Sharing the Good - 2019 Spring Newsletter

SHARING

THE

GOOD

My Fashion Secret.

This is Danielle.

A real shopper at Goodwill.

Sporting an outfit purchased at the Goodwill Store in North Platte.

I got it at Goodwill.

Board of Directors Jon Heath, Past Chair Brandon Connick, Chair Paul McKinney, Vice Chair Andy Marsh, Secretary-Treasurer Beth Bartlett Robin Dexter Dr. Chad Hudnall Mike Jakubowski Chelsey Jungck Jerad Knott Tim O’Hara Jim Pirnie Hank Price Renea Rush Kevin Werner Lance Zobel Charla Rasmussen Foundation Board of Directors Mike Garrett, President Lissa Moeller, President Elect Robin Dexter, Secretary-Treasurer Doug Adler Carmen Corona Jerry Huismann Gil Kuntz Galen Stehlik Mark Stelk Central Nebraska Goodwill Housing I and II, Inc. Board of Directors Tracy Babcock, President Kurt Brown, Vice President Kim Hurt, Secretary-Treasurer

CONTENTS SPOTLIGHTS CFO, Cheryl Brei set to Retire Get to know the Upcoming CFO: Marci Drumheller RAP SONG Outlet Employee, Kenneth writes a Goodwill Rap Song CARF ACCREDITATION Goodwill welcomes surveyors for site review UNK INTERN MAKES BIG IMPACT AT BEHAVIORAL HEALTH SERVICES Shelby’s Story BRIDGING THE GAP: BI-LINGUAL EMPLOYMENT AND CAREER SERVICES CREATE NEW OPPORTUNITIES Teresa came from Cuba in 2015 to embrace a better life 10 YEARS OF KEY-PING IT TOGETHER AT GOODWILL Justin’s Story ANNUAL AWARDS BANQUET Save the Date RETAIL OUTLOOK E-Commerce growth, Donation Drive increase, Kaizen LUNCH & LEARN: CREATING MISSION ADVOCATES March 7th 11:30 to 1pm

Greater Nebraska Independent Housing, Inc. Board of Directors Harry Milligan, President Tracy Babcock, Vice President Brian Kort Chief Executive Officer Tamara L. Slater Vice Presidents Cheryl Brei, Chief Financial Officer Kim Buschkoetter, Compliance and Mission Marketing Rebecca Koehler, Mission Services Willie Kovarik, Organizational Development Brent Johnson, Retail Operations Marci Drumheller, Finance Newsletter Editor Heather Gentert, Director of Marketing and Developement

3

Chief Financial Officer: Set to retire

After five years this May of serving as Chief Financial Officer for Goodwill Industries of Greater Nebraska, Cheryl Brei is retiring.

Cheryl grew up in Fremont where she met her husband, Mark, of 42 years.

From there the two attended college at Kearney State in Kearney. Cheryl earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Physical Education. Her job after college was working in the computer department as there weren’t any teaching positions in the area at the time. They moved to Ravenna and then Grand Island, where Cheryl and her family have lived for 38 years. Cheryl has three sons, Justin, Matt and Tyler and two grandchildren, Chase (11) and Adrianna (10).

Cheryl’s career in the accounting field began as a Payroll Clerk for Chief Industries. She recalls that she wasn’t in that position for very long. Cheryl is “so thankful for the awesome mentors she has had along the way...for giving her a chance to grow in a different field (other than teaching). I hope everyone finds that one person.” From that point on, Cheryl progressed to various Controller positions within the company that served across several regions.

After 23 years with Chief Industries, Cheryl decided she needed a change. After a couple other jobs, the Chief Financial Officer position opened at Goodwill.

“I wish I had the opportunity so many years ago to be at Goodwill.” “The impact I feel I can make everyday...it’s what I try to live by: To make an impact everyday, even if it’s in a small way. Not for recognition but to be happy with myself knowing I made positive impacts.” “I wish the general public would understand the mark we make everyday, you shouldn’t have to work here to understand how we improve people’s lives.”

