Opportunities

®

Goodwill Industries-Suncoast, Inc.

www.goodwill-suncoast.org

Free Job Training for Veterans

Interested veterans are encouraged to apply now by calling 727-577-6411.

Spring 2013

Veterans transitioning to civilian employment often need help navigating the civilian job market. We’re happy to say we can help!

A free program, made possible by funding from JPMorgan Chase & Co., is helping veterans gain the information, skills and assistance they need to find and keep employment.

The Veterans Civilian Workplace Initiative seminars are being held at Goodwill Industries-Suncoast headquarters, 10596 Gandy Blvd., St. Petersburg. Because of our small class sizes, our instructors are able to offer individualized, targeted help on resume creation, interviewing techniques and much more.

The initiative consists of three seminars: Transition to Civilian Employment: This class helps identify the skills developed in the military that may be applied to the civilian job market. It will improve job-seeking skills and teach how to adapt to the cultural shift from the military to the civilian workplace. Strategies for achieving success in the civilian workplace are strongly emphasized, including understanding cultural differences, negotiating employee orientation, clarifying job duties and handling workplace conflict.

Customer Service – National Retail Federation (NRF): This course provides relevant customer service strategies ideal for the retail environment and leads to an NRF certification in customer service.

Financial Literacy: This class teaches essential information on money, credit and debt management, budgeting and investments, for both pre and post employment.

When they complete the program veterans will receive individualized placement assistance through Goodwill Temporary Staffing agency.

A limited number of slots Thank you JPMorgan Chase for helping us change lives! are available. For more infor- Pictured left to right are Nathan Merrill from Chase, mation, call 727-577-6411.

Cordelia Hinton and Jim Williams from Goodwill, and Rosa Seguel, Tracey Johnson and Nick Burghardt from Chase.

A New Leader and a New Superstore for Goodwill-Suncoast

Meet Our New CEO

Passion drives her career at Goodwill

Deborah Passerini is the new president and chief executive officer of Goodwill IndustriesSuncoast. The new position is the culmination of a 36-year career spent putting the Goodwill mission into action.

“There are few things better than work that is challenging yet rewarding, that allows you to learn and grow, that can encompass your whole being,” says Debbie. “I have always been fortunate to feel this way about what I do with Goodwill, from technician to CEO.” Debbie started her career as a work adjustment counselor at Goodwill-Suncoast in 1977 after completing a master’s degree in guidance and counseling at Boston University. She rose through the ranks and in 2001 was named vice president for operations, with responsibility for the organization’s retail and donated goods operations as well as human services. She has served as executive vice president and chief operating officer since 2008.

As head of operations, Debbie led GoodwillThe new CEO’s enthusiasm for Suncoast’s transition from small stores to superemployee development shows as she stores, a change that more than doubled retail recognizes Jabbar Graham, a gradurevenue. She is committed to continued expansion ate of Goodwill’s CORE Management Training Program. of retail operations to generate even more support for Goodwill’s human services.

Debbie and her husband Jim live in Odessa with their beloved Yorkie, M&M Puppers, and Snickers the horse. Their daughter Heather is a nurse practitioner in Charlottesville, Va. Although Debbie is known for working long hours, she and Jim enjoy getting away occasionally to Disney’s Fort Wilderness campground. But she’s always eager to get back to the job.

“I believe in Goodwill … Good World!” she says.

Trinity, Here We Come!

What has 26,000 square feet of unbelievable bargains, will create dozens of new jobs and feature an ultra-convenient drive-through donation lane?

You guessed it! It’s Goodwill-Suncoast’s newest superstore, slated to open in June in the Trinity area of Pasco County. The high-profile superstore is on the southeast corner of S.R. 54 and Corporate Center Drive.

Our newest store will employ about 47 people. A smaller Goodwill store in Port Richey, at 10447 U.S. Hwy. 19 N., will likely close in conjunction with the superstore opening. The Port Richey store’s 17 employees will be offered positions at the new store.

