You may not know him by name, but odds are you’ve already seen his face. Matthew’s smile, charm and positive attitude earned him a spot on many of Goodwill’s billboards around central Pennsylvania. For those who know him, his designation as one of the faces of Goodwill is a position well-deserved. Matthew was born in Pennsylvania and the youngest of five children. When he was seven years old, he moved with his family to Sarasota, Florida. There, his older sister enrolled him in a children’s program at what is now Community Haven, an educational facility that focuses on teaching life skills to people with disabilities. Matthew thrived in a structured environment that provided him with a stable schedule. He learned to read and write. He also became heavily involved with the Boy Scouts and Special Olympics (something he continues to do to this very day). As his parents became older and Matthew was in his 40s, his family moved back to Pennsylvania. Matthew’s sister, Ella, and her husband became his legal guardians and took over his care. Before arriving in Pennsylvania, Ella and her husband did some research to find the best place for Matthew to be happy and productive. They contacted Goodwill and Matthew was quickly accepted into a paid training program. Kathy Erney, his vocational counselor, said, “He has always enjoyed custodial work and is dedicated. He never misses a day unless it’s absolutely necessary and his motivation to succeed has helped him overcome challenging behaviors. He is cooperative with staff and, since he is so detail-oriented, the Winter 2015 GoodWorks A Goodwill Keystone Area Newsletter Matthew’s Journey + Message from the President + Matthew’s Journey + Good Careers + Shop Online + New Stores + Goodwill Treasures + New Website 2 3 5 5 6 7 Matthew motivated to succeed. Continued on page 3 4 INSIDE THIS ISSUE
Transcript
You may not know him by name, but odds are you’ve already seen his face. Matthew’s smile, charm and positive attitude earned him a spot on many of Goodwill’s billboards around central Pennsylvania. For those who know him, his designation as one of the faces of Goodwill is a position well-deserved.
Matthew was born in Pennsylvania and the youngest of five children. When he was seven years old, he moved with his family to Sarasota, Florida. There, his older sister enrolled him in a children’s program at what is now Community
Haven, an educational facility that focuses on teaching life skills to people with disabilities. Matthew thrived in a structured environment that provided him with a stable schedule. He learned to read and write. He also became heavily involved with the Boy Scouts and Special Olympics (something he continues to do to this very day).
As his parents became older and Matthew was in his 40s, his family moved back to Pennsylvania. Matthew’s sister, Ella, and her husband became his legal guardians and took over his care. Before arriving in Pennsylvania, Ella and her husband did some research to find the best place for Matthew to be happy and productive. They contacted Goodwill and Matthew was quickly accepted into a paid training program. Kathy Erney, his vocational counselor, said, “He has always enjoyed custodial work and is dedicated. He never misses a day unless it’s absolutely necessary and his motivation to succeed has helped him overcome challenging behaviors. He is cooperative with staff and, since he is so detail-oriented, the
Winter2015
GoodWorksA Goodwill Keystone Area Newsletter
Matthew’s Journey
+ Message from the President
+ Matthew’s Journey
+ Good Careers
+ Shop Online
+ New Stores
+ Goodwill Treasures
+ New Website
2
3
5
5
6
7
Matthew motivated to succeed.
Continued on page 3
4
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
A copy of the official registration and financial information for Goodwill Keystone Area can be obtained from the PA Department
of State by calling toll free within PA 1.800.732.0999. Registration does not
imply endorsement.
GOODWILLKEYSTONE AREA
VOLUNTEERBOARD OF DIRECTORS
ChairAnthony Byrne
Vice ChairsHarris Booker
Brenda Kauffman
Immediate Past ChairDennis J. McGee, Jr.
Robert P. BlickleyKatie E. Clarke
Richard W. ConleyTimothy P. Hanlon
James LoweTheodore M. Niemczyk, Jr.
James PeranoJane PinkertonCraig SchwartzChuck Wingate
President and CEORon Kratofil
OUR MISSION
To support persons with disabilities and other barriers to
independence in achieving their fullest potential as
workers and as members of the broader community.