Cheryl said she will miss the staff who she works with everyday and especially the activities, seeing the participants glow at celebrations. “Every Sunday I go to Perkins and two of the participants are always there...they come up to me just to say hello and give me a hug. It warms my heart every time.” “Whenever I’m asked where I work, I always respond that I’m very proud to be the CFO of Goodwill. It means something. I have a purpose and I’m part of a great mission. Now, I don’t know what I’ll tell people... um, I’m retired?”

As difficult as it will be for Cheryl to “relax and enjoy,” she is excited about her “Bucket List” she’s been planning for quite some time. She’s looking forward to traveling, attending a balloon festival and especially spending more time with her grandkids.

Cheryl also enjoys playing the guitar, singing in the church choir and performs at occasional weddings, funerals and special events.

With all of her talents and planned trips, I think Cheryl will be able to “relax and enjoy.”

There is no greater disability in society than the inability to see a person as more. – Robert M. Hensel 4

UNK Intern - Shelby schacher,

Makes Big Impact in Short Time

Department in Grand Island. The experience has left an

­

­

­

­ ­

­ ­

­

­

­

­

­ ­

­

­

­

­ ­

their

­

­

­

­

­

­

­ ­

­

­ ­ ­

­ ­ ­

5

bridging the gap: Teresa’s Story in employment & Career services

“It’s heartbreaking,” Ileana Martin-Sanchez, Goodwill Employment and Career Specialist, describes the gap between cultures and language barriers. Try to imagine leaving your home and your country to start anew. All you’re bringing is a very small bag, a couple articles of clothing and very little money.

This was Teresa’s reality as she left Cuba at 59 years old.

The Cuban Adjustment Act of 1966, revised by President Clinton in 1995 essentially said that anyone who emigrated from Cuba and entered the United States would be allowed to pursue residency a year later. Beginning with the United States– Cuban Thaw in 2014, anticipation of the end of the wet feet, dry feet policy led to increased numbers of Cuban immigrants. Teresa made her journey on December 15, 2015. On January 12, 2017, President Obama announced the immediate cessation of the wet feet, dry feet policy. Teresa says, “as a Catholic, I give thanks to God that I am here.”

Here’s Teresa’s story in her own words: Growing up, her family lived in poverty and faced economic difficulities daily. Teresa’s mother was a housewife and her father was an electrician with a low salary. She recalls being given a “book” mandated by the Cuban Government with names and birth dates of every person in the household. In this book, it lists the food item you’re allowed to buy and the amount per person per month Oh, Happy Day! Teresa (left) and Ileana pose for a picture before or day. For example, she could only buy five pounds of rice Teresa received keys to new housing that Ileana helped her secure. per month, one pound of chicken every 15 days, eight eggs per person per month and 1 small bread roll per person a day. “By the time Cuban children are seven years old, they take away the milk,” she explains. In Nebraska you ask, what about the beef?

Absolute no, no. If you are caught trying to purchase beef in Cuba from areas such as a black market, you are thrown in jail. Some are fortunate enough have cattle on their land but the government keeps track of the herd count and you’re only allowed to use it for milking. “A person will go to prison for 20+ years for slaughtering a cow to eat and if you go to jail for murder, it might only be a 5 year penalty...to them (Cuban Government) beef are worth more money than a human being,” Teresa explained.

Food rations weren’t the only obstacle Teresa faced. “There’s no freedom of speech or freedom of anything. You have to pick a side. If you don’t pick a certain side, you’re looked upon differently, treated unfairly and won’t get work. It’s all manipulative,” she said. Teresa was a Teacher for Early Learning and also a Construction Engineer, “I only earned around $20 a month, it’s hard to survive.” With the anticipation of the policy change she decided to immigrate to the United States saying, “When you decide to make these changes to better your life, you accept what you leave behind.”

Teresa didn’t have to leave behind the most important person to her, son Abdel (43). Abdel came to the United States a few months after her arrival. “I feel completely liberated. And Free. I’ve accomplished so many things and have goals. I achieved my son being in the United States with me,” she proudly stated. “I knew it would be a better life here (in the US), with opportunities, jobs, freedom and liberty. I came with the mentality that I would take care of myself because I’ve always been self supporting.”

With the gap between the Spanish and English languages, it was more than she could handle on her own. Teresa explained, “There are things you just don’t know and the language barrier made it difficult and I needed help.” Teresa was referred to Goodwill Employment and Career Services where she has gained support from Ileana Martin-Sanchez, who provides the bi-lingual service.