Like our other superstores, the bright and contemporary Trinity store will appeal to a wide cross-section of value-conscious shoppers. It will be stocked with donated clothing, furniture and household items, as well as a wide variety of brand-new products.

Besides being a bargain-hunter’s paradise, the store will offer a convenient drive-through donation lane. This will give area residents a place to easily drop off items they no longer need, contributing to a greener community while supporting Goodwill-Suncoast’s services to tens of thousands of people in West Central Florida. In Pasco County, Goodwill provides both short- and long-term employment services to people with disabilities and is the lead provider of employment services at Career Central One-Stop centers.

Come see for yourself. Check www.goodwill-suncoast.org or like “GoodLilly” on Facebook to get up-to-date grand opening information!

What's in Store 75,000 gently used and new bargains A convenient drive-through donation lane 26,000 total square footage Open 9 a.m. – 9 p.m. daily 10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. Sunday

Goodwill Industries-Suncoast, Inc. Page 2

Deborah Passerini 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 is a quarterly publication for friends and employees of Goodwill Industries-Suncoast, Inc. Chris Ward, Editor (727) 523-1512, ext. 1011

chris.ward@goodwill-suncoast.com

Visit our website at www.goodwill-suncoast.org Call toll-free: (888) 279-1988 TTY: (727) 579-1068

Opportunities

Spring 2013

Moving Forward Since 1954, Goodwill-Suncoast has been helping people in West Central Florida achieve their full potential through the power of work. I have had the privilege of being part of this mission for the last 36 years, and I’m honored now to serve as president and chief executive officer.

My first job at Goodwill was helping individuals with severe disabilities prepare for employment. Although my responsibilities have broadened over the years, my job is ultimately the same – assisting people who face barriers to employment.

That mission is carried out by more than 1,300 Goodwill-Suncoast employees and a committed board of directors. But it couldn’t happen without help from the community. Every item donated to Goodwill, each purchase at a Goodwill store, and every monetary donation supports services to people in our local communities.

Thanks to your generous support, Goodwill-Suncoast served 77,338 people during 2012 and placed 15,212 people in jobs. I’m proud of those accomplishments and excited about what we can achieve in the future.

In June we’ll open our eighth superstore, this one in the Trinity area of Pasco County. We plan to open more superstores in the coming years. These new stores will generate funding for our human services and allow us to help even more people experience the self-respect derived from earning a paycheck.

I’m proud of my long affiliation with Goodwill, and humbled to have the opportunity to lead the organization as we create even greater opportunities for people, families and the community, through the power of work.

Sincerely,

Deborah A. Passerini President and Chief Executive Officer

On Board and Invaluable Last year, Carole Philipson was recognized as a “Woman of Distinction” by a local chapter of the National Association of Women Business Owners. The group said a “Woman of Distinction is a woman who is outstanding in her profession, is a contributing member of her business and is an active participant in her community.”

We at Goodwill-Suncoast could not agree more with that assessment. Carole is in her second tenure as a member of our board of directors, and her commitment is evident in the many roles she serves here – as chair and co-chair of two board committees and a member of three others.

For 15 years Carole was vice president of operations for Lakeland Regional Medical Center. She now holds a similar position at Florida Hospital Carrollwood. As one of a few female hospital administrators, she paved the way for other women in the field.

Carole lives in Lakeland and has four grown children and three grandchildren. In a very full life, one of her most treasured roles is helping Goodwill-Suncoast serve people with disabilities and other barriers to employment.

“When we hear from Goodwill program participants, hear the difference that Goodwill services have made in their lives, it’s very rewarding,” she said.

Celebrity Sighting News Channel 8’s Gayle Guyardo and her husband enjoy good food and good company during a Toast to Your Goodwill mixer at the Gulfport home of Goodwill-Suncoast board member David Murphy and his wife, Pamela. About 40 volunteers, donors and members of the community attending the March 21 gathering learned a little about how Goodwill offers people a hand up, not a handout.

The Workforce is With Her

Kris Rawson Vice President for Workforce Development

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.

Twenty-five years ago Kris Rawson began her career at Goodwill. In that time she has helped several thousand people find jobs and improve their lives through multiple workforce programs.

This year, Kris was promoted to vice president for workforce development. She now oversees all of Goodwill-Suncoast’s programs for adults with disabilities in addition to our workforce services in Pasco and Hernando counties and our volunteer services, including the BookWorks preschool literacy program.

Kris started with Goodwill-Suncoast in 1998. Before then she worked with Goodwill operations in Atlanta and Goodwill Industries International. She moved to Florida to work for the Goodwill in Lakeland prior to it becoming part of Goodwill-Suncoast.

Kris now successfully operates workforce programs in multiple counties serving up to 60,000 people annually, improving their performance to among the best in Florida.

She lives in Clearwater with her husband and a pre-teen daughter – who, like her new position, keeps her on her toes! As our new vice president for workforce development, Kris hopes to extend Goodwill’s reach even more than she already has.

“There are still so many unmet community needs,” she said. “I’d like us to start exploring where Goodwill can help fill those gaps.”

Stepping Up to the Plate A member of Kids & Kubs Senior Softball Club of St. Petersburg presents Goodwill-Suncoast with a check during a special charity softball game in February. Representing Goodwill are Kathy Roegiers, director of Goodwill’s employment programs for people with disabilities, and program participant Wayne Woodbridge. Wayne told the crowd that the donation will help people with disabilities and that Goodwill has helped him for years.

Goodwill Industries-Suncoast, Inc.

Girl’s Day at the Outlet

Opportunities

Spring 2013 Page 3

GoodStuff She’s a Champ

Her co-workers already know she’s a winner, and now there’s proof! Helen Rodriguez, a Goodwill data specialist at Career Central, was a recent winner of the Florida Workforce Chairs Alliance Lighthouse Award. The award recognizes employees who work quietly behind the scenes and are indispensable in their jobs. Congratulations Helen! Goodwill is the lead provider of intensive services at Career Central One-Stop employment centers in Pasco and Hernando counties. Great job Helen!

A Year of Art

Members of the Thursday shopping crew show off finds during a weekly trip to the Goodwill Outlet in St. Petersburg. From the left are Bonnie, Diane, Lillian, Ella, Josie, Jan and Frances.

Thursdays are treasure hunt days for a group of St. Petersburg ladies. A dozen or so friends rise early each Thursday from January through April and head to the Goodwill Outlet store for some retail therapy, on the cheap.

After a morning of searching through bins in the no-frills store, they come away with finds like a golf bag for $2, or a Villeroy and Boch platter for less than $1.

“We come for the thrill of the hunt,” says Ella. “We get things for family and friends and just love to get a good bang for the buck.”

“It’s a fun time and then we go out to lunch,” says Jan, who winters in Florida like most of the group. “It’s our way of helping the environment by recycling.”

Diane and Bonnie discovered the Goodwill Outlet years ago and shared their discovery with neighbors at Magnolia Manor Mobile Home Park. Before long they all began making weekly visits to the St. Petersburg outlet.

Diane likes the fact that store proceeds support Goodwill’s services.

Ella echoes that sentiment. “It’s a way that we can all give back on a limited budget.”

Goodwill-Suncoast operates outlet stores in St. Petersburg, Ocala and Lakeland where items that didn’t sell in Goodwill retail stores are sold at deeply discounted prices. The outlet stores are staffed by people with disabilities. Visit www.goodwill-suncoast.org for store locations and hours.

Refresh Your Spring Wardrobe at Goodwill

A heartfelt thank you to the Thomas A. and Mary S. James Foundation for its recent gift of $5,000 to Goodwill’s Life Skills Development program. The Foundation’s generosity is already funding weekly art classes at the Dunedin Fine Art Center for 20 program participants. The gift made the classes, and transportation to and from Goodwill headquarters, possible for the entire year. Priceless!

Robert Helmuth shows off his creation.

Go Go Ocala!

