goodwill Industries-Suncoast Board of Directors in September, returning after a one-year hiatus. Ed was first elected to the board in 2001 and has been a very active member. Although he lives in Ocala, Ed has rarely missed a board meeting or Goodwill event through the years. A retired Kmart manager, Ed’s counsel has been invaluable to Goodwill over the years. We’re happy to welcome him back to the board.
In Memoriam
David Walton, security associate at Goodwill’s Clearwater Center, passed away on July 14. People who worked with Dave knew him as a caring person. “If you needed something, he would be the first one to give it to you,” recalls one of his associates. He is remembered as a good guy all around and a fun person to work with. He will be deeply missed.
Kicks Off in Ocala! An innovative program provides work experience to students with disabilities. As Harold McNally Jr. works diligently at his new on-the-job-training “school” at the Hilton Ocala, his father’s mind is at ease. Harold is enrolled i n Pro j e c t S E A R C H , a program that helps high s c h o o l s t u d e nt s w i t h disabilities learn real-life work skills. “You don’t know whether or not they’ll be successful, and you hope for the best,” says Harold Sr. But with Project SEARCH, his son’s progress has far exceeded his expectations.
is a partnership between Goodwill-Suncoast, Marion County Schools, Vocational Rehabilitation and Hilton Ocala. “The students learn real-life work skills and how to manage expectations,” says Efy Blasingame, Goodwill’s Project SEARCH Job Coach. “It’s the first of anything like this in Marion County.” Instead of attending classes on a high school campus, the 10 students report to work at the Hilton. They are monitored and assisted by a Goodwill-Suncoast job coach, an Exceptional Student Education (ESE) teacher from the Marion County school district and Hilton employees. The program’s goal is to prepare the students to eventually enter the workforce. After completing the rotations, the students will receive employment placement services from Goodwill. All the partners involved in the Marion County pilot program hope to sign on more students and employers in the coming years.
"I feel more comfortable now knowing that he’s going to be alright!"
“I t ’s refreshing to see him interact with people outside of his family and enjoy it,” he says. “I feel more comfortable now knowing that he’s going to be alright!”
“We’re amazed at what the kids have achieved,” says Blasingame. “They’re learning new skills, teamwork, communication and problem-solving.”
Harold is one of 10 students doing three rotations of on-thejob-training at the Hilton. Over the course of the school year the students rotate through housekeeping, kitchen and maintenance at the hotel. The Project SEARCH High School Transition Program
The program benefits employers as well. Hilton Ocala’s management is already preparing to offer permanent positions to many of the participants when the program ends, due to the hard work and value the students bring to the hotel.
Harold McNally is thriving in his on-the-job training.
Cody LeJeune discovered a knack for maintenance work.
Kayla Howell hopes to work at a hotel when her training is complete.
Britney Blaize loves working in the kitchen at the Hilton Ocala.
To learn more about Project SEARCH, contact Derek Arnold, Goodwill’s Manager of Community Employment Initiatives, at 352-427-1384. On the Cover: The current Project SEARCH students at the Hilton Ocala.
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GoodLilly’s
Sounds of the Season
Not-so-giant Pumpkin
Looking for an old-fashioned holiday? Throw some crackly vinyl on the turntable!
Anytime you need seasonal décor, drop into Goodwill first!
Donated item $1.18 St. Petersburg Superstore
Donated item $1.98 Spring Hill Superstore
Beaded Beauties Donated item $12.96 Trinity Superstore
These like new Nina heels would dress up any little black dress – for way less than a department store!
HO HO HO
Donated item $1.98 Ocala Superstore This circa 1970s ceramic Santa is ready for a new home.
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A collection of brand new and donated items found at Goodwill-Suncoast stores
Elephants, Big & Small Donated item $1.98 Oldsmar Superstore
Collectibles can make great gifts! Check out Goodwill for unique, affordable options.
Let’s Dish
Donated item $1.98 Wildwood Superstore Set a pretty table for Christmas dinner with eclectic dishware from Goodwill.
Doggie Delights
New item $1.49 Most Goodwill Superstores Don’t forget Fido! This chew toy will keep your canine celebrating.
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D WI LL
Huntress
Meet the Goodwill Huntress! Keleigh is a St. Pete local who loves the thrill of the hunt! She can usually be found tracking deals at one of the Bay Area Goodwill locations. Check out her blog to see her many finds at blog.goodwill-suncoast.org
Send us your Goodwill finds!
If we feature them here or on our Upcycle page we’ll send you a $20 gift certificate to any Goodwill-Suncoast store. Post your photos on our Facebook page (www.facebook.com/goodwillsuncoast)or e-mail them to gw.marketing@goodwill-suncoast.com. For Goodwill store locations, visit www.goodwill-suncoast.org.
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GoodStuff
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We’re a Good ‘Burger What’s a Good ‘Burger, you ask? It’s a business, organization, or individual in greater St. Pete making a positive impact in our community. In honor of a former mayor who referred to his citizens as “burgers” (as in St. Petersburgers), the Good ‘Burger Awards were established to honor Chamber members who contribute in a positive way to make our community special. Goodwill-Suncoast was honored to win the “Cool Companies: Large” category for 2017. Thanks to all who voted!
Mark Your Calendar, Man! On May 19th, downtown Gulfport will once again be inundated with grown hippies, flower children and some groovy pooches who will take to the funky streets for our annual Hippie Dash! This year’s race features an 8K for high-achieving hippies, a 5K for more laid-back hippies, and a 1-mile Walk, Woof & Roll for the chill hippies and their doggies! And of course, a fun run for the little flower children! Sign up before January 1 for the best price, man! More details here: www.goodwill-suncoast. org/hippie-dash
A Fit Fundraiser Leave a Legacy
In August, CycleBar® in South Tampa held an exhilarating indoor cycling event to benefit Goodwill-Suncoast. Dozens of riders went on a 50-minute multi-sensory journey with energetic music. The fun fundraising event was hosted by Goodwill board member Melissa Mora. Thanks to everyone who participated!
Teacher’s Toolbox Every year hundreds of students and teachers across Tampa Bay are in dire need of school supplies. When 10News held a drive to collect everything from backpacks to paper towels, Goodwill was there to help with the distribution! We volunteered a truck and driver to get the “Teacher’s Toolboxes” supplies to the schools in need.
Many people think of charitable giving as a one-sided or oneway gift. You give a donation to a charitable organization to be used for its programs and expect nothing more than a “thank you letter.” However, a charitable gift annuity is a simple way to make a substantial donation to Goodwill-Suncoast while you continue to receive a secure and steady income. A charitable gift annuity is an agreement between you and Goodwill-Suncoast. In exchange for your irrevocable gift of at least $10,000 in cash or public stock, Goodwill will pay you a guaranteed amount for life (including your spouse). Charitable gift annuities are easy to set up and the donors receive an immediate tax deduction for the gift portion of the annuity. A portion of the annuity payments is also tax deductible. One of the chief benefits is that you will play a significant role in helping Goodwill-Suncoast to continue to be able to help thousands of people access job training and find employment so that they can become self-confident, productive citizens. To learn more, please contact us toll free at 888-279-1988 or email jim.williams@goodwill-suncoast.com.
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Our Ghoulwill Bash Ship of Ghouls Halloween dinner cruise was a blast! Guests enjoyed games, fabulous auction items, dancing, a costume contest and great views of Tampa Bay!
A dead (but happy!) pirate enjoying complimentary wine.
Goodwill Amba ssador Manny Rosario and fellow demon Timothy Canter.
Rachel wly Mary Creepy-cra udley, winners ht D st! and Dwig ume conte of the cost
Emcee Gayle Guyardo (in vin tage 70s glam from Goodwill) and guests enjoyed skyline view s.
A huge thank you to our frighteningly fantastic sponsors who helped make it happen!
Gregory, Sharer & Stuart, CPAs • JPMorgan Chase • Ogletree, Deakins, Nash, Smoak & Stewart PC Piedmont Companies, Inc. • Zeno Office Solutions Ad Partners • Clear Channel Outdoor • Coppertail Brewing Company • Event Show Productions HSN • Leon Korol Co. • Outfront Media • Regions • Sabal Trust Company • Solstice Sleep Products • Taylor White
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Non-Profit Org. US POSTAGE
10596 Gandy Blvd. St. Petersburg, FL 33702 ®
PAID
Permit #5008 St. Petersburg, FL
Change Service Requested
GoodWorld News • Fall 2017
GoodWorks A Happy Beginning! Goodwill’s Job Connection Center helped this retired couple find work. When Joe and Bernice Anderson, a retired St. Petersburg couple, found themselves going to the bank to make withdrawals far more often than they were making deposits, they knew a change was in the cards. But for seniors, job searching can be a daunting and unfamiliar task. Traditional newspaper want ads are all but gone and statistics say it takes older workers longer to find a job once unemployed. And businesses tend to hire younger employees, although both Joe and Bernice retired after decades of experience with General Motors. Luckily the Anderson’s job search landed them in Goodwill’s Job Connection Center, where an employment specialist quickly got them on the right track. “She forced me to get on the computer,” Joe said “I was scared…but they were so patient!” Joe had two interviews in one day with help from the Job
Connection Center and within just a few days, he had five job offers to choose from. “They were blowing my phone up, I didn’t know which way to go!” he laughs. He ended up choosing a job with Walmart, where he was recently honored as employee of the month.
Bernice and Joe Anderson found work with help from Goodwill’s Job Connection Center.
For Bernice, the results were equally as stellar. With the help of the Job Connection Center staff she ended up with four job offers at once! She now enjoys her cashier job at a local grocery chain.
“I don’t know if I would’ve enjoyed looking for work until I went to the Job Connection Center,” she said. “I can’t say enough about them. They’re so happy to help.”
Exciting and New! We’re excited to announce we have two big projects nearing completion! The first is our newest Goodwill superstore at 34th Street near 26th Ave. in St. Petersburg. The 31,000-square-foot store will also house our Job Connection Center, which is being relocated from our store on Central Avenue in St. Petersburg. Stay tuned for a grand opening date!
Construction is wrapping up on our newest superstore!
In Hillsborough County, our 200,000-square-foot warehouse and distribution center and adjoining 12,000-square-foot retail store are scheduled to open early next year. The complex is located at 1407 US Hwy 301 South in Tampa.
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