GoodWorld News Summer 2014

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SUMMER 2014

Goodwill helps adults with disabilities “graduate” to outside employment

INSIDE: Sew Sweet Upcycle!

Volunteers of the Year

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Sixty years ago Goodwill Industries-Suncoast was founded in St. Petersburg and began assisting a handful of people with disabilities to gain work skills and paychecks. We now help tens of thousands of individuals each year whose options have been limited by disability, lack of education or other barriers to employment.

President and CEO Deborah Passerini Board Chair Oscar J. Horton

President and CEO Emeritus R. Lee Waits

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Creating Opportunities for 60 Years

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Members of the Board Joshua Beyer Heather Ceresoli Robert D. Dobkowski Steven M. Erickson Martin W. Gladysz Marie Carson Hebbler Paul Horowitz Karl Koch Louise R. Lopez Richard E. Ludwig John McCaugherty David E. Murphy Mark Pichowski Ed Rader Charlie Robinson, Jr. Timothy Salzsieder Loreen M. Spencer Bob Wabbersen

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As we begin our new fiscal year, we’re offering even greater opportunities for people with disabilities. Our Supported Employment program continues to expand, helping men and women with developmental disabilities obtain jobs with community employers. Meanwhile, participants in our Life Skills Development program are performing an increasing range of jobs at our retail stores as preparation for community employment.

CARF International (the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities) recently awarded Goodwill-Suncoast a three-year accreditation recognizing our programs for people with disabilities as exemplary in quality and service. While we’re proud of this achievement, we’re determined to seek even more opportunities for the people we serve so that they can achieve their full potential.

Thank you for supporting this mission by donating or shopping at Goodwill or providing job opportunities to our clients. We, and the people we serve, are deeply grateful.

Sincerely,

Our Mission: To help people achieve their full potential through the dignity and power of work.

Good World News is a quarterly publication for friends and employees of Goodwill IndustriesSuncoast, 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.

Deborah A. Passerini President and Chief Executive Officer

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A Hands-On, Hopeful Approach While growing up in Wisconsin, Tim Salzsieder could see the positive influence that Goodwill had on the community. When former board member Ken Solis invited him to learn more about Goodwill-Suncoast, he didn’t hesitate to become involved.

“I’ve always liked the mission statement of providing ’A hand up, not a handout,’” says Tim. Although he was familiar with Goodwill’s retail operation when he joined the board in 2008, Tim was surprised to learn about the vast array of services offered locally, including employment services for people with disabilities, affordable housing for seniors, as well as the children’s literacy program.

Tim is owner and managing director of Commercial Insurance Specialists based in Lutz. He lives in Tampa with his wife Susan, who he met while they were both students at the University of Wisconsin at Oshkosh. The couple has three children, Jacob, 16, daughter Morgan, 14, and Luke, 12. When he’s not watching his children play lacrosse, volleyball or basketball, Tim enjoys attending Bucs, Rays and Lightning games and spending time with his family at the beach. And although it may seem unlikely considering his line of work, Tim has also tried sky diving. “It’s a calculated risk,” he says.

Tim’s counsel and contributions to the board over the past six years have been invaluable to Goodwill. At the same time, he has found it extremely rewarding to serve on the board. “I can’t say enough about the lives touched and the people helped,” says Tim. He encourages people to learn more about Goodwill and provide support in ways that suit them. “It’s amazing how giving a little bit can help provide jobs, and jobs provide hope,” he says.

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For store and other donation locations, visit goodwill-suncoast.org

Cover Story

How Goodwill “grads” transition to employment

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others package new items to sell in Goodwill stores, and some may learn food service skills in our cafeterias or at the Ocala outlet store’s Good Dogs hot dog cart.

“Alex is a very outgoing, positive guy,” says Leslie Swain, a Community Employment Specialist for Goodwill. “Everyone loves him.”

Once employed, a Goodwill job coach helps the employee learn the job and offers ongoing support as needed. According to a DuPont study, job performance by employees with disabilities is equal to or better than their peers without disabilities, although employers often need reassurance.

lex Alexander loves his full-time job working for Centerplate at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg. He started the job – his first ever – in March as a food runner and has since been promoted to cook.

Alex, 24, is one of many Goodwill success stories. Our Community Employment Service provides job placement and supported employment services for people with disabilities.

While all people we help to find jobs may not require longterm follow-along, others like Alex benefit from supported employment. The ongoing assistance we provide through supported employment often supplies the coaching necessary to not only maintain employment but to learn new skills.

Goodwill offers supported employment services in Pinellas, Hillsborough, Pasco and Marion counties.

