THE HELPING HANDS GAZETTE THE HELPING HANDS GAZETTE IN THIS ISSUE
Becky J. Retires after 42 Years Annual Campaign Outlook for 2018 Vice President of Retail Operations Brent Johnson, Grand Island “Celebrating Success” Highlighting individuals receiving services
Celebrating Success Employment and Career Service - Kearney Doing What He Loves: Brayden’s Story Behavioral Health Services - Grand Island Gary: An Inspirational Mentor to Program
Volume I
Issue I
September Volume I 2018 Issue I September 2018
www.goodwillne.org www.goodwillne.org
2017-2018 Board of Directors
2 017-2 018 B oard of D i r e c to r s
“The Helping Hands” Goodwill Gazette Your Help, Improves Lives...See How!
Beth Bartlett B et h B ar tlett Susan Bullington, Past ChairS u s a n B u l l i n g t o n , P a s t C h a i r Brandon Connick, Vice ChairB r a n d o n C o n n i c k , V i c e C h a i r Robin Dexter R o bin D exter Ryan Hansen R yan H ans en Goodwill of Greater Nebraska provided services disorder and/or a serious and persistent mental Jon Heath, Chair JIndustries on H ea th , Cha ir Dr. Chad Hudnall Dto r. C h awith d H u d nillness al las schizophrenia/schizoaffective disorand support over 1,900 people living disabilities and such Mike Jakubowski M i ke J a k u b o w s k i barriers last year across greater Nebraska. Our services proder, bipolar disorder, or major depression. Services Chelsey Jungck C e l sof e y Jmakes umany n gck Choosing hope each day ath Goodwill Industries Greater Nebraska amazing mote independence and access to the community, help people provided help individuals live successfully in their Andy Marsh A n darea! y M a r sit h things possible throughout our 55 county service As C.E.O. of this organization, is become successfully employed, support wellness and Tr e community. In 2017, 538e people received services. Paul McKinney, Treasurer Pa u l M c Ki n goals nof e y, asu r r a pleasure to share our accomplishments with you. Tim O’Hara Ti m ’H recovery, teach responsible behavior and O provide safe and af-a r a Jim Pirnie Ji mHastings, PKearney ir n ie In 2017, our Developmental Disability Services and Grand Island fordable housing. Many people benefit in from multiple programs Hank Price H a n k P r i c e Goodwill grew from serving 117 to 127 individuals. We continue to expand opportunities for and services. Renea Rush Renea Rush those we serve to participate in our Residential Services and In-Home Residential employees facilitate Change Companies curricuKevin Werner Ke v n Nebraska We r n e r Who is Goodwill Industries ofi Greater Habilitation Service. We doL this bya providing individualized support and training Lance Zobel n c e Zo bto e llum to individuals referred by probation officers. and what do we do?
THE HELPING HANDS GAZETTE
DEAR FRIENDS OF GOODWILL:
D
Ch th a p
Court Ordered Services (Grand Island, Broken Bow, Kearney, Lexington)
2017 Foundation Board of Directors
acquire and improve the skills needed to become as independent as possible.
Classes promote responsible behavior and deci-
• Autonomous, communityFo based non-profit organization 2 017 u ndation In 2017, 571 people received services. Our entire Services Division continues to grow as f well. In 2016, we served 1,580 people, B a r d o D ir e csion-making. to r s • o Governed by a local volunteer Board of Directors
and in 2017, we served 1,946. We knowo we will continue to serve mored people with ourr Housing (Columbus, Grand Island, Doug Adler D u g A l e • Over 280 employees throughout 55 county territory expansion of Behavioral Health Services and Employment and Career Services to Boone, Kevin Cunningham, President Ke v i n Cu n n i n g h a m , P r e s i d e n t • Offer a diverse array ofm services designed to meet the goals Hastings, Carmen Corona ar e n Co ro n a Kearney) Three HUD financed housing projects Colfax, Nance andC Platte counties with our office location in Columbus.
