New CVS Retail Skills Lab Opens Goodwill SWPA and CVS Health have teamed up to provide sales training in a new Retail Skills Lab in the Workforce Development Center in Lawrenceville. This new workforce training initiative is designed with the goal of helping individuals obtain competitive employment in the retail indus- try or other customer service fields. CVS donated shelving, products, signage and training resources to create the state-of-the-art lab designed to provide stu- dents with real world experience in a retail environment. In the lab, students will partici- pate in an innovative, two-week program that includes job readiness and soft-skills training combined with classroom instruction. The Retail Skills Training program will prepare students to pursue entry-level retail or service positions such as clerk, cashier, attendant, sales associate or salesperson. Students seeking employment immediately after completing the program are eligible for support services like completing applications and mock interviewing and more through Goodwill’s Career Service Center. Individuals interested in participating in the program must be at least 18 years of age, read and write at a fifth-grade level or higher, be able to perform basic arithmetic and counting, and be able to lift to 35 pounds. To learn more, call 1-877-499-3526 or email [email protected]. l GoodWORKS FALL 2019 – Volume 38 Number 3 Together, Goodwill and CVS Health launched the new Retail Skills Lab to provide sales training to individuals who want to work in the retail indus- try or other customer service fields. Attending the grand open- ing of the new Retail Skills Lab were, left to right, John White, Workplace Initiatives Adviser, CVS Health; Bridget Barrett, Chief of Staff, Office of PA Representative Sara Innamorato; Sean Ware, Retail Vocational Training Instructor, Goodwill; Ernest Dupont, Senior Director of Workforce Initiatives, CVS Health; Mike Smith, President/ CEO, Goodwill; and Mike Hall, Instructional Design Specialist, Goodwill Industries International. Goodwill SWPA recently celebrated its 100th anniver- sary with friends and family at the Pittsburgh Zoo and Aquarium. A great time was had by all. (More photos on page 2)
Transcript
New CVS Retail Skills Lab OpensGoodwill SWPA and CVS Health have teamed up to provide sales training in a new Retail Skills Lab in the Workforce Development Center in Lawrenceville. This new workforce training initiative is designed with the goal of helping individuals obtain competitive employment in the retail indus-try or other customer service fields.
CVS donated shelving, products, signage and training resources to create the state-of-the-art lab designed to provide stu-dents with real world experience in a retail
environment. In the lab, students will partici-pate in an innovative, two-week program that includes job readiness and soft-skills training combined with classroom instruction.
The Retail Skills Training program will prepare students to pursue entry-level retail or service positions such as clerk, cashier, attendant, sales associate or salesperson. Students seeking employment immediately after completing the program are eligible for support services like completing applications and mock interviewing and more through Goodwill’s Career Service Center.
Individuals interested in participating in the program must be at least 18 years of age, read and write at a fifth-grade level or higher, be able to perform basic arithmetic and counting, and be able to lift to 35 pounds. To learn more, call 1-877-499-3526 or email [email protected]. l
GoodWORKSFALL 2019 – Volume 38 Number 3
Together, Goodwill and CVS Health launched the new Retail Skills Lab to provide sales training to individuals who want to work in the retail indus-try or other customer service fields.
Attending the grand open-ing of the new Retail Skills Lab were, left to right, John White, Workplace Initiatives Adviser, CVS Health; Bridget Barrett, Chief of Staff, Office of PA Representative Sara Innamorato; Sean Ware, Retail Vocational Training Instructor, Goodwill; Ernest Dupont, Senior Director of Workforce Initiatives, CVS Health; Mike Smith, President/CEO, Goodwill; and Mike Hall, Instructional Design Specialist, Goodwill Industries International.
Goodwill SWPA recently celebrated its 100th anniver-sary with friends and family at the Pittsburgh Zoo and Aquarium. A great time was had by all. (More photos on page 2)
Goodwill Employees: Creating Change for the BetterBy Michael J. SmithPresident/CEO
The success of any company begins with its employees – these are the people who work day in and day out to ensure that the important work is being done, and done well. Employees at Goodwill are the driving force behind fulfilling our important mission and, as we like to say, we are 1,000+ working as one.
