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Mission Connect Love & Thrifting Drop In Center Featured Value: Learning Covid-19 Update Upcoming Events Employee of the Quarters
2021 Spring Newsletter
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Featured In This Issue:
SECURING EMPLOYMENT CREATING INDEPENDENCE INSPIRING HOPE SUPPORTING PERSONAL GROWTH
Mission Connect Helps With Outreach In February, we launched a new way to connect with individuals that shop at our stores that could benefit from our services, called Mission Connect. The purpose of Mission Connect is to provide a point-of-entry into our services by removing traditional access barriers and strengthen the public’s understanding of the relationship between retail and mission. “Our belief is that by strengthening this connection, the public will more fully understand how their donations and purchases support services Goodwill provides and the full value Goodwill brings to our communities.” said Chase Francl, Director of Business Development and Mission Connect project coordinator. Inside the Mission Connect rooms, there are step-by-step instructions to help guide the visitor in connecting with a Service Navigator through a virtual portal environment. The Service Navigator is available to answer questions about the services Goodwill provides in the community and will assist the visitor in connecting with the most applicable Goodwill program for the visitor’s needs - whether it’s for themselves or a loved one. We are excited to reach more people in our communities heightening awareness that Goodwill is more than a store. In fact, last year over 2,200 people received services across greater Nebraska through our Behavioral Health Services, Development Disability Services, Employment and Career Services, Reporting Centers and COVID related support. Mission Connect is available from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday in our Hastings, Kearney, and Grand Island - South Locust retail stores. For more information about Mission Connect, visit www.goodwillne.org.
Love & Thrifting
By Lindsey Miles
A few years ago, photographer Trin Jensen, read about a fun and unique idea that was trending on social media about going to a Goodwill retail store and purchasing quirky surprise outfits for your significant other (or BFF’s) on a $10 budget to wear during your “night out” on the town. The catch, when you are out in public you can’t tell people what’s going on. Reading about this trending concept and seeing it’s popularity sparked a fun idea for an engagement photoshoot. Although she was excited to give it a try, Trin knew she needed to wait for the perfect couple to share this concept with that would be open to the idea. In the fall of 2020, Trin met McKenna Kaskie and her fiancé, Dakota Mathew and learned that they loved thrift shopping together. “When Dakota and McKenna told me they like going thrifting together, I knew they were the perfect couple for the idea and suggested we end their engagement shoot this way!” says Trin. McKenna shared with Goodwill, “It was a total surprise and a blast of a time! The store was well organized and full of a variety of clothing options to create something funny for each other.”
Thank you McKenna and Dakota for shopping at Goodwill and letting us share your story! Photo credit: Trin Jensen Photography | https://www.trinjensen.com/
Find Meaningful Work, Right at Home When individuals live in a shared living environment, there is consistency and one-on-one attention, which helps individuals thrive in their everyday lives. The environment is so person-centered that people really get a chance to work on their goals and become as independent as possible. - Shelby Shared Living Home Manager
To learn more about becoming a Shared Living Provider contact Shelby at:
(308) 379-6860
NOW OPEN!
Community Support Services & Drop In Center in Columbus! The Drop In Center provides services for individuals facing barriers in life due to their mental health or substance use concerns. Programs are individualized and strength-based to provide support, advocacy and understanding throughout the individual’s path to recovery.
3100 23rd Street – Suite 23 Columbus, NE Open Monday - Friday 9:00am - 3:00pm
Watch the virtual tour: www.goodwillne.org
SECURING EMPLOYMENT CREATING INDEPENDENCE INSPIRING HOPE SUPPORTING PERSONAL GROWTH
Featured Goodwill Value:
LEARNING By Kim Buschkoetter Learning is one of our Goodwill values; we strive to be on the forefront of knowledge to ensure advancement and a competitive edge. Providing excellent services is a top priority and we know constant learning helps us evolve and grow as a service provider. Our services division employees embraced many opportunities for adaptability in 2020 all while furthering their skills and learning. Some of the many trainings attended include: Person Centered Planning, Social Role Valorization, Therap software - Electronic Visit Verification, BlueJean Video Conferencing, Microsoft Teams, Google Classroom, Career Coaching/Skilling America, Crisis Prevention, Motivational Interviewing, and coping with COVID and its impact on the workforce and families.
Covid Update
By Kim Buschkoetter
Upcoming Events March
National Developmental Disability Awareness Month
May
National Mental Health Awareness Month 6 - Go Big Give 6 - Give Day Hastings 13 - Annual Dinner
July
17 - Platte River Charity Shoot
August
17 - National Thrift Shop Day
SAVE THE DATE!
Safety remains a top priority for participants, employees, customers, donors and the general public. We continue to practice social distancing, wear face coverings, clean and disinfect surfaces and implement health screenings in services. We are following the State’s Vaccine Phasing Plan and working closely with state agencies and local health departments for implementation. Our vaccination plan is in progress for participants receiving services and staff working in our services division. We appreciate all the support from the community, families, employees and all we serve to make this past year one to remember – we learned what we are all made of – determination, resiliency, hope and perseverance. One day this will be in our rear view mirror and a distant memory. Stay strong!
Annual Campaign Thank You!
Thank you so much for your generosity and support of our Goodwill’s annual campaign! Because of you, individuals we serve will have the opportunity to improve their quality of life and their future! We are grateful!
Lindsey Miles
Director of Marketing & Development
Annual Campaign Sponsors:
3
SECURING EMPLOYMENT CREATING INDEPENDENCE INSPIRING HOPE SUPPORTING PERSONAL GROWTH
Employees of the Quarters for 2020 Photo Coming Soon!
Employee of the 1st Quarter
Employee of the 2nd Quarter
Retail Associate, Hastings
Medical Facilitator, Hastings
Lori Kirkpatrick,
Lori works in our Hastings retail store and always demonstrates Goodwill’s values while interacting with customers, donors or her fellow coworkers. She always has a smile on her face and always goes the extra mile to help people. She also never hesitates to fill in for teammates in need. She can talk to strangers like they were old friends and always has a positive and cheerful attitude. We are truly lucky to have her as an employee at our store.
Jenifer Phinney,
During the onset of the pandemic, Jenifer went above and beyond to make sure that care was provided to participants enrolled in Hastings Developmental Disability Services. Not only did she complete her job each day, but she also provided direct care to an individual who was in our services that utilized Independent Living Services. Jenifer provided medical help and made sure her daily needs were met. Jenifer went above and beyond in this situation, and because of her love and care for her job, she was able to provide a level of care that we should all strive to achieve.
Employee of the 3rd Quarter
Employee of the 4th Quarter
Michael Martens
Kayla Zerr
Michael’s teamwork approach to support our Goodwill organization is something all of us strive for. He supports our housing units, the Outlet, north retail store, warehouse, and basically anywhere help is needed. He is thoughtful and compassionate towards others and always in a good mood. Michael does whatever it takes to get the job done. We are lucky to have Michael and his can-do attitude on our team.
Kayla is willing to do whatever is needed to support her team and the entire Employment and Career Services department – she is a true team player. Kayla demonstrates compassion daily for the individuals she serves. She truly cares for people in need of services and problemsolves to ensure they are living their best lives possible. Kayla is interested in learning more and shows respect to everyone she meets. She is always willing to lend a helping hand to participants and fellow co-workers.
Employment Specialist, Hastings
Housing & Retail, Grand Island
SECURING EMPLOYMENT CREATING INDEPENDENCE INSPIRING HOPE SUPPORTING PERSONAL GROWTH 2021 Spring Newsletter
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PO Box 1863 | Grand Island, NE 68802