of people Kathy Duval, Secretary Kat hy D u v a l , S e c rconsisting et rprovide y safe and affordable housing to inofa 55 units Having a stable home is crucial to helping those we, serveP succeed. Although our HUD Mike Garrett, President Elect M i ke G a rr et t r es ide n t E le c dividuals living with a mental illness. Int 2017, 47 people lived Housing Partners J project in Scottsbluff/Gering thisu year, we maintain 43 a n n Jerry Huismann e r r y ended H istill s m in our housing units. Gil Kuntz lGrand Ku nt z apartments in Columbus, Hastings, G Kearneyi and Island. employees Goodwill Ann Martin A n n M a r t i n Supporting People in Need – In 2017, Goodwill issued individuals to Mission help them improve and re-patterns Our eightwork Retailwith Stores support our andacquire, Operations. As shopping Steven Millnitz S te ve n M illnit z 527 store vouchers supporting 650 people in need tain theadapted skills needed to s be as independent as possible. Services change, we have by tracking new inventory, an Outlet Store inl Grand Lissa Moeller L i s a opening M o e ler across Greater Nebraska. provided help people living with anr intellectual orS developmenTerry Sheen T e r y through, h ee n Island, and expanding our online shopping opportunities ShopGoodwill, Amazon Galen Stehlik G ale n S ttheir ehlik their strengths and talents to accomplish and eBay.tal disability use Mark Stelk, Past President M a r k S te l k , Pa s t P re s i d e n t achieve greaterNebraska independence, learn to makefrom choices Goodwill goals, Industries of Greater benefit the and generous citizens Kevin Wood Kecontinues v i to n Wo o d
Developmental Disability Services (Grand Island, Hastings, Kearney)
participate in and11,544,000 contributepounds to theirincommunity. Services are in our region who donated 2017. These donations are the lifeline to
Retail (Columbus, Grand Island (2 stores), Hastings, Kearney, Lexington, North Platte, Scottsbluff)
Goodwill collects donations from the community for resale in
Central Nebraska Goodwill Ce n t rprovided al Nebraska Goodwill our Retail Stores. Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., in our eight retail stores. Revenue generated from the sale of doHousing I and II,Inc. Housing I and II , Inc . the evenings and on the weekends. In 2017, 127 people received goods supports Goodwill services. In addition to finanBoard of Directors B r d o D i rare e c to rs We are so o thankfula for all we have made possible inf 2017. Although challenges ahead, I nated Tracy Babcock, President Kurt Brown, Vice President Bill Holloway, Treasurer Kim Hurt, Secretary
services. cially services, the t store provides work experiences Tr a c ab c if o ck ,withP re ssupporting ide n believe they willy becomeB opportunities for success we approach them the attitude Ku rt B r o w n , V i c e P rfor e s id e nt job seekers wanting to develop skills for future competitive reflected in this quotation: Goodwill Industries of Greater Nebraska - Mission B i l l H o l l o w a y, Tr e a s u r e r employment. In 2017, an average of 70 individuals participat“Life isn’t abouti waiting the storm toto pass. It’s about learning how toe dancec in ther rain.” Goodwill is for dedicated helping people with K m H u r t , S et ar y
disabilities or barriers reach their goals and ~ Vivian Green
ing in our work and training opportunities earned a weekly pay-
Greater Nebraska G r e a te r Nebra s ka check calculated by taking hours worked times current Nebrasimprove their quality of life. To all p of our donors, stakeholders ande customers, please knowH all your support Independent Housing, Inc. d e In e nd n t ofor using , Inc . ka minimum wage. Board of Directors BIndustries oa rNebraska, d Inc. o f D i r e c to r s Goodwill of Greater is appreciated!