As we celebrate our 100th birthday, I would be remiss if I didn’t give a shout out to our employees who diligently work every day to help our community thrive. From the friendly cashiers who join in the excitement of a good find with shoppers at our stores, to the hard working staff who educate and train clients for workforce entry, to our pleasant front desk personnel who greet every visitor to our facilities, to our dedicated administra-tive team who plan for our future -- each and every employee makes a real difference for people in the communities we serve.
I deeply and passionately believe that each team member at Goodwill is vital to the success that happens every day in our programs.
Our previous strategic plan sent the agency on a course for transformation. We started serving new populations and created new ways to deliver services, upgraded technology, safety and communications, improved the dol-lars made through our stores and fundraising, and created new businesses.
Our new strategic plan is so committed to the role our employees play that one of its three tenants focuses on TEAM. This acknowl-edges that the key to our continued transforma-tion and long-term excellence is our agency’s employees. The TEAM goal focuses on recruiting, retaining and compensating talent, while being a workplace where employees can truly do their best and become fulfilled.
As we head into Year 101 as an agency, let’s not forget every employee who walks through our doors – especially those who have been here many, many years – and give them a special thank you for the hard work and dedica-tion they show to our mission. These employees have consistently created change for the better and are truly the backbone to our past, present and future success. l
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HAPPY BIRTHDAY!Continued from page 1
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passes to work, if needed. The arrangement has worked so well that Rice hopes to hire additional Goodwill candidates in other areas like housekeeping and food service. The plans even include the possibility of offering housing onsite on the beautiful grounds to those who might need to live close to the property. l
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Nemacolin Hires Dependable EmployeesNemacolin Woodlands Resort is well known as a luxury resort 70 miles from Pittsburgh that offers golf, outdoor activities, spas and the highest quality accommodations. Behind the scenes, it is the employees that keep the facility in tip top shape. Three of those employees were trained by Goodwill at the Union Station Clubhouse and the Uniontown mental health program.
“They are very dependable and reliable employees,” said Dawn Rice, Community Engagement, Outreach and Recruitment at Nemacolin, as she discussed the work-ers who have been stationed in the laundry. “They show up for work every day on time and do their job well.”
Rice first heard of the Goodwill training programs in Uniontown when she attended a Fayette Education/Business Partnership meeting hosted by the Chamber of Commerce. There, she met Quentin Taraszewski, Goodwill Lead Employer Engagement Liaison, who discussed their staffing needs and how Goodwill might be able to provide help.
Two months later, the first candidate was hired; since then two other individuals have come on board. For Dawn, the training and preparation that Goodwill provides is the key to the quality of the candidates that come to work at Nemacolin.
“Goodwill trains the candidates well,” noted Rice. “This includes soft skills like interviewing, dressing right, and preparing for interviews.”
Last year, the laundry workers learned to sort and fold clothes as well as how to use the industrial size washers and dryers. In addition to providing an excellent work environment, Nemacolin also provides bus
It is with a heavy heart that Goodwill said good-bye to Rev. Sheldon Stoudmire, an employee of the Pleasant Valley Men’s Shelter at Northside Common Ministries, which is an affiliate of Goodwill of Southwestern Pennsylvania. Rev. Stoudmire was tragically shot and killed in the early morning of July 27, 2019, as he pre-vented an individual from entering the shelter. Throughout his life, he served not only as a beloved father, husband and grandfather, but also as a mentor, activist, boxing coach, Army Ranger, author and street preacher whose ministry taught compassion, forgiveness and nonviolence. He will be missed.
“ We want to give everyone an opportunity to work in Fayette. We will absolutely interview more candidates from Goodwill Fayette and the surrounding areas.”Dawn RiceNemacolin Woodlands Resort Community Engagement, Outreach and Recruitment
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IMPACT Prepares Young Adults for SuccessWhether individuals are looking to gain work experience, considering college, or searching for a job, IMPACT is designed to prepare young adults for success in the workplace. The program offers two distinct training tracks and serves both individuals who need their GED and those who already have their high school diplomas.
Young adults who want to start a career but don’t have real world work expe-rience may choose the IMPACT Vocational Training track. Training programs offered include environmental services and house-keeping, retail skills, materials handling, culinary arts, masonry and general labor-ing, and machinery. Participants meet
one-on-one with IMPACT staff to define their career path, establish goals and create a realistic timeline to meet their unique needs.
Individuals considering college or starting a job search may choose the IMPACT Job Search track. This includes premier job readiness curriculum and mobile case management to provide assistance with resumes, mock interviews and job search planning. A dedicated case worker also helps participants with transportation, employment services and financial literacy.
IMPACT is open to individuals age 17 to 24 who are Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) eligible and out of school; eligibility may vary by program. There is rolling admission with start dates through December.For more information on IMPACT, contact Tiffanee Heywood at 412-632-1742 or [email protected]. l
Dennis Gets a Great Job Thanks to GoodwillIndividuals with an intellectual or develop-mental disability (I/DD) can take advantage of an array of employment-related education and workforce development programs and services at Goodwill. Just ask Dennis, who came to Goodwill with the goal of obtaining competitive employment in the hospitality industry.
Dennis learned how to safely prepare and handle food in a commercial kitchen through the Food Service Training program.
He also learned proper cleaning techniques for restrooms and floors, as well as dusting and general cleaning in the Environmental Services and Housekeeping Training pro-gram.
After successfully completing both job training programs, Dennis took a job at Peppers N’at restaurant in Braddock.
“I really like working at Peppers N’at, and my coworkers are nice,” said Dennis.
The feeling is mutual according to his boss, Bob Portogallow, who said Dennis is one of his best employees; the entire staff enjoys working with him.
Dennis not only learned the skills needed to work in a food service environ-ment through these two job training pro-grams, he also received additional support like assessment, job skills development, job readiness training, job search assistance and job placement support thanks to Goodwill’s holistic approach.
For individuals with I/DD, Goodwill also offers assessment and evaluation, assistive technology, community integration, mental health services, Ticket to Work, and more. For a complete list of I/DD programs and services, contact 1-877- 499-3526 or [email protected]. l
Dennis and his boss, Bob Portogallow, owner of Peppers N’at.
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Community Integration is the Goal of AspireIn just one week, Aspire participants may visit a local library for book club, fold nap-kins for dining services at UPMC Asbury Heights, or enjoy an excursion to the North Shore area of Pittsburgh. Whether taking part in enriching activities or volunteering, the program is designed to highlight the importance of community and encourage independence.
Aspire provides learning opportunities in communication, activities of daily living, independent living, workforce developmental skills, and more both in the community and at Goodwill. The bright, integrated Goodwill facility features a kitchen, job readiness area, mock apartment, computer classrooms, exer-cise area and up-to-date technology.
Individuals choose curriculum-based modules that meet their interests and will support their participation in community life. They will acquire, improve and maintain a variety of skills as they complete learning modules including computer literacy, cook-ing and nutrition, art and music, and manag-ing an apartment. Participating in Aspire will ultimately help individuals to become more independent.
Individuals aged 18 to 59 years old who are out of school and have a docu-mented intellectual or developmental dis-ability are eligible to participate in Aspire. They must be able to perform basic activities of daily living independently and be willing to become involved on a scheduled basis.For more information on Aspire, contact April Klein at 412-632-1805. l
Aspire participants fold napkins for Dining Services at UPMC Asbury Heights.
Huntington National Bank invited Goodwill President/CEO Mike Smith to film a 30-second public service announcement with Susan Shipley, President of the Western Pennsylvania and Ohio Valley Region, Huntington Bank. The announce-ment aired on WTAE-TV in August and highlighted Goodwill’s commitment to helping people with special needs overcome barriers to employment.
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Peters Township Goodwill Store Reopens
The Peters Township Goodwill recently renovated and reopened its doors at 3492 Washington Road. In addition to great merchandise, shoppers at the grand reopening event were treated to giveaways, raffles, music, refreshments and coupons for future savings.
