GOODWILL
WORKS
GOODWILL OF THE OLYMPICS & RAINIER REGION
TOOLS & RESOURCES OPENS PATHS TO HOMEOWNERSHIP Those looking to buy a home or current homeowners who want to make the most of their investment can gain tools and resources through a free monthly Home Ownership Education Seminar at Goodwill in Tacoma. Funded by United Way of Pierce County’s Center for Strong Families as part of it strategy to promote financial stability in families, the four-hour course includes tips on purchasing strategies, home maintenance, the role of insurance and more. The popular course has been averaging 15 participants per month, according to Heather Little, Goodwill Financial Coach. “We’ve been
A COMMUNITY REPORT | WINTER/SPRING 2020
EDUCATOR CREATES SCHOOL LIBRARY BY SHOPPING AT GOODWILL
Good things come from year-end household donations –or shopping- at Goodwill. How about a librarian who created a brand new school library with 2,700 Goodwill purchased books! Starting in 2016 with a storeroom of 1,900 books, Pam Nelson created a K-6 library at Pacific Christian Academy by shopping the sales at six area Goodwill stores. She now has more than 8,100 titles, having spent an average of just 43 cents per Goodwill book. Last year, 130 of her students read 6,366 books with 99 percent of children reaching their individual goals. In December, Goodwill honored Pam for her amazing work by presenting her with the first annual “Bring Good Home” award, which recognizes Goodwill customers who get the most good out of gently used items.
getting a good response not only from people who are planning on purchasing a home but also from those who are already homeowners and are interested in learning more.” For more information: www.goodwillwa.org/ training/services/money/
The $500 Bring Good Home Award presentation features (left to right): Lori Forte Harnick, President & CEO, Goodwill of the Olympics & Rainier Region; Debbie Schindler, Head of School, PCA and Pam Nelson.
A MESSAGE FROM THE CEO Dear friends, 2020 is here and we begin a new decade with a number of wonderful stories about how we’re helping people reach their fullest potential through education, job placement, and career pathway services. In this newsletter, you’ll read how we support learning and growth at all points in a person’s life, starting with a project to help stock a school library and including our efforts to help families stabilize their financial situation and discover a path toward home ownership. You’ll also read about several of our technical training programs that are helping people secure living wage jobs and careers in the areas of environmental clean-up and advanced manufacturing.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE CAREERS BEGIN AT GOODWILL
In January, twenty new students began environmental careers with free entry-level training at Clover Park Technical College. Thanks to funding from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, student recruitment by Goodwill and training at Clover Park, students are able to launch careers in Environmental Remediation, Environmental Science, Emergency Management and Construction and Materials Moving. Graduates from the prior class in April 2019 averaged $25.56/hour as their starting wage. Since Goodwill joined
And, for those already in the workplace and looking to advance, we’re pleased to share the results of our vocational English-as-a-second language course. Finally, to help every person succeed in our education programs, you’ll see an update about the unique Goodwill “wrap-around” mentoring and coaching services that we tailor to meet the needs of different segments of our population, such as military veterans and people with disabilities. Throughout our work to help every person learn, work and thrive, we are grateful for the many community partnerships and supporters that make our service possible. Thank you! You are truly helping us help others transform their lives.
the partnership in 2015, graduates have found living wage careers at the Washington State Department of Ecology, King County Wastewater, Clean Harbor, Northwest Abatement, TCB Industrial, Pierce County Wastewater and Now Environmental.
Lori Forte Harnick President & CEO
EDUCATION AND CAREER PATHS FOR EASTSIDE TACOMA FAMILIES
Eastside Tacoma families struggling with intergenerational poverty will have new resources to access in 2020. The Economic Security for All (EcSA) program unites eleven community groups and nonprofits to provide education, wrap-around resources and career path training for individuals and families who live at 125 percent of the Federal Poverty Level and reside within the 98404 zip code. Through a Washington State grant shepherded by Workforce Central, the program offers multiple avenues of training to help participants gain and retain jobs, delivered through Goodwill’s CRED (Career Readiness Education and Development) certification. Tacoma Ministerial Alliance, Tacoma Community College, Pierce Community College, the State Employment Security Department and the Governor's WIOA Statewide Activity Fund are among the project’s many partners working alongside Goodwill. “It’s great to see us all working together to help families out of poverty and improve their economic mobility,” said Goodwill Community Engagement Manager, Kelly Blucher.
Mentor training at MOD Pizza: District managers Zach Zeno (left) and Jeff Ronnfeldt (center) mentor James Young during a recent program training session for new corporate mentors. MOD is looking to provide up to 15 mentors for transitioning service members during 2020.
Mod Pizza opens their new store in Gig Harbor and debuts their community ad, which will be displayed on four Goodwill trailers. 100% of pizza sales that day went to the Boots to Shoes Program.