As-Is n Outlet store opened spring 2017 (Grand Island) At this Amber Adamson A mb er Adamso Sincerely, Repurposer’s shoppers find bulkt bargains to buy by Tracy Babcock, Vice President Tr a c y B a b c o c k , V i c e P r eParadise, sid e n Bill Holloway, Treasurer B i l l H o l l o w a y, Tr e a s u r e r the pound and unique finds with low prices. The event held Jeri Johnson Jemployees e rwork i J o h Goodwill with job seekers ton help s o n at the Goodwill Corporate Office building at 1729 S. Lincoln Brian Kort B r i a n Ko r t them become competitively employed in the community. SerAvenue. Harry Milligan, President H ar r y M illigan , Pre sident vices provided help job seekers with an intellectual or deSheri Montague Sh e r living i M on t agu e collected at our eight stores and through donation Donations Lora Young, Secretary Lo ra Yo , S t a rcollected y velopmental disability, acquiredu brainn injury,g behavioral healthe c r e drives. Donations through community drives are
Employment and Career Services (Columbus, Grand Island, Kearney, Hastings, Lexington, North Platte, McCook)
diagnosis substance use disorder or u barrierst such as povChief Executive Officer C h i e fand/or E xe c i ve
sorted at the Grand Island production facility for eventual disO ffi ce r erty become employed in their community. Goodwill matchTamara L. Slater Ta m a r a L . S l a ttribution er to retail stores. Sorting of donations is a paid work es qualified candidates to job openings in the community and opportunity for individuals receiving support through our DeVice Presidents V i ce Pre s id e nt s maintains a strong, responsive working relationship with emvelopmental Disability Services.ffi In 2017, 11,544,826 pounds Cheryl Brei, C Chief Financial he Officerr y l B r e i , C h i e f F i n a n cia l O ce r of ployers address needs. In 2017,e 935 people received donations werel collected at through our e eight retail Kim Buschkoetter, K Compliance im Bu sto c h ko tt eservices. r, C o m p ia nc -store-dona-
Behavioral Health Services (Columbus, Grand Island, Broken Bow)
Mission Marketing M i s s i o n M a r ke ttion in centersg and 189 donation drives in 70 communities. Tamara L. Slater Jon Heath Ko e h l e Rebecca Koehler, R Mission e Services b ecc a r, M is sion S er v ices Chair – Board of Directors Chief Executive Officer Willie Kovarik, Organizational W illie Ko va r k O rganiz at ional Goodwill offers ai variety of, programs to meet Volume I Issue I Goodwill Industries D e v eGoodwill Industries Development l o p m ent recovery needs of individuals diagnosed with a substance use Greater Nebraska, Inc. Greatere Nebraska, Brent Johnson,Retail Retail Operations Les Stratman, L Operations e s S tofr a tm a n , ofR t Inc. ail Operations
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2017-2018
2 017-2 018
In gr th Ha ac
O Donate Movement – Reduce, Reuse, Recycle Goodwill’s
an recycling program makes a difference in people’s lives, strengthex ens communities, and contributes to a healthier planet. In Co the event there is an item that cannot be sold in our stores, it Ha is recycled. Recycling markets include textiles, shoes, stuffed Ho toys, purses/belts/hats, hard toys, glassware, housewares, sportap ing equipment and books. The majority of items are used as they were originally intended, for example, a shirt is used asO a shirt, a plate as a plate, etc. Other items are recycled and sold ch to Isl salvage brokers. Technology Recycling Drives (Grand Island) an Goodwill provides free computer equipment recycling drives six Go times per year from 9-Noon at the Administrative office location at 1804 S. Eddy, east side (South Eddy and Delta streets) in in ou Grand Island. We also accept any brand of computer equipment W in any condition (working or non-working) at our eight retail store/donation centers year round. In 2017, 159,419 pounds be of re e-waste collected and diverted from landfills. On-line shopping through shopgoodwill, Amazon and EBay. “L
Goodwill Industries of Greater Nebraska - Values Respect We honor and support all individuals and their worldview.
Integrity We adhere to the highest of ethical standards in
To Go
Sin all our actions and interactions. Compassion We are empathetic and supportive of others through the process of change and growth, improving quality of life. Stewardship We are entrusted with the care of our organization and the environment. Learning We strive to be on the forefront of knowledge to ensure advancement and a competitive edge. Teamwork We each do our part, working together for the betterment of all.
Entrepreneurial Spirit
We seek, identify, and create opportunities.
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Annual Campaign
Celebrating Success
2018 OUTLOOK THE HELPING HANDS GAZETTE “Good is for Everyone” Goodwill’s annual campaign is drawing near! With your help, people can work to achieve a better life. Every donation to the Goodwill Annual Campaign creates opportunities for personal growth. Your generosity, supports individuals living with disabilities or barriers to get jobs and stay involved in the community. We’re looking forward to offering you more conveinient ways to donate! Some options we hope to include are “Text to Donate” and donating right from Facebook! You have the power to help others and reach our goal of $125,000.