A Message fromOur President
Good Careers Start Here.
There is a lot of debate in the United States about the proper wage level for an entry-level worker. Regardless of what that number becomes in any community, the simple truth is that there will always be entry-level jobs and entry-level workers. At Goodwill, we see entry-level wages as a starting point and that all work and all workers deserve respect. Did you know that Amazon CEO & Founder Jeff Bezos, comedian Jay Leno and Republican candidate for Vice President Paul Ryan all worked at McDonald’s?
At Goodwill, we are changing the conversation. We believe the “wage gap” is a symptom of a “skills gap.” In every community, businesses are in need of employees with specific skills for careers that pay family-sustaining wages. Many of these careers are attainable through short-term training that involves a vocational certificate or an associate’s degree. Our local Workforce Investment Boards publish these opportunities, known as High Priority Occupations.
Enter the Good Careers Start Here Program. Good Careers is Goodwill’s newest program, designed as a bridge between entry-level workers and short-term training opportunities that lead to family-sustaining wages. With pilot funding from the Goodwill Keystone Area Foundation, we have
begun the recruitment and training of eligible Goodwill employees and members of their household who wish to go back to school in pursuit of a vocational certificate or associate’s degree in a high priority occupation. Good Careers will help provide the traditional costs of education, such as tuition and fees, as well as the non-traditional costs like childcare and transportation.
With the help of a Goodwill Career Navigator to provide guidance, a pilot group of our employees are headed back to school in pursuit of new skills and a dream job that pays family-sustaining wages.
We promise to keep you posted on the progress of the Good Careers Start Here pilot class as it rolls out over the coming months!
Ron KratofilPresident and CEOGoodwill Keystone Area
Matthew was featured on billboards posted throughout central Pennsylvania2
quality of his work is excellent. He has a positive relationship with his family and feels that earning a paycheck is important to being a contributing member of his household.”
According to his sister, “Matthew loves having a job. He’s become independent and proactive because of Goodwill. He often gets on the bus by himself and looks forward to work and bringing home a paycheck.” Indeed, Matthew arrives right on time to Goodwill each day with a smile and his key card in hand to gain access to the building. He fits right into a culture of acceptance where his preference for maintaining a patterned schedule is well provided. Never has he issued a complaint or protested against doing anything, so long as he knows what to expect ahead of time. By nature, he is easy-going and,
while not very talkative, responds cordially to greetings.
While in a paid training program, Matthew completes a variety of custodial tasks at different sites in Harrisburg. His custodial manager Nancy Mills said, “Matt is an efficient and dedicated trainee who is caring and works well with his peers and likes to joke and have fun. He doesn’t like to be late for work and he doesn’t like to leave early, even if he has a doctor’s appointment.”
When not working, Matthew enjoys going out with his family and going to the mall. He will point out people he recognizes and Ella appreciates the moments when
someone who knows Matthew makes a point to say hello and talk to him. Ella noted that a nurse, who was visiting their home, saw a picture of Matthew and said she saw him on a billboard. Ella described, “He is, by rights, his own person and it’s nice to see how much he’s grown. He’s always learning.”
Every week, he goes to church with his family and actively participates in mass by helping to serve communion, take collections and serve at the altar. He also volunteers to help keep the church clean. In his spare time, Matthew enjoys swimming, going for walks, riding his bike and playing basketball. He relaxes by watching television. He has traveled with his family to many places. He goes wherever they go and in November, Matthew and his family enjoyed a cruise to the Bahamas.
Matthew’s Journey continuedContinued from cover
Matthew was featured on billboards posted throughout central Pennsylvania
“Matthew loves having a job. He’s become independent and
proactive because of Goodwill.”
Because of Goodwill,
I have independence.
-Matthew
yourgoodwill.org
Sponsored by:
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Jessica, who is a mother of three and a full-time employee for Goodwill, would like to go to Harrisburg Area Community College (HACC) to become a respiratory therapist. She went to HACC several years ago; however, when she lost both of her parents, she struggled and dropped out of school with the hopes of returning one day.