We’re thrilled to announce Goodwill-Suncoast is beginning a Supported Employment program in Ocala. Supported employment enables people with disabilities to work in the community, earning wages and benefits matching those of non-disabled workers.

Participants receive intensive on-the-job training at job sites that have been carefully chosen for their suitability, and a support facilitator provides follow-up job coaching to ensure success. Ocala joins Pinellas, Hillsborough and Pasco counties in offering the program.

Star-Spangled Managers

A red, white and blue high-five to Heike Emrich, a native of Germany and manager of Goodwill’s Oldsmar superstore. Heike came to the United States in 2005 and became an American citizen this year. Heike is joined by two other store managers who recently became citizens – Entela Bell from our St. Petersburg store and Felix Barrio from our Tampa store. In addition, Angel Rodriguez, a manager of many of Goodwill’s attended donation centers, recently earned his citizenship.

Great job everyone!

Heike Emrich celebrates with Goodwill Regional Sales Manager Chris West.

BookWorks Works!

These two Spring-inspired outfits (and many more) were featured on Channel 10’s Studio 10 and Fox 13’s Good Day Tampa Bay TV shows. And you won’t believe the prices! On the left is Nancy, whose day job includes operating a fork lift at a Goodwill warehouse. Her entire outfit (including jewelry) was $32 from Goodwill. On the right is Tina, an employee in Goodwill’s IT department.

Her Calvin Klein dress isn’t maternity but fits her perfectly and was only $12. Add her shoes for $8, plus new sunglasses and jewelry, and she is out the door looking fabulous for $25!

A volunteer prepares donated books for distribution to eager preschoolers.

Thanks to all the generous donors who once again made our BookWorks book drive an amazing success! Because of you, we collected tens of thousands of books for Goodwill’s BookWorks program, which promotes literacy by putting books into the hands of children from low-income families.

10596 Gandy Blvd.

St. Petersburg, FL 33702

Non-Profit Org. US POSTAGE PAID Permit #5008

Change Service Requested

Opportunities

Spring 2013

St. Pete, FL 337

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Don’t Miss the Bridal Bliss

The Best of Goodwill

May 17 Oldsmar

May 18 Wesley Chapel

Meet Connie Connie was born with cerebral palsy. She endured a tough childhood followed by divorce, homelessness and the gut-wrenching, selfless decision to allow her two children to grow up with their father.

She came, angry and aimless, seeking Goodwill’s services in 2005.

“Goodwill taught me to value myself,” she says. “It took a while and was not easy. I’ve finally learned how important I can be.”

Connie is now a Goodwill employee and an invaluable office assistant. More importantly, she’s discovered her passion – advocating for others with disabilities. She’s active in various advocacy groups and is immersed in finding ways to help others.

“I wouldn’t trade this life or this job for anything,” she says. “I know now advocacy is what I will do.”

Goodwill Attended Donation Centers 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 St. and Tyrone Blvd. N. 3100 4th St. N. Coquina Key Center 4250 6th St. S. Pasco County BAYONET POINT Point Plaza 12023 U.S. 19 at S.R. 52 HUDSON 9717 S.R. 52 at Parkwood St.

LAND O' LAKES Jallo Plaza 6460 Land O’ Lakes Blvd.

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. 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.

A bride from last year’s Gala is excited to find this beautiful new designer gown for just $350.

Brides-to-be, Goodwill has many aisles (of gorgeous new dresses) you’ll want to walk down before the big day! Our perennially popular Wedding Galas will be held Friday, May 17 at the Goodwill superstore in Oldsmar and Saturday, May 18 at our Wesley Chapel superstore. You’ll find hundreds of brand new designer dresses priced from $100.

Besides beautiful bridal gowns in all styles and sizes, you’ll find new bridesmaid dresses, bridal shoes and wedding accessories. The Wedding Galas mimic a boutique shopping experience with music, extra dressing room areas, and full-length mirrors and pedestals to help you choose “the” dress.

Doors open at 6 a.m., so be ready to get in line early to say “yes” to the dress. Check our website and like “GoodLilly” on Facebook for up-todate information.