NOVEMBER 27, 2018
Gary: An Inspirational Mentor in THE HELPING HANDS GAZETTE The Behavioral Health Services Program
For almost 10 years now, Gary has been coming to the Goodwill Behavioral Health Service Building in Grand Island. Formerly, Gary has worked in truck driving and refrigeration. He is now retired and spends at least 5 days a week at Goodwill Services. When he first started coming, I don’t think he realized what an impact he would have on others. Aaron Ross, Program Director, had a sparkle in his eye and knew exactly who I should interview to highlight the Behavioral Health Services. Gary went from coming to services for himself, to also helping teach and be involved in many of the courses. His goal was to be more extroverted and he’s nailed it. He’s involved in “Men Seeking Wisdom” which includes about 8 to 15 men talking about affirmations and related items. Dual Diagnosis (DTR) “Double Trouble,” which is close to Gary’s heart as he lives with Depression and is a Recovering Alcoholic. He loves metaphysics and brought to Goodwill a “Higher Consciousness” class that creates awareness of subconscious, conscious and unconscious. Gary’s favorite are the “Anxiety/Depression” and a new one, “Fortune Cookie Philosophy,” where they break down the cookie and discuss their perspective of the fortune meanings. Goodwill hasn’t kept him completely busy, though. Since his Dad, Mom and wife’s passing between 2000 and 2003, he needed a little more to keep his peace of mind. He’s always loved shiny things and collecting rocks. That hobby has grown in to creating amazing works of art. Gary was kind enough to
bring some of his collections to show me! He told me to keep in mind that it wasn’t even 1/4 of what he actually has! Gary can make around 275 necklaces in 8 months. Oh, did I mention, this jewelry making didn’t take him far from Goodwill! He buys much of the jewelry he re-creates from the stores! Treasure hunting and rummaging through to find these pieces is another hobby of Gary’s. We celebrate Gary and his inspiration to others! Goodwill is thankful to provide support throughout his Recovery journey! Next stop, Gary would love to have a booth at events like the Junk Jaunt...You’ll want to stop and chat with Gary!
Kearney & Grand Island with Record Breaking Sales
New this year, was an event promotion for all of the stores, National Thrift Day. Promotion of the event included facebook advertising, posters and customer/donor flyers. August 17th was also, Blue & Gold Day at UNK in Kearney. Whatever the case, it was effective for the Kearney Store, as well as, the Grand Island- North Webb Store. Rick Lockhard, Area Manager for both stores said, “Wow, North and Kearney with (HUGE) days. Never had that happen in my time in retail (THUMBS UP!)” Thank you to all who helped share the event and the wonderful customer service that is territory wide!!
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Farewell & Thank You
After 42 Years of Service: Becky Janulewicz Retires THE HELPING HANDS GAZETTE
by Heather Gentert, July 2018
Imagine being in a new position with Goodwill only one month, interviewing an amazing visionary who has dedicated the last 42 years of her service to Goodwill. There was no preparation that could have taken my nerves away. Until I met Becky Janulewicz. B e c k y came to Goodwill with the help of God’s will, I believe. Her father was a Lutheran Minister in South Dakota. From there, a member of the church, Kris, worked with Vocational Rehab. This is where it all started. Kris connected Becky with Goodwill, where she first started in Counselor Evaluation to place people in training programs to prepare for employment, on May 10, 1976. In that special week of May people in the US were listening to Boogie Fever by The Sylvers. Just to set the scene of how long ago 42 years really is! Not only has there been evolution of music, politics and society in general, Goodwill has evolved too, so did Becky’s job titles. From a Counselor Evaluator, Work Adjustment Specialist, and Behavioral Health Support Specialist to Behavioral Health Services Director, which included employment services before there was even a developmental disability program! New services starting emerging within Goodwill and she loved going with the flow. Becky never imagined retiring from Goodwill when she first started. “The growth of the agency, upholding the Goodwill reputation and mission,” is what kept her here. If you remember the night of the Twisters “movie”, Grand Island was one of the major impacted areas. The current Goodwill Corporate location was left with only a bathroom stall standing. This wasn’t a “what you see in the movies” event for Becky. She’s been here through almost every event in Goodwill’s