Cranberry Store Remodel Complete
Visitors to the Cranberry Goodwill store on Route 19 are enjoying a complete remodeling of this popular store. Andrew Marano, Vice President of Donated Goods Retail, handed out free tote bags to the first 100 customers in the door of the newly remodeled Cranberry store at the grand opening on June 11. l
Congratulations to Six Shopping Spree Winners
Customers who recently joined the GoodPerks loyalty program were given the opportunity to take their shopping to the next level with a chance to win a Goodwill shop-ping spree. The following six winners spent up to $150 for 30 minutes before their local store opened:Photos 1 & 2 – Cranberry Superstore: Adrian Soleto and Cheryl Villegas Photo 3 – Fairmont: Gail Burns Photo 4 – North Huntingdon: Valerie Sever Photo 5 – Uniontown: Ronda Waughen West Mifflin: Monica Hirosky (not pictured) l
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Grant Awarded to YouthWorks HIREA special thank you is extended to The Grable Foundation for awarding a $20,000 grant to the YouthWorks Hiring Initiative to Ready future Employees (HIRE). This in-school program provides work-readiness training, career mentorship, service-learning opportunities and career exploration experi-ences for local youth. l
Support Goodwill with Amazon SmileFriends of Goodwill can now support Goodwill SWPA just by buying from Amazon through its AmazonSmile program (smile.amazon.com). With every purchase, Amazon will donate 0.5 percent of the price of eli-gible AmazonSmile purchases to Goodwill SWPA. Products are marked “Eligible for AmazonSmile donation” on product detail pages. When visiting AmazonSmile, just select Goodwill of Southwestern Pennsylvania from the list of eligible organizations. l
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Goodwill Joins First Project SEARCH Site in West VirginiaGoodwill and several school districts, com-munity organizations and government agen-cies throughout north central West Virginia have come together to bring the first Project SEARCH location to the state at the WVU Medicine J.W. Ruby Memorial Hospital.
The initiative officially kicked off in October with an open house for students with disabilities to learn more about one-year skill building internships that combine classroom instruction, career exploration and hands-on training in preparation for competitive employment. Project SEARCH provides real-life work experience combined with training in employability and independent living skills to help young adults with significant disabili-ties make a successful transition from school to productive adult life. Students who are interested in Project SEARCH should contact Whitney Hatcher, Manager of Volunteer Services and Project SEARCH Business Liaison, at [email protected]. l
Goodwill Tech Department Opens in Select Stores
Goodwill is excited to introduce new tech departments in select stores. Visit the Cranberry Superstore, Centre Avenue, Morgantown, South Side and West Mifflin stores to check out low prices on tablets, laptops and desktops. Limited supplies are available, but items will be replen-ished weekly. All items have been tested and previous data has been destroyed.
Announcing the first Project SEARCH site in West Virginia were, left to right, Tracy Jackson, Pre-Employment Transition Services Program Facilitator, Goodwill SWPA; Susie Rutkowski, co-founder of Project SEARCH; and Holly Opatick, Director of Transition Services, Goodwill SWPA.
Brady Riedel Speaks at National ConferenceBrady Riedel, Career Services Coordinator, recently hosted a seminar on the value of digi-tal badging at the 2019 NCDA Global Career Development Conference in Houston, Texas. Brady spoke to attendees about how Goodwill has implemented badging for digital skills and training programs, and how the Business Advisory Council has informed the develop-ment of Goodwill’s badging initiatives.
Julius Ridgley Named to Fab 40 ClassJulius Ridgley, member of the advisory board for Goodwill Fayette County and Pittsburgh Technical College’s Hospitality program, was one of the young movers and shakers named to the New Pittsburgh Courier’s Fab 40 Class of 2019. Julius was recognized for more than 17 years of dedication and hard work with the Eat’n Park Hospitality Group. l
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People of Goodwill
Ella Holsinger to Retire After serving as Vice President for Human Services, Ella Holsinger will retire in December 2019. During her 30 years at Goodwill, Ella helped to set the strategic direction for the organization, placed over 10,000 individuals in community employ-ment, and provided services to hundreds of thousands of Goodwill participants. Thank you, Ella, for all you have done to help Goodwill become the organization it is today.
Tamica Mickle Completes Leadership ProgramTamica Mickle, Director of YouthWorks, recently completed the Goodwill Industries International Senior Leader Program. Featuring a blend of classroom, online and applied learning, the six-month program helped to enhance her leadership, organiza-tional and teamwork skills by challenging her cohort to research and define best practices for diversity, equity and inclusion at Goodwill chapters across the country.
Goodwill Receives Platinum RankingGuideStar presented Goodwill SWPA a 2019 Platinum Seal of Transparency for sharing its key metrics and highlighting the difference being made to donors. The seal indicates that Goodwill is providing up-to-date information to donors and funders so they can make educated deci-sions about it’s the organi-zation and its mission. l
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Golf for Goodwill Was a Great SuccessThe 2019 Golf for Goodwill outing, co-presented by Application Verification and Newmark Knight Frank, was held on August 12. This year, 128 golfers played 18 holes in near-perfect weather conditions at the Pittsburgh Field Club.
The outing raised more than $100,000 to benefit Goodwill programs and services that provide people with the tools they need to meet their employment and educational goals. Thank you to supporters, volunteers and the following sponsors for helping to make this year’s event a success.
Left: Mike Smith, Goodwill President/CEO, and Chris Mueller, event emcee and 93.7 The Fan radio personality (center), presented an award to sponsor Louis Oliva of Newmark Knight Frank.
Left: Connie Lewski, Employer Engagement Liaison, and Raeann Olander, Director of Employer Engagement, handed out swag bags to golf-ers as they checked in for Golf for Goodwill.
Far left: Accepting the presenting sponsor award on behalf of Application Verification was John Gregg, shown here with Goodwill President/CEO Mike Smith.
Nearly 130 golfers lined up to play 18 holes at this year’s golf outing.
Far left: Golfers who enjoyed this year’s event included, left to right, Vinnie Chisler, Jim Droney, Dave Jones and John Kanche.
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High School Equivalency Courses Prepare Students for FutureIn addition to six existing locations, Goodwill is now offering free high school equivalency preparation courses at Pittsburgh Community Services, Inc. in Oakland. Courses and testing are available for the GED or HiSET tests for individuals to earn a Pennsylvania high school diploma.
Participants also have access to other Goodwill programs and services such as career services, digital skills training and financial education. Participants receive a 25 percent discount to shop at Goodwill stores in the area.
For more information on high school equiva-lency testing and preparation — and a list of all Goodwill class locations in Allegheny County — visit www.goodwillswpa.org/HSE-Test-Preparation. l
In September, Literacy Pittsburgh and Goodwill SWPA celebrated 40 students who gained U.S. citizenship or earned their high school equivalency diploma during the past year. Of those students, 20 were from the Goodwill SWPA free high school equivalency test preparation program.
Join the GoodPerks Loyalty ProgramLooking for the best loyalty buying pro-gram? Turn to the GoodPerks. Since launching last fall, Good Perks members have received a ten percent off coupon and exclusive access to events like the outlet Easter egg hunt and end-of-season coat and jacket sale. Start enjoying these same perks today by signing up for GoodPerks at any Goodwill store or at goodwillswpa.org. l
Brittany Jones, GED Graduate. Brothers Demaje Moore and Curtis Moore completed their studies at the Goodwill South Side classroom.
Goodwill SWPA graduation speaker Rodetta Drane.
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A Store Near YouNew Mt. Pleasant Store Brings New EnthusiasmEarlier this year, Mt. Pleasant opened a renovated 15,750 square foot store, includ-ing 8,000 square feet of sales floor in a new open design that is visually appealing to all who enter its doors. At the center of the new storefront, which is located just minutes from the original building, is Joe White, Store Manager.
Joe was promoted to manager at this location after spending a year at the Greensburg Goodwill as the Assistant Manager.