Ileana, along with fellow Goodwill Employment Specialist, Ruth Barcenas, offer the bi-lingual piece of Goodwill Services.

This is a major asset in continuing to help more individuals achieve employment.

6

Teresa depended on Illeana, Ruth and • Goodwill Services to assist in job placement.

“Ileana has been a friend, like a sister or a • daughter. She’s helped me so much in all different areas. Translating at doctor visits, at the bank...I lean on her • for support, guidance Employment & Career Specialists: L to R and advice. When I Ileana & Ruth first got to the states, I was disoriented, being in a new country with new cultures. The Goodwill program has • been so good to me.”

With the support of Goodwill Employment and Career Services, Teresa is currently employed with Liberty Foods, the cafeteria inside JBS in Grand Island. “I work a lot but work hasn’t killed anybody, it only makes you stronger...I’ll continue to work as long as I’m able.” Another goal of Teresa’s is to become a U.S. • Citizen. She was excited saying, “I only have 2 more years to wait to apply!” At 62 years old, there’s a light of hope in Teresa’s eyes.

Goodwill continues to provide support while Teresa is creating a better life and doing the activities she loves, freely.

• Teresa enjoys knitting, riding her scooter, spending time with her dog, • Leah, and loves shopping at Goodwill!

She said shopping is her stress relief.

Teresa will spend hours at the Goodwill • Stores and Outlet, “I recommend Goodwill Stores to everyone, I love going in, talking to people...meeting new people • and I enjoy all the workers.”

“Helping individuals gain employment is so rewarding to me.

There’s a beginning and there’s an end, an achievement. I get to watch them as they reach their goals that we set together,”

•

•

Ileana says proudly.

•

Essential functions of Goodwill’s Employment Specialists Engage individuals with complex needs in a welcoming manner and establish safe, trusting, collaborative, and empowering relationships directed toward recovery and the goal of competitive employment in community job settings.

Knowledge of and ability to implement service delivery model as appropriate to individual served to include Individualized Placement and Support (IPS) and/or Customized Employment (CE) in alignment with Goodwill’s Best Practices.

Complete discovery activities to assess each individual’s vocational functioning on an ongoing basis utilizing background information, work experiences, information from team, and observations to determine each individual’s contributions, preferences, requirements, and support needs.

Assess/address the complex needs of individuals served in a competent manner, recognizing the stage of change the individual is in and using Motivational Interviewing skills (OARS, Affirmation, Reflections, Summaries) and strategies (Expressing Empathy, Support Self-Efficacy, Roll with Resistance, Develop Discrepancy).

Assist individuals in obtaining information regarding their benefits and how they will be affected by employment. Refer individuals to benefits counseling as needed. Help individuals report their earnings as needed.

With the individual’s permission for disclosure, provide education and support to family members and employers.

Develop an initial career plan with each individual. Incorporate input from their team and family members resulting in a list of potential employers and/or vocational themes.

Conduct job development, negotiation, and job search activities with individuals and employers to find positions that match both their needs and the individuals’ interests.

Conduct face-to-face employer contacts per week. Employer contacts are designed to learn about the needs of the business, describe supports offered by the program, and describe individuals’ strengths that are relevant to the position.

Provide individualized follow-along supports to assist individuals in maintaining employment. Write Career Plan with each individual incorporating input from the individual’s team. Adjust plan according to the individual’s needs and preferences.

Provide post-employment/long-term supports to include negotiating job accommodations, career advancement opportunities, and ongoing contacts with employers to assist individuals in maintaining employment.

Provide outreach services in a variety of methods, as necessary, to individuals when they appear to disengage from the service.

7

Fun Zone carf accreditation WORD SEARCH Review complete

On January 16th, three surveyors assessed Goodwill Industries of Greater Nebraska on the conformance of over 900 standards.

Aspire to Excellence: Leadership, Governance, Strategic Planning, Input from Stakeholders, Legal Requirements, Financial Planning and Management, Risk Management, Health and Safety, Workforce Development and Management, Technology, Rights of Persons Served, Accessibility, Performance Measurement and Management, and Performance Improvement.