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history---Goodwill just celebrated 50 years this year. Her favorite memory is the construction of Behavioral Health Building. Picture this, starting 42 years ago with just a handful of individuals to serve, and doing that in the cafeteria! Becky is a pioneer in creating high quality, community based services PLUS safe, affordable housing, as the state of Nebraska transitioned away from 3 major regional centers. Becky is an instrumental cornerstone to our Behavioral Health Services program, which now serves an average of 509 people annually. Tonya Ingram, Behavioral Health Services Director, who was hired by Becky, appreciates that, “she took a chance hiring someone she didn’t know to redesign the day services program and mentored me over the last 12 years as part of her succession planning.” “Becky is a kind, gentle, champion of those with struggles and disabilities. I’m going to miss her quirky humor and her advocacy.” Tonya is not the only leader of Goodwill that Becky has hired and mentored. Kim Buschkoetter was hired 25 years ago and currently serves as the Vice President of Compliance and Mission Services. She is joined by Tamra Snider, Employment and Career Services Director. I’m sure there are countless others who Becky hired as advocates for the mission and vision of Goodwill. She asked me if I was familiar with the Goodwill Value statement, holding back tears, she said, “you have to treat people with dignity and respect or they won’t want to grow.” When I asked what she wished more people understood about Goodwill she replied, “How really cool the clientele really are…and that it’s a safe haven for people, we protect that.” Becky’s going to miss the all of the people at Goodwill. She laughed, “my car is in auto-pilot to get here every morning, it won’t know what to do!” Don’t worry, she has plans for retirement, though! Becky is looking forward to being outside, taking some trips and “becoming a minimalist,” she said with a smile. Reading is another hobby she can’t wait to do more of on her kindle. History and politics are her favorites! Thank you Becky for your leadership, integrity and compassion over the last 42 years at Goodwill. I wish I could capture and portray how much you mean to each person I spoke with about you! You have made such a positive impact in so many people’s lives. I will strive hold the mission and values of Goodwill dear to my heart like you have. You are an inspiration!
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Staff Update
June: Heather GentertTHE joined Goodwill TeamGAZETTE as HELPING HANDS the Director of Marketing & Development Hello Goodwill Friends! I’m Heather Gentert, creator and writer of this NEW Goodwill Gazette! I’m very excited about the opportunities I will have to showcase and implement Goodwill’s mission! I’ll continue on with a little bit about myself, if you’re bored and like light reading, here you go! I’m from a “village,” Holstein, NE where my family has owned a small meat processing plant for over 30 years. In a small business, each person “wears a lot of hats.” I could be found cleaning pens one day and designing the website, doing radio interviews or marketing the business the next day. I grew up in the business and community. It was there where I discovered my love for helping people. I have been President of our Holstein Improvement Committee for 10 years, planning community events, fundraising, donations and advertising. There’s much more that goes into each of the business and community entities but that will turn into HEAVY reading. You’re more than welcome to ask me any questions, though! Finally, the good stuff! I have a four year old son, Jett. He’s an amazing little guy. Full of energy and way too smart! My parents, Mark and Belinda Gentert, still run Gentert Pack in Holstein. I have one sibling, my younger sister, Brianna, who is a Nuclear Communication Specialist for Cooper Nuclear Station in Brownsville, Ne. Still no idea what she actually does! I have a really close family and I’m very blessed they encouraged me to branch out and share my skills and qualities with all of you. I already feel like I have gained a wonderful new family at Goodwill. As you can most likely tell from my writing style in this letter and newsletter, I’m approachable. If you have ideas, questions, concerns, comments, etc., don’t hesitate to contact me. Our ideas together, will make a positive impact on future of Goodwill and further help individuals with barriers and disabilities. God bless!