Going back to school to earn a certificate or degree is never easy. Despite determination and motivation, things can come up like an illness, bills and childcare, making people put their dreams on hold. Thanks to the Goodwill Keystone Area Foundation, Jessica and others no longer have to put their dreams of an education and better future on hold. Jessica is in the Good Careers Start Here pilot program and said, “When I heard about it, I jumped on the opportunity. I’ve been wanting to go back to school for years.”
The Goodwill Keystone Area Foundation is funding and developing this pilot program to
help individuals get the education they need to pursue a career that will provide long-term financial security.
Before signing up for any classes and starting school, participants must complete the Good Careers Prep Course. It provides assessment tools to help them identify their abilities, skills and interests and match them to well-paying careers. And since many of the participants have been out of school for several years, the weekly classes also focus on time management and goal-setting.
Jessica described, “It’s a classroom setting. The information is helpful, but meeting people who are in the same boat as you really helps. It makes me feel like I’m not alone and I have support.” Jessica is one of 15 people participating in the pilot program.
Marcella Jordan, the career navigator for Good Careers Start Here, takes each person through every step of the process. She helps outline career goals and choice of schools. When the participants begin school, Marcella continues to meet with them to provide on-going support and helps navigate them through childcare, work and school schedules. Marcella explained, “Many of the Good Careers participants depend on every dollar that they earn, and I work with them in selecting classes that will have little to no disruption on their work schedules.”
Participants can be Goodwill Keystone Area clients, employees or immediate family members whose family income is equal to less than 200% of the Federal poverty range. Many hold entry-level positions at Goodwill. President & CEO for Goodwill Keystone Area Ron Kratofil said, “We are looking to give our employees and their families the opportunity to go to school and reach their fullest potential. The Foundation is proud to support a group of individuals who want to work and make a better life. This program goes beyond Goodwill. We realize that many of the participants will earn certificates and degrees and eventually move on and no longer work for Goodwill. We want for people to earn an education towards their greatest potential, regardless of where that takes them.”
In November, Jessica, along with her fellow participants, completed the Good Careers Prep Course and will soon begin returning to school.
For more information about the Good Careers Start Here program, contact John McHenry at 717.525.6206 or [email protected].
Good Careers Start Here participants celebrate
completing the prep course.
Jessica (left) participating in the Good Careers Prep Course
Good Careers Start HereGoodwill Keystone Area Education Initiative
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THANK YOU!
Goodwill® would like to thank the following businesses and organizations for conducting
donation drives:
Campus Crossings at College RowDeloitte
Holy Trinity Slovak Lutheran ChurchJo-Ann Fabric & Craft StoreKennett Area Senior CenterMarshall Street Book ReSort
Maurice’sMountville Church of the BrethrenNorth Wales Elementary School
Select ChoirNorthampton Community College
Penn State HarrisburgPeople Helping People
St. Alban’s ChurchTrinity Reformed UCC
Wheatland Junior High SchoolWillow Valley Manor North
Zion Lutheran Church
If your business, school or organization would like to conduct a donation drive for Goodwill, contact our
New stores open in Avondale, Berwyn & Montgomeryville.
Goodwill® Keystone Area (GKA) celebrated the openings of three new store locations in October and November.
For a full list of GKA stores and donation centers, go to yourgoodwill.org.
Goodwill Opens New Stores
STORE HOURS
AvondaleChester County
Monday-Saturday: 8-9Sunday: 11-5
484.823.6260
Berwyn Chester County
Monday-Saturday: 9-8 Sunday: 12-5 610.981.4391
Montgomeryville Montgomery County
Monday-Saturday: 9-9 Sunday: 12-5 267.645.4180
Shopping made convenient.
Can’t find time to get to a Goodwill® store? No problem! Now you can shop Goodwill without leaving the comfort of your home. You can shop for one-of-a-kind items at
shopgoodwill.com. Unique items donated to Goodwill are placed on this auction-style website.
Shopgoodwill.com has categories from art to jewelry to sports memorabila, and the selection is always changing. Shopgoodwill.com is the first Internