Goodwill Industries-Suncoast, Inc.
www.goodwill-suncoast.org
Winter 2013
Six Stories of Triumph
Back row, from the left: Bobby Garvin; Darrell Courson; Allen Brinkman, CEO of SunTrust Bank. Middle row, from the left: Jill Wilkinson, Senior Vice President of SunTrust Bank; Themia Chavers; Brionna Mora. Front row, from the left: Lee Waits, CEO of Goodwill-Suncoast; Lorrie Pittman; Connie Bass.
Helping Women Go Beyond Jobs Over a 30-month grant period, Goodwill will work with women who earn low incomes to provide them with the tools to achieve their educational, career and financial goals.
Six notable people made our Goodwill world better in 2012. Late last year we brought them all together to hear their stories, celebrate their successes and honor them. Honorees included: Themia “T.C.” Chavers – a 40-year Goodwill employee who first came to Goodwill for our job services for people with disabilities. His immense pride in his work makes us smile. Bobby Garvin – a man who has found a new purpose in life through his work at Goodwill’s Adult Day Training center in Lakeland. Connie Bass – a woman who discovered a passion for advocacy while working at our Adult Day Training center in Ocala. Lorrie Pittman – a young woman who discovered an aptitude for nursing with help from Goodwill and has already saved the life of a stranger. Brionna Mora – a participant in Goodwill’s Supported Employment program whose beloved job gives her a sense of belonging. And finally Darrell Courson – a man who took the second chance Goodwill offered and ran with it. During a ceremony in their honor, the GoodwillSuncoast Board of Directors helped recognize the achievements of each. After a video highlighting their achievements, the six honorees received certificates and generous checks courtesy of SunTrust Bank. Thank you to the honorees for brightening our days and to SunTrust Bank for its generosity.
A Better Future
Women in Pasco and Hernando counties struggling with unemployment or underemployment are getting additional help to strengthen their family and financial situations. The assistance comes via Beyond Jobs, a Goodwill program funded by a Walmart Foundation grant.
The timing is critical, as U.S. Department of Labor statistics show that only 26 percent of the women who lost their jobs during the recession have regained them.
The Goodwill program will help hundreds of women and their families in Pasco and Hernando counties via: Job skills assessment Individualized career planning
Goodwill-Suncoast expects to help 330 women, delivering services through Career Central One-Stop centers in Spring Hill, New Port Richey and Zephyrhills. Nationally the program is projected to help 12,250 women through 45 Goodwill agencies during the next two years. Goodwill will target single mothers receiving Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF). The timing is critical, as U.S. Department of Labor statistics show that only 26 percent of the women who lost their jobs during the recession have regained them. Each woman in the program, which has just begun locally, will receive a complete career assessment, including job training, placement services and additional support to help them achieve economic security and advance in their careers.
Connections to employment opportunities Access to training programs and resources to support their success Financial education and resources to help them reach long-term goals Support services to help them advance in their career
Goodwill's Longtime Leader Steps Down Inside
Goodwill Industries-Suncoast, Inc. Page 2
R. Lee Waits President and CEO Oscar J. Horton Board Chair Members of the Board Lee Bell, CPA Joshua Beyer Mark W. Brown Heather Ceresoli Steven M. Erickson Tom Falone, IV Mark E. Gauthier Martin W. Gladysz Marie Carson Hebbler Paul Horowitz Karl Koch Louise R. Lopez Richard E. Ludwig John Maceovsky, CPA John McCaugherty David E. Murphy Carole Philipson Ed Rader Charlie Robinson, Jr. Timothy Salzsieder Loreen M. Spencer Robert G. Stern, Esq.
Our Mission: To help people achieve their full potential through the dignity and power of work.
Opportunities
Winter 2013
It Has Been an Honor Dear Friends, At the end of this month, I will step down as Goodwill-Suncoast’s president and CEO. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the 14,000 readers of Opportunities newsletter for your support of this wonderful organization. I came to Goodwill 37 years ago at the suggestion of a friend who worked here. She said “Come work with people at Goodwill and you’ll forget all about your own problems.” She was right. I began working with people facing all kinds of life challenges and barriers to employment. Before long, I was immersed in Goodwill’s services, and later, the business end of the agency’s growth. For the past 23 years, I have had the honor of leading Goodwill-Suncoast as president and CEO. As my friend had predicted, my own life was transformed by my work here. Today, Goodwill-Suncoast provides life-changing services to more
Charitable IRA Contribution Extended
R. Lee Waits President and Chief Executive Officer
Did you know the IRA charitable rollover provision has been extended for 2013? A recently passed bill extends the IRA charitable rollover through Dec. 31, 2013. This provision permits tax-free distributions to an eligible charity from an IRA held by someone age 70½ or older of up to $100,000 per taxpayer, per taxable year. Consider using a part of this highly taxable asset to make a gift that can make a difference for men and women in our community.
Right On the Money
Opportunities is a quarterly publication for friends and employees of Goodwill Industries-Suncoast, Inc.
Reduce Taxes, Increase Income!
Chris Ward, Editor (727) 523-1512, ext. 1011
Consider a Goodwill Gift Annuity.
chris.ward@goodwill-suncoast.com
Visit our website at www.goodwill-suncoast.org Call toll-free: (888) 279-1988 TTY: (727) 579-1068
60 years or older?
Invest in Goodwill for tax savings and lifetime income! When you make a gift of cash or stock into a Goodwill annuity, you receive an immediate charitable income tax deduction. You also receive guaranteed income for life, after which Goodwill uses the remaining principle for services to people who are disabled or disadvantaged. Annuity Rates Age 60 Age 65 Age 70 Age 75 Age 80 Age 90
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.
than 66,000 people annually in this region of Florida. I am humbled by the support this agency has received from the community to make this achievement possible. I am deeply grateful for the encouragement I have received from our board of directors and for the superb collaboration of my executive staff. I am proud to pass the baton to an outstanding leader: Deborah Passerini, currently executive vice president and chief operating officer. I hired her in 1977, and she has devoted her career to Goodwill’s mission. You will hear from her and read more about her in the next issue. Although I will no longer lead the organization, I am not leaving completely. I will continue to serve Goodwill-Suncoast in the future, working to promote our mission to legislators in Tallahassee. Again, I thank you all for the honor and opportunity to be of service to the people of this region. Sincerely,
4.8% 5.3% 5.8% 6.5% 7.5% 9.8%
Rates as of 12/15/2011
Marty Gladysz, executive vice president and chief financial officer of Raymond James Bank, has lent his financial expertise to Goodwill for nearly two decades. He joined the volunteer Goodwill IndustriesSuncoast Board of Directors in 1995 and is currently senior vice chair. Marty was a guiding force on the board as Goodwill-Suncoast began replacing small, less-efficient stores with superstores. In fact, he chaired the board from 2005 to 2010, during the second wave of superstore expansion. “Seeing the superstore concept come to fruition and achieve such great success - that was gratifying,” says Marty. When Marty first joined the board he knew Goodwill helped people, but he had no idea of the extent of our services. “There’s so much more that Goodwill does that people don’t see,” he says, adding that he’s impressed with how efficiently the services are delivered. Marty is also impressed with the integrity of fellow board members and their focus on the Goodwill mission. Marty and his wife Lisa are longtime Palm Harbor residents. They feel fortunate that their son Brian and daughter Christine, and their families, live in the area as well. For the past 14 years, Marty and Lisa have adopted retired greyhounds. They currently share their home with 13-year-old Julie, and Sassy, a 4-year-old who was retired after she broke her leg.
In Memoriam Goodwill’s Brandon superstore lost a treasured employee with the passing of office assistant Luz Velez on Oct. 19, 2012. Luz, who liked to be called Daisy, treated customers like friends and co-workers like family. She was often a confidant of fellow employees and enjoyed assisting them with problems. Her support and gentle disposition will be greatly missed.
For a free proposal, please contact Jim Williams, Vice President for Fund Development (727) 523-1512 or e-mail jim.williams@goodwill-suncoast.com
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A Leadership Timeline
1,663 people received Goodwill services. $11.2 million total earned revenue.
Freedom Village III barrier-free housing opens in Clearwater.
We build Tampa Bay Community Corrections Center to house residential substance abuse diversion programs.
1998
R. Lee Waits is named president and CEO.
Goodwill-Suncoast becomes a key player in welfare reform, winning our first of many regional workforce contracts.
1996
Heritage Oaks barrier-free housing opens in Palm Harbor and Ocala.
1994
1990
For 23 years, Lee Waits has spearheaded Goodwill-Suncoast's growth as president and CEO. Here is a look at the agency’s phenomenal growth and impact during those years.
Goodwill Industries-Suncoast, Inc.
Opportunities
Good Turn, Good Business When Steve Collins, president of Coast Brothers janitorial supply service, decided to support Goodwill with donations, he had no idea his business was benefitting from Goodwill’s services. During a recent tour of Goodwill Industries-Suncoast’s St. Petersburg headquarters, Steve was surprised to learn about Goodwill’s community corrections programs, which help former offenders become productive members of society. When Steve returned to his Steve Collins, above, was surprised to learn that Goodwill Pinellas Park office and talked helped one of his key employees, Lynn Crawford, below, make a about the tour, a valued employ- fresh start. ee told him she had completed a Goodwill corrections program at the same facility. Lynn Crawford has been a customer service representative at Coast Brothers for nearly a year. She put a life of substance abuse behind her with the help of a Goodwill program and is thankful her past didn’t stop Steve from hiring her. “She was a quick learner and has a great attitude,” says Steve. “If people are willing to put their past behind them, we’ll offer them an opportunity.”
Winter 2013 Page 3
GoodStuff Give the Gift of Reading!
You can make a difference in a child’s life, one storybook at a time. February kicks off Goodwill’s BookWorks annual preschool book drive. If you live in Hillsborough, Pinellas, Pasco, Polk, Hernando or Marion counties, please consider donating new or likenew books for children ages 2-5. To donate books, attach a note indicating “For BookWorks” and drop them off at any GoodwillSuncoast store or donation site. BookWorks volunteers read to thousands of low-income children during the year and present each of them with a personalized book to take home. A special thanks to book drive sponsors:
Wow Wells Fargo!
He’s a Believer
Derek Arnold Ocala Site Supervisor, Adult Day Training
The first Goodwill superstore opens in Ocala, followed by Lakeland in 2002 and Brandon in 2003. We are #1 in job placements among all Goodwills nationwide.
Goodwill Goes Back to School Goodwill employees once again put forth a strong showing in the Great American Teach-In, introducing students to career options and activities they may not have known about. Our employees visited Starkey Elementary in Seminole, Bartow High School, Longleaf Elementary in Trinity, Oak Grove Middle School in Clearwater, Mildred Helms Elementary in Largo and Lakewood Elementary in St. Petersburg. Each school received information about Goodwill’s many services and the power and value of donating.
2013
The Brandon Superstore achieves a topten ranking in annual sales among 1,900 Goodwill stores nationwide.
2008
With the addition of Polk and Highlands, we now serve 10 counties in west central Florida. Total revenues surpass $34.3 million.
2004
We decentralize and restructure our business model to feature highprofile superstores.
2001
2000
Derek Arnold seems tailor-made for his career. Passionate and energetic, he likes to push the boundaries of what’s possible in his field. “If we raise expectations, wouldn’t the reward be a lot better?” he asks. “Let’s learn it and do it!” Derek oversees more than 50 employees and program participants at Goodwill’s outlet store and Adult Day Training program in Ocala. The associates are adults with varying degrees of disabilities who learn work skills and run the outlet store under Derek’s guidance. Consider Derek’s newest learning tool, Good Dogs hot dog cart. It’s a lunch venue serving up a tasty lunch for shoppers outside the Goodwill outlet store. Hot dogs, chips and soda are served by men and women in the Adult Day Training program, giving them experience in food preparation and service, along with exposure to running a small business. Derek Arnold wears many hats – and The cart is so popular it has gone mobile, traveling to occasionally a hot dog suit – at his welcoming Ocala businesses on weekends. Goodwill job. Before coming to Goodwill Derek worked for various social service programs in Michigan, including a supervisory position for Special Olympics. He started with Goodwill in 2009 at the age of 26. “I haven’t stopped since. It’s just fun and delighting to have an impact.” Lucky for the Goodwill program participants, Derek says he has lots of “crazy ideas” to improve their lives and increase their employment skills. Derek lives in Ocala with his wife Amber and twins Riley and Carter.
After holding a yummy bake sale and selling tickets for “blue jean days,” employees at Wells Fargo Insurance Services in Tampa racked up an $1,800 profit and promptly gifted the money to the charity of their choice, Goodwill IndustriesSuncoast. After touring our St. Petersburg facility, Wells Fargo employees, from center to right, Carol Gore, Charlie Robinson, Jr., Dana Nagle and Tammy Davis generously offered the proceeds to Jim Williams, far left, Goodwill’s vice president for fund development. Thank you to Wells Fargo, and especially to Charlie Robinson, Jr., an officer of Goodwill’s Board of Directors and senior vice president of Wells Fargo Insurance Services.
We open the Largo Residential Re-entry Center to house workrelease programs for offenders. We build a second wave of superstores: Spring Hill, St. Petersburg, Oldsmar and Wesley Chapel.
Lee Waits retires; Debbie Passerini is named president and CEO. 66,841 people served. 10,178 people placed in jobs. $61.8 million total earned revenue during the previous fiscal year.
10596 Gandy Blvd. St. Petersburg, FL 33702
Non-Profit Org. US POSTAGE PAID Permit #5008
Change Service Requested
Opportunities
Winter 2013
St. Pete, FL 337
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Deep-Fried Fun
Outstanding Achiever
Discounted Fair Tickets for Goodwill Donors
Meet Themia Themia Chavers, or T.C. for short, first came to Goodwill for our job services for people with disabilities. In 1971 he was able to transition into full-time employment. As a warehouse worker, he sorts and handles hundreds of shoes, toys and purses each day at our St. Petersburg headquarters. His supervisor says he works “faster and better” than anyone – and T.C. wholeheartedly agrees! Plus, he does it all with a winning smile. T.C. lives with his sister and a shepherd dog named Girlie. He works full-time, catching the bus every day at 5 a.m. in order to make it in on time. He very proudly points to his corner of the warehouse. “I do all this, this whole thing, by myself.”
Here’s a great way to “Discover the Fun” at the Florida State Fair, donate to help people in the community, and save money at the same time. It’s easy! Just donate gently used clothing or household items to any Goodwill-Suncoast store or attended donation site between Jan. 21 and Feb. 14. In return, you’ll receive a coupon good for $2 off adult admission to the Florida State Fair. The Fair runs Feb. 7 – 18 at the Florida State Fairgrounds, 4800 U.S. 301 N., Tampa. This year’s fair will showcase new agricultural and cultural displays such as a traveling exhibit celebrating “Florida Agriculture: 500 Years in the Making.” There will also be thrilling rides and extraordinary food – from the traditional corn dog to chocolate-covered bacon. For a list of Goodwill-Suncoast stores and attended donation sites, please visit our website at www.goodwill-suncoast.org.
Goodwill Attended Donation Centers
The Little Black Dress By Goodwill
Donations also gratefully accepted at Goodwill stores Hillsborough County APOLLO BEACH MiraBay Village, Sweetbay U.S. 41 & Leisey Rd. BRANDON Bloomingdale Wal-Mart 949 E. Bloomingdale Ave. LUTZ Lake Chapman Plaza 16301 N. Florida Ave.