Employment and Career Services specific to Behavioral Health: Quality Individualized Services and Supports and Employment Services.

Behavioral Health Services: Program Structure, Person-Centered Plan, Promoting Non-Violent Practices, Quality Records Management.

Reflecting on the standards reviewed (remember over 900 standards require conformance), it takes all of us living our values, supporting our mission, and adhering to policy, procedure and expectations to be the best organization we can be – and that is what accreditation is all about – continually improving.

CELEBRATE COMMUNITY COMPASSION COUPON EXCELLENCE

GOODWILL GUITAR IMPROVING KEYCHAIN LEADERSHIP

RETAIL SERVICES SHOP SUCCESS VALENTINE

8

10 years of “key-ping” it together in developmental disability services

For 10 years, Justin Betts has received Goodwill’s Developmental Disability Services in Grand Island. Justin will be recognized as an Excellence Award Winner at the upcoming Annual Dinner and Awards Banquet in May.

A native of Central City, Justin lives with his mother, Cindy, father, Boyd and has a younger sister, Ashley. Justin is a 2005 graduate of Grand Island Senior High School where he enjoyed math, reading, science and art. Justin started in the Goodwill program in 2008 where he has been able to thrive for an entire decade.

Justin’s typical day starts with the friendly Goodwill Staff picking him up at his home in Central City and bringing him to the Developmental Disability Day Services site in Grand Island.

Sarah Von Ohlen, Direct Support Professional and Justin’s Case Manager, says, “I’ve had the privilege of working with Justin for three years. He has displayed tremendous growth in his work skills and interacting with others.”

There are many activities Justin enjoys while being able to socially interact. Some of these include; Wii bowling, bucket class and volunteering at Start Over Rover and the Humane Society. His favorite after-hour events are attending Storm Hockey and Danger Football games. He’s also a big fan of Husker Football and Husker Basketball. His favorite hobby though, is collecting key chains.

Justin has collected over 200 key chains! Sarah said that “he changes all of his key chains to Goodwill Blue or applies the Goodwill Logo on them. Justin loves Goodwill. He always points out the semi-trucks or stores and talks about Goodwill often.” Recently as a positive reinforcement by the Goodwill Staff for Justin’s regular attendance, he receives more key chains. The key chains have been a great motivator in learning dependability. To many participants in the Developmental Disability Services Program, attending Day Services is similar to going to “work.” Sarah said, everyday “We teach employment skills from timeliness, appropriate customer service skills to communication skills.

Justin always comes in with a smile and ready to talk and interact with others. He’s a great communicator and works well in a team environment.”

Sarah describes the importance of the Goodwill Services she’s a part of daily, “Our main focus is to provide community inclusion, support the participants in fulfilling their goals and ultimately improve their quality of life.”

9

new Chief financial officer named

Marci Drumheller has been named the new Chief Financial Officer of Goodwill Industries of Greater Nebraska. Marci will follow in the footsteps of Cheryl Brei, a transition that started in November of 2018.

Marci is a native of Alliance, Nebraska where she graduated High School in 1999. From there, she attended Chadron State College where she earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Finance.

She began her career in the Internal Audit Division at Cabela’s. After 6 years at Cabela’s her career led her being the Controller at Briggs and Straton then to CSS Farms. Marci also did Inventory Control/Vendor Relations for Oriental Trading Co. based in Omaha. She could be found traveling overseas quite often for Oriental Trading to Vietnam, China and India. However, traveling wasn’t easy with two young boys.

Marci is the mother of Freshman, Gavin and 8th grader, Grant. She still “travels” though, following her sons to every sporting event they’re involved in. Her hobby now is “taxi driver for the boys” taking them to baseball, basketball, football, track and trap shooting events. She stated it’s nice that both of her parents are retired so they can be involved and help out with the boys. Her Dad is retired from the Army, was the President of a Bank and her mother has always been an artist.

With the artsy side she inherited from her Mother, Marci has some hidden talents! She has previously taught Hooping Classes. She has a collection of custom sized hula hoops and still enjoys hooping for exercise. Yes, she even does the flaming ones!

Marci also has a love for the outdoors. She has a love for trap shoot and golf and can be found hunting for deer and birds with her boys. During the summer, it’s lake time and off she goes on weekends to Harlan or Johnson Lake.