The process sometimes works like this: Adults with disabilities enrolled in our Life Skills Development program who desire job training are carefully assessed and then assigned activities to help them gain employability skills. Some learn the facets of running our outlet stores in St. Petersburg, Lakeland and Ocala,

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He’s a Supervisor, He’s a DJ, He’s… a dedicated Goodwill employee with endless compassion!

Jabbar Graham has an alternate ego.

“It’s our job to educate, to teach disability awareness while building relationships with employers,” says Donna McGrath, program manager for Goodwill Community Employment Services.

If you’re an employer with positions to fill, Goodwill can refer workers to help meet your needs. For more information about hiring a qualified person with a disability please call 727-523-1512, ext. 1319.

Alex is cookin' in his new job!

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Jabbar began working at Goodwill five years ago as a skills trainer in our St. Petersburg outlet store. The outlet store is run by participants in our Life Skills Development program.

“It was interesting to learn what Goodwill had to offer,” Jabbar recalls. “I realized all these ‘second-hand’ items gave people a second chance.”

Although Jabbar has a degree in communications and went to college on a full football scholarship, his Goodwill career seems to be a perfect fit. After growing up in foster care and separated from his five brothers, he understands the importance of second chances, patience and compassion. Those are skills he uses every day as he oversees 31 adults in another of Goodwill’s Life Skills Development programs. He works to train the program participants on job skills and eventually help transition them into outside employment.

By day, he’s a beloved site supervisor for one of Goodwill’s Life Skills Development programs for adults with disabilities in St. Petersburg. By night (at least on Saturday) he becomes a DJ for WiLD 94.1, a very Between working, DJ-ing, being a husband, and bringing up a little popular local radio station. girl, Jabbar seems to never stop moving.

Two very different careers, “It’s always the positive that keeps me going strong,” he says. “And but both jobs match Jabbar’s “people person” personality. we’ve got a great family at Goodwill.”

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GoodLilly’s

Do the Safety Swim New item $14.99

All Goodwill Stores We all know water safety is crucial in Florida. These comfy floatation suits help keep boys and girls safe while building their swimming confidence.

Get Made in the Shade Donated item $1.16

Lakeland Superstore Made in the Shade is the first official compilation album by The Rolling Stones during the band’s Atlantic Records contract. Can you guess what year it was released? Hint: See the orange circle for the answer.

Summer Statement New item $5.99

All Goodwill Stores Accessorize a simple summer outfit with a chunky, colorful - and best of all, inexpensive statement necklace like this one!

Fowl Play!

Donated item $2.16

Trinity Superstore If you still have to set an alarm during summer, you might as well have fun with it. This rooster alarm clock could get you up and strutting.

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A collection of brand new and donated items found at Goodwill-Suncoast stores Bobble Brothers Donated items $1.16 each

Wesley Chapel Superstore Two bobble heads are better than one, and this intergalactic duo proves it!

Li’l Fashionista Donated items $2.16 & $3.16

Oldsmar Superstore Our favorite little thrift shopper went blueberry picking dressed for comfort (and style) in a $2 top and $3 Nikes from Goodwill.

Chapter One: Just Chill Donated items $1.16 each

St. Petersburg Store Enjoy reading during your summer vacation?

Don’t pay $6 for a new paperback book or risk losing a library book (been there, done that).

Get them for $1 at Goodwill instead!

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Send us your Goodwill finds!

If we feature them here or on our Upcycle page we’ll send you a $20 gift card to any Goodwill-Suncoast store. Post your photos on our Facebook page (facebook.com/goodwillsuncoast) or e-mail them to gw.marketing@goodwill-suncoast.com.

For Goodwill store locations, visit goodwill-suncoast.org.

Chip Shot Donated item $4.16

Ocala Superstore This unusual chip and dip serving platter is perfect for golfing enthusiasts ready to tackle the 19th hole!

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GoodStuff

Our Earth Day Hero!

BookWorks Thanks You! Goodwill’s BookWorks program promotes childhood literacy by pairing volunteer readers (see back page) with children from lowincome households. After being read to, each child gets to take a book home. As you can imagine, this is a huge undertaking that requires lots and lots of books. We’re happy to report the BookWorks 2014 book drive brought in 34,239 donated books! A huge thank you to all who participated – you’re making a difference in the lives of hundreds of children! BookWorks accepts books year-round, please donate to any Goodwill-Suncoast donation site.

Congratulations to Anna, the winner of our Earth Day laptop giveaway contest! Anna, a 12-year-old middleschool student from Pasco County couldn’t wait to get home and try out her new toy. The laptop is a certified pre-owned computer sold – along with desktop systems – at all Goodwill-Suncoast superstores.