VETERAN MENTORING PROGRAM WELCOMES NEW PARTNER
Boots to Shoes (BTS), a unique military-to-civilian mentoring service, has expanded its reach thanks to a new collaboration between Goodwill and BTS investor MOD Pizza. The program matches transitioning service members with civilian mentors within the private sector to assist with job hunting and employment. “We are thrilled to have MOD Pizza as a partner,” says Program Coordinator Mike Johnson, a 35-year Army Veteran. “Business leaders like MOD are a perfect fit to help our veterans navigate the workforce.” MOD Pizza is raising an estimated $20,000 toward the program as well as providing multiple volunteer mentors. Leadership from MOD and Goodwill attended kick-off events for the new partnership in January, which included a check presentation and hands on mentorship between trained MOD representatives and several transitioning veterans. Boots To Shoes is also the beneficiary of ongoing investors that include the Stromberg Boots to Shoes Foundation, the Seattle Foundation, Boeing, and Brown Bear Car Wash. In 2020, approximately 200 transitioning service members will receive individual coaching focused on helping them effectively translate and transfer the skills gained in the military to a civilian workforce.
INTRODUCTION TO ADVANCED MANUFACTURING + WAREHOUSE COURSE: 60% OF GRADUATES HIRED WITHIN A MONTH
In 2019, Goodwill’s Introduction to Advanced Manufacturing program graduated its first two cohorts, one in April and one in December. Within the initial group of 48, sixty percent of students were hired within a month of graduation. The Tacoma-based course taught in collaboration with the Aerospace Join Apprenticeship Committee, is also simulcast to locations in Longview and Yakima. The curriculum covers advanced manufacturing and warehousing basics and includes certification and training for entry-level positions. “The graduates found work in a variety of skilled positions, with an average pay rate of $14.50 an hour,” said Dr. Jayme Kaniss, Dean of Vocational School Programs. Among others, employers hiring graduates include Home Depot, Fastenal, and Pabco Roofing.
Career Launch Goodwill’s YouthBuild construction program in Tacoma sent 29 November graduates into various construction trades. Regional demand for a skilled workforce is producing $20 - 25/hr entry-level positions with opportunities for rapid advancement. Fueled by Starbucks Recent barista program graduate Elizaveta Yanchak demonstrates the Chemex brew method for fine coffee at a mid-December celebration of the ongoing partnership between Starbucks and Goodwill. In 2019 Starbucks awarded Goodwill $25,000 to enhance both the Barista Training and Culinary Programs.
NEW LEADERSHIP AND COMMUNITY DRIVEN PROGRAMS AHEAD FOR LONGVIEW
Goodwill is pleased to announce Tori Skinner as the new Director of Workforce Development of the Goodwill Work Opportunity Center in Longview, Washington. Her promotion follows the retirement of Carl Cecka who served as the center’s Director for more than five years. “In 2020, we will explore opportunities to design new job training curriculum in partnership with local industry,” said Skinner. “To continue to produce competitive and desired job candidates, we are in critical conversations with community stakeholders and businesses about our programs, and what we might also offer in the future. Together, we are looking at new ventures in the industrial sector, technology and client driven programs.” Tori Skinner has been a member of the Goodwill team since 2016, previously performing as Assistant Manager and Business Development Manager. Her work to refine job training to meet regional employer needs led to the development of many of the center’s successful programs and strategic partnerships. Tori currently serves as Club President for the Longview Early Edition Rotary and is a member of the Kelso-Longview Chamber Education Foundation Board. Celebrating its 58th year as a nonprofit licensed vocational training center, the Goodwill Longview Work Opportunity Center currently offers 19 programs for youth, adults, and seniors and provides access to more than 25 certifications and training to the local community members at no cost.
LANGUAGE PROGRAM HELPS WITH EMPLOYEE UPWARD MOBILITY
The Vocational English as a Second Language (VESL) pilot program, funded through a grant from the Milgard Windows & Doors’ Diversity & Inclusion program, completed its fourth quarter of training. The program, delivered in partnership with Clover Park Technical College, focuses on enhancing employees’ abilities to communicate in English to support workplace safety, execution of their job duties and build relationships with their peers and supervisors. The resounding success of the pilot has prompted Milgard to continue the program in 2020. According to Amy Bell, Goodwill Manager of Program Development and Employer Engagement, the company has been able to retain 86% of the class participants, which significantly reduces turnover cost. Of the 53 participants enrolled in the pilot, all but one received a bonus for attendance and all received a bonus for gains in English proficiency. Six participants were promoted to positions of increased responsibility and one has enrolled in higher education at Clover Park Technical College while retaining their job at Milgard. The program is available to all employers in the community. “We are excited by the success of the VESL program and are actively looking for new partners,” said Amy. For more information, contact Amy at 253.573.6815 or at amyb@goodwillwa.org
VICTOR MITRE JOINS GOODWILL TO LEAD FUNDRAISING
Goodwill welcomes Victor Mitre as Vice President of Fundraising. As a member of Goodwill’s Executive Team, Mitre oversees all aspects of the development and strategic implementation of philanthropic initiatives. Mitre comes to the organization with a 20-year career in leading fundraising at nonprofits in the healthcare, faith-based, and higher education sectors. Mitre’s emphasis in 2020 will be to increase support for Goodwill through community engagement and input and he will work with Goodwill’s newly-formed Fundraising Committee to develop the organization’s upcoming centennial celebration. “As we approach our 100th anniversary, we are emphasizing our commitment to making Goodwill’s programs accessible to support the workforce and educational needs of our community. We are grateful to the many community members who participated in our recent fundraising feasibility and to all who continue to contribute to our Goodwill.” said Mitre. “As we move into a new decade and new century for Goodwill, I look forward to working together to advance the mission connected to this incredible milestone.” Mitre formerly served as the Chief Development Officer for the Catholic Diocese of Stockton, CA, where he led a multi-year and multi-million-dollar fundraising strategy and campaign. He has an MBA from California State University and an MS in Organizational Leadership and Change from Fielding Graduate University. He is a member of the Rotary Club of Tacoma #8 and the South Sound Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals. Individuals interested in learning more are encouraged to contact Victor at 253.573.6617 or at victorm@goodwillwa.org.