TEMPLE TERRACE Gas Kwik/Marathon 7105 Temple Terrace Hwy. Pinellas County CLEARWATER Advance Auto Parts 22991 U.S. 19 N. (Weekends only) 2250 Gulf to Bay Blvd. (Accepts furniture)
Van Dyke Shell station 5524 Van Dyke Rd.
Tri-City Plaza East Bay Dr. and U.S. 19 N.
NORTHDALE 16010 Mapledale Blvd. Near LA Fitness
LARGO NEW ! Liberty Tax 1941 West Bay Dr. Publix Plaza 12002 Indian Rocks Rd. Twedts Bowling Alley 13100 Seminole Blvd. OLDSMAR S.R. 580 W. at Duane Ave. PALM HARBOR Bill’s SuperGas and Auto Service Center Corner Alt. 19 & Nebraska Ave. Curlew Crossing S.W. corner Curlew Rd. and U.S. 19 3400 East Lake Rd. at Tampa Rd. PASADENA Sweetbay Plaza 6851 Gulfport Blvd. S.
Northdale Walmart N. Dale Mabry at Bearss Ave. (Weekends only) RIVERVIEW Riverview Oaks Plaza 9624 U.S. 301 South Advance Auto Parts 13324 Boyette Rd. SEFFNER Parsons Village Plaza 710 W. Dr. MLK Blvd. TAMPA Advance Auto Parts 5399 Gunn Hwy. Corner Ehrlich Rd. and Lynn Turner Rd. (Behind McDonald’s) D1 Sports Training 6918 Gunn Hwy.
NEW !
3619 W. Spruce St. Across from Staples Lowe’s 4210 S. Dale Mabry Hwy. U-Save 7733 W. Hillsborough Ave. Waters U-Save 7555 W. Waters Ave. Westchase Primrose School Linebaugh Ave. and Countryway (Weekends only) (Accepts furniture)
PINELLAS PARK 7601 Park Blvd. (Accepts furniture) ST. PETERSBURG 68th Street and Tyrone Blvd. N. 3100 4th St. N. Coquina Key Center 4250 6th St. South Pasco County BAYONET POINT Point Plaza 12023 U.S. 19 at S.R. 52 HUDSON 9717 SR 52 at Parkwood St.
LAND O' LAKES Jallo Plaza 6460 Land O’ Lakes Blvd.
NEW !
NEW !
Mobile Station S.R. 52 at Suncoast Pkwy. LUTZ Willow Bend Chevron 22932 S.R. 54 NEW PORT RICHEY Pasco Square - Badcock 7201 S.R. 54 ODESSA Shell Station S.R. 54 at Suncoast Pkwy.
TRINITY NEW ! Mobile Station Across from Pappas Ranch ZEPHYRHILLS Sweetbay 7333 Gall Blvd. Hernando County SPRING HILL Mariner Square 13050 Cortez Blvd. Advance Auto 14321 Spring Hill Dr. at Barclay Ave.
These gorgeous evening dresses – by designer names such as Cachè and Liz Claiborne – came straight from the racks at Goodwill. Our models appeared on Channel 10 and Fox 13 TV, wearing complete outfits for under $30 but looking like a million bucks!
Polk County LAKELAND Advance Auto Parts 4120 Clubhouse Rd. Barclay Plaza 4945 U.S. Hwy. 98 Marion County BELLEVIEW Belleview Square 10751 Hwy. 441 OCALA Friendship Center 8449 S.W. Hwy. 200 Ocala Springs Sweetbay 7131 N. Hwy. 441 Silver Springs Kmart 3711 E. Silver Springs Blvd. SUMMERFIELD Spruce Creek 17860 Hwy. 441
For donation hours, store or donation bin locations, visit www.goodwill-suncoast.org Thank you for donating to Goodwill.
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