“Before coming to Goodwill, all I really knew about were the retail stores and developmental disability services. I’m an advocate now and try to explain the different pieces and totality of all the services offered at Goodwill.” We welcome Marci aboard to be a part of this great team and mission!

10

giving the good

Crisis center receives donations “Giving the Good,” by Goodwill Industries of Greater Nebraska focuses on giving back to area communities through partnerships with local agencies helping those in need. Donations received by Goodwill are not always able to be sold. Therefore, to reduce landfill items or recycling, Goodwill gives donations additional life by continuing to help others.

Brent Johnson, Vice President of Retail Operations was notified that the Crisis Center was in dire need of donations. This is how “Giving the Good” was started. Goodwill employees gathered six boxes of plates, silverware, glasses, and cookware and took them to the Crisis Center. Sarah Gambill, Education/Prevention Advocate at the Crisis Center, stated they hadn’t had any silverware for around two months and were very grateful for Goodwill’s generosity.

Goodwill is looking forward to the continued partnerships in the “Giving the Good”. It is a perfect opportunity to display our value of compassion for everyone who can use assistance.

Pictured: L to R: Crisis Center’s-Sarah, Goodwill’s Lacey & Heather Crisis Center, Executive Director - Jenny and Center/Pink: Crisis Center’s-LaDonna

“The Crisis Center is a non-profit agency providing 24-hour emergency and supportive services for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. We provide these services for Hall, Howard, Hamilton and Merrick Counties.

All services are 100% confidential.” from gicrisis.org

THE GOODWILL RAP

OUTLET EMPLOYEE WRITES SONG

Kenneth’s Goodwill rap song…

Do you all know our goal? It’s the whole Reason for the season I’m just teasin’ It’s actually the reason we’re here today And I must say I’m amazed by the way We come together To better our communities Giving people opportunities They never would’ve had And I am glad to say I can do my part I’ve been working hard from the start And that goes for more than just me You see Whether they be Other new starts Or people who’ve been here for going on thirty years We’re all making our careers Here at Goodwill Honing our good skill Eliminating the need for a landfill And still we continue to process Box sets of glass plates Me and my mates Keep working only stopping to take a couple breaks And each and every one of us is what makes Here the place to be Now this part is as easy As 1-2-3 Everybody Give me a G Give me an O Give me an O Give me a D Give me a W Give me an I Give me an L Give me an L What does that spell? That’s right Goodwill And I hope this rap gave you all a good thrill But unfortunately my rhyme must come to an end There are others that need to talk just around the bend.

11

goodwill retail OUTLOOK

In 2019, expect to see some NEW, exciting changes in the Goodwill Retail Stores!

From the moment you walk in the door, you’ll be greeted by a friendly customer service team wearing new, blue Goodwill vests and name tags. AND a fresh new store look, a result of “kaizen.” Kaizen is the Japanese word meaning, “Change for Good.” This process of change promotes continual improvement for the stores and employees. Kaizen is implemented by discussing opportunities, brainstorming solutions and creating a more efficient production process.

E-Commerce is expecting tremendous growth as well. Additional staff have been brought on board increasing productivity leading to more listings online including a Book Specialist. Book sales are expected to grow as hours spent listing books went from 5 hours a week to 40 hours a week. In addition, donated jewelry is now being listed on shopgoodwill.com to maximize the donation value.

Expanding the new merchandise line of products (BRAND NEW, NEVER USED) is also in full swing.

Look forward to seeing the continual bath bombs, soaps, jewelry and reading glasses PLUS car accessories, pet supplies, socks and underwear for children and men. Women’s bras, underwear and socks will also be available.

Have you seen a Goodwill Donation Trailer accepting donations? Well expect to see more. Multiple opportunities have been created to host donation drives across the Greater Nebraska region including Schools, Businesses and Communities. Donations made through the Donation Drives and at our stores are the life-line of Goodwill and the individuals we proudly serve everyday across our 55 county territory.

FREE

COUPON!

5 off

$

use at any of our locations!

Columbus grand island - 3 stores! hastings kearney lexington north platte scottsbluff

Your purchase of $ 20 or More 12

Valid 3/01/2019 to 3/31/2019