JOB FAIRS HIGHLIGHT BENEFITS OF HIRING INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES
For years, every staff member at the Pierce County Auditor’s office had to take a turn matching tabs to vehicle registrations and each one of them eventually made an error. Yet, for the past four years, one employee has been error-free. That employee also happens to have a disability. That’s a message that Jamie Stout, Goodwill Program Manager of Disability Services, wants employers to hear. Stout and her team conduct job fairs to share the advantages of hiring individuals with disabilities and explain the process of customized employment. The most recent job fair featured 10 employers and 45 interested job applicants with developmental disabilities. The next job fair will be in May 2020. Throughout the year, the team visits regional businesses to spread the word. “There’s a huge population of untapped talent in the disability community for employers to access and we are doing all we can to help people see the advantages of hiring a person with a disability,” said Stout. For more information: www.goodwillwa.org/training/ services/disability-services/
When you bring home a Goodwill find, you give your whole town a reason to celebrate. Because
In partnership with Key Bank, Goodwill’s VITA Tax Center is again offering free income tax filing assistance.
you're also funding local job training and job placement programs.
Services are available every Thursday from 3:30pm – 6:00pm and Saturdays from 9:00am – 1:00pm, February 6 through April 11, at Goodwill’s Milgard Work Opportunity Center, located at 714 S. 27th Street in Tacoma.
Watch the video at goodwill.org/finds
To make an appointment call 253.573.6750 or email taxhelp@goodwillwa.org.
VISION
MI SS I O N
Our vision is that every person has the
Our mission is to help people reach their fullest potential through education, job
opportunity to learn, work, and thrive
placement, and career pathway services made possible by community donations,
in all aspects of life.
purchases, and partnerships.
NEW GOODWILL BOARD MEMBERS & OFFICERS Goodwill is proud to announce four new board members
GET
and several new officers for 2020. New board members are: Colonel Paige T. Abbott, Director of Staff, Washington Air
INVOLVED
National Guard; Tony Bowie, CEO, Washington State DSHS Child Study Treatment; Jahmad Canley, President & CEO Potential Unleashed Consulting; Ali Modarres, Director & Professor of Urban Studies and Assistant Chancellor for Community Engagement, University of Washington Tacoma
GOODWILL BOARD
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
CHAIR
Colette Taylor TREASURER
Rory Connally SECRETARY
Charelle Foege
MISSION SERVICES CHAIR
Jacqueline Justice
FUNDRAISING CHAIR
Andy Stolz
BOARD DEVELOPMENT & GOVERNANCE CHAIR
Carlyn Roy
MEMBER-AT-LARGE
Terry Jones
DIRECTORS
Colonel Paige T. Abbott Christopher Algeo Tony Bowie Barbara Mitchell Briner Susan Brinkman, CTFA Jahmad Canley Josh Garcia Daniel Glover Shannon Govia Jason Hall Karen Koch Bev Losey, CLU Ali Modarres
WORK OPPORTUNITY CENTERS: 714 S 27th St • Tacoma, WA 98409 • 253.573.6500 Goodwill’s job placement and job training programs have received the highest level of accreditation available. In 2019, CARF International, an independent reviewing agency, awarded Goodwill a three-year accreditation through November 2022.
GIVE
REFER
Give a financial contribution to sustain our impactful community programs goodwillwa.org/give
Refer someone to a Goodwill job training program goodwillwa.org/training
HIRE
SHOP Shop at one of our retail stores goodwillwa.org/shop or shop online shopgoodwill.com/goodwillwa
DONATE Donate gently used clothing and household items goodwillwa.com/donate
Hire a Goodwill program graduate to access great talent, eager to work goodwillwa.org/businesses/ hire-our-grads
PARTNER Become a Goodwill Corporate Alliance Partner goodwillwa.org/ businesses/corporate-alliance
1030 15th Ave • Longview, WA 98362 • 360.501.8340 1907 S First St • Yakima, WA 98903 • 253.260.0303 goodwillwa
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