“Success is liking yourself, liking what you do, and liking how you do it.” - Maya Angelou
July: Brent Johnson named as Vice-President of Retail Operations Brent graduated from the University of Nebraska - Kearney (University was named Kearney State when attending), where he received his BA in Business Administration “a really long time ago”… After graduation, Brent began his career with the Bosselman Enterprises where he managed a full-service restaurant. This eventually led to the Director of Hospitality. It was in this capacity that Brent grew the network to twenty locations in seven states and where he refined his leadership skills. This role included full service restaurants, quick serve operations and hotels. Brent took the opportunity as President of Deli International a fundraising organization. His leadership provided growth in revenues and profits within the first year. This role included coordination sales and marketing strategies with a focus on operations. Brent’s past also includes working in nonprofit sector. He has experience in lending and business development with a focus on the Native Americans community. Brent enjoys his time spent with the family outdoors at the lake. Staying fit and active in his kids & grandkids lives, keeps his nights and weekends full.
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Celebrating Success
Brayden’s Story: What HANDS He Loves THEDoing HELPING GAZETTE
24 year old, Brayden, started at The Kearney Goodwill temporarily 3 years ago, August 29th. Brayden is the 3rd of 10 children and a graduate of Kearney High School. Brayden mentions the only thing he doesn’t have is a driver’s license however, he has an accessible pickup that he can drive, just not legally, he laughed. After high school, Brayden worked with Vocational Rehabilitation and Project Search programs. At age 21 he sought out Employment and Careeer services through Goodwill. It was here he started at the Goodwill Store in Kearney in a “temp job.” Steve Cooke-Store Manager, recalls the first meeting with Brayden. Steve mentioned Brayden saying “Yeahhhh...I suppose I could work maybe...My Mom is tired of me playing video games!” They all laughed! Since that day, Brayden has moved into a full-time, customized employment position at Goodwill in Kearney. Brayden focuses on housewares, books, donations and sorting at the store. His main forte is testing and fixing all electronics before they are sold.(middle picture) Steve noted that the customer satisfaction has greatly improved because they know it’s being tested before it goes to the sale floor. On a “lighter” note, Steve and Brayden both added the FIRST thing to remember is UNPLUGGING the cord before you cut it to repair! The only thing Brayden is not fond of....Christmas Lights. Now, that I can understand, strings of lights and bad bulbs! Outside of work, Brayden can be found outdoors or working on his projects. He built a gas-powered mobility scooter (pictured bottom right) that he took to Kearney Cruise Night. Guess where he bought the original scooter? You got it, Goodwill. His electronic/mechanical/building skills don’t stop there. Brayden was telling me about the go karts he builds. Oh my lanta. To the adventurer like himself, they sound awesome but to the chicken like me, they sound fast and scary! Brayden lives with Cerebral Palsy but he doesn’t let anything deter him from doing the things he loves. You can hear his compassion for the work he does and for the hobbies he has. Brayden, his service dog -Honey, Employment and Career Specialist - Evelyn and Store Manager-Steve Cooke are pictured above. Stop in and see Brayden next time you’re in Kearney! A very compassionate group of people.
Outlet Store Gets New Look! THE HELPING HANDS GAZETTE
In July, the Goodwill Outlet Store hosted a Live Radio Broadcast with Franzman & 107.7 The Island. Guests were welcomed with a free hot dog lunch and chances to win specialty gift baskets. The event was well attended with almost 200 visitors. Since the broadcast, customers can now easily see the location with the new Outlet Store sign displayed above the walk-in door.
facebook.com/outletgoodwill
Services Located at Eagles Nest Plaza
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Upcoming Events September
THE HELPING HANDS GAZETTE
National Guide Dog Month National Hunger Action Month (Feeding America) National Workforce Development Professionals Month 13 Lunch & Learn 21 Party in the Park - Brody Ray, Kearney 26 Foundation Board Meeting
October
National Disability Employment Awareness Month 3 Kearney Goodwill Grand Reopening 11 Lunch & Learn 18 Retail Hosts “Quarterly Celebration” 26 Soldier’s Angels Packing Event
November
Annual Campaign Begins 9 CCC Partnership Craft Event 27 #GivingTuesday
December
Annual Campaign Ends 6 Kearney - Give Where You Live 11 Holiday Party Volume I
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