For Joe, the move means a step up into a store that has a bright atmosphere, wide sales floor space, and long-term employees who are enjoying their updated work home. The pro-duction and donation areas are arranged for maximum efficiency and are green, featuring energy-efficient HVAC and electrical sys-tems. The store also has a drive thru donation drop off point for the convenience of donors.
“The new building makes it easier for people to shop here,” says Joe. “It’s a new building with a new look that will draw a lot of new customers.”
Located very close to other stores like Walmart and Dollar General in Cross Roads Plaza, the refreshed building makes the store stand out compared to these other well-known stores. While Joe considers this as competi-tion because of their low prices, he says that it is “nothing they can’t handle” thanks to his employees and the new store layout.
Joe looks forward to the challenges and opportunities that his position brings. His goal is to have an efficient and productive team that will make the store a great place to shop.
“The employees like the new location, the floor layout, and the back-production area,” says Joe. “Everything is a little bit big-ger and they appreciate the new building.” l
About the Mt. Pleasant Store
l Location: 288 Cross Roads Plaza
Mount Pleasant, PA 15666
l Staff: 13 employees: 1 full-time; 12 part-time
l Store Hours: Monday-Saturday 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
l Telephone: 724-547-2649
A new sign welcomes shoppers and explains Goodwill’s mission and purpose at the Mt. Pleasant store.
Joe White, Store Manager, at the newly renovated Mt. Pleasant store.
Goodwill of Southwestern PennsylvaniaRobert S. Foltz Building118 52nd StreetPittsburgh, PA 15201
goodwillswpa.org
Non-Profit OrganizationU.S. POSTAGE
P A I DPITTSBURGH, PAPERMIT NO. 2972
Give to Goodwill at goodwillswpa.org/donate-money
Goodwill of Southwestern PennsylvaniaRobert S. Foltz Building118 52nd Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15201412-481-9005 goodwillswpa.org
AffiliatesGoodwill of North Central West Virginia1-888-4GW-NCWV (1-888-449-6298)Goodwill Commercial Services, Inc.412-913-1982Goodwill Housing412-257-4844Northside Common Ministries412-323-1163
Our MissionWe help people improve their quality of life through work and related services.
Goodwill’s Code of Conduct Goodwill SWPA is committed to conducting its business in accordance with the highest standards of ethical behavior and regulatory compliance and to treating everyone with dignity and respect. The agency’s full Code of Conduct document – “Ethics at Work” – may be viewed at www.goodwillswpa.org.
Non-discrimination StatementGoodwill SWPA and its affiliates prohibit discrimi-nation on the basis of race, color, religious creed, disability, ancestry, national origin, age, sex, or sexual orientation.
Equal Opportunity EmployerGoodwill SWPA is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Program. Auxiliary aides and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities. For more information, call 412-632-1809 or email [email protected]
Goodwill SWPA is CARF accredited.Alternative formats are available upon request.Your comments and suggestions are welcome.
DONATE A CAR: It’s a Win for Goodwill and a Win for You
Are you looking to unload a vehicle but want to avoid the hassle of selling it yourself? Donate it to Goodwill. Visit goodwillswpa.org/donate-a-car or call 1-888-30-40-CAR for more details.
Halloween Made Wickedly Easy at GoodwillIt’s not too late for shoppers to find that perfect Halloween costume. Whether it’s selecting a costume to impress friends, shop-ping on a budget, or spreading those DIY wings — Goodwill is the place for everyone this Halloween. At Goodwill, shoppers are not limited
to the typical prepackaged costumes. Instead, they are free to mix-and-match from all departments to get exactly what is needed to make a one-of-a-kind costume. The Halloween Bootiques inside Goodwill stores offer endless creativity at a fraction of the cost of a big box store-bought costume.
Buyers can save even more on their boo-nique looks this October by finding one of five specially marked Jack O’Lantern stress balls hidden in every store each Saturday in October. Shoppers have the chance to win 50 percent off their entire purchase that day! Stop by the Halloween Bootiques and follow the Goodwill social media pages for DIY ideas, costume exam-ples and spooky inspiration. l
Whether you are a swashbuckling pirate or Queen of the Nile, Goodwill has a great costume waiting for you.