Thank you Anna for being a “green” Goodwill shopper!

A Big Deal Goodwill-Suncoast was once again awarded a three-year accreditation by CARF. This is the highest endorsement that can be awarded to agencies providing community integration and employment services for people with disabilities. We’ve maintained the coveted accreditation continuously since it was first available in 1971. Our CARF review notes: “This achievement is an indication of your organization’s dedication and commitment to improving the lives of the persons served. Services, personnel and documentation clearly indicate an established pattern of practice excellence.”

Reduce Taxes, Increase Income!

Consider a Goodwill Gift Annuity.

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

4.8% 5.3% 5.8% 6.5% 7.5% 9.8%

Rates as of 6/1/2013

For a free proposal, please contact Jim Williams, Vice President for Fund Development (888) 279-1988 Ext. 1050 or e-mail jim.williams@goodwill-suncoast.com

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Workin’ It! Karen Sheidig (left) and Kim Smith, two participants in our Life Skills Development program for adults with disabilities, joined a fashion show of Goodwill finds in May. The two “walked the runway” during a luncheon held at the Estates At Carpenters retirement community in Lakeland. The two joined several Carpenters residents who also modeled some amazing Goodwill fashions found at a fraction of their original price!

Free Food for Kids We’re once again helping get the word out about Summer BreakSpot, a program that serves up free food to kids during the summer. During the school year, many children are eligible for free and reduced-price meals. But when school lets out for the summer, many kids are at risk of hunger or poor nutrition. Summer BreakSpot helps ensure children have access to the nutritious meals they need to grow, learn and play during the summer months. All Goodwill-Suncoast stores have multilingual information cards to help inform the public. To find a site near you visit summerfoodflorida.org.

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Sew Sweet!

A group of caring women “bop around the clock” to make hundreds of “Boppy” pillows for All Children’s Hospital in St. Petersburg.

“Boppy’s” are C-shaped baby-positioning pillows priced at $30 and up at retail stores. But a great group of women from Pinellas and Hillsborough counties make them for far less, using materials and equipment repurposed and upcycled from Goodwill. The women also make tiny baby blankets for the hospital and, sadly, burial pouches for babies who don’t make it.

Shopper and expert seamstress Linda Alonso (pictured below) regularly scours Goodwill for fabric, sewing machines, sewing cabinets, chairs and tables for the charitable work. “The majority

of material used for the pillows is purchased at the Goodwill on Gandy in St. Pete,” says Linda. The women buy new filling in bulk.

But it all starts with fabric, and lots of it. The fabric is washed and cut into a pattern modeled after a genuine “Boppy” found at – you guessed it – Goodwill!

The women gather once a month and get right to work. Some sew, some stuff, some wash, dry and bag the pillows and blankets for delivery.

Their sweet and tireless work makes many moms thankful!

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arilyn Groves regularly volunteers to read books to preschoolers. But she doesn’t just read. If she has a book about baseball, she wears a baseball uniform. A story about pirates? She’s ready with a hat and even an eye-patch. Green Eggs and Ham? It’s what’s for breakfast!

A is for Amazing, B is for Books, C is for Congrats!

Meet a few of our fantastic volunteers.

BookWorks program. Members of the club have read to children at Brandon area Head Start centers and elementary schools since 2002. An enthusiastic core of club members currently reads to children at nine locations in the greater Brandon area, reaching 336 children each month.

It’s that infectious enthusiasm that made Marilyn our Goodwill Volunteer of the Year. Marilyn has volunteered for Goodwill’s BookWorks childhood literacy program since 2012. She is a retired school teacher and great-grandmother, and she regularly reads to Head Start classes at two Bartow schools and presents a book for each child to take home.

Marilyn and the Kiwanis Club were honored at our annual volunteer recognition luncheon at the Columbia Restaurant in Ybor City. Dozens of other people whose volunteer efforts have supported Goodwill’s mission were also recognized.

Last year 222 local volunteers donated more than 3,222 hours of their time to support Goodwill programs in West Central Florida. Thank you to all our wonderful volunteers!

Goodwill’s volunteer group of the year is the Kiwanis Club of Greater Brandon, a long-time supporter of Goodwill’s

If you’d like more information on BookWorks or volunteering, please call 727-523-1512 ext. 1976.

Kiwanas Club of Greater Brandon, Volunteer Group of the Year Marilyn Groves, Volunteer of the Year 7

For store and other donation locations, visit goodwill-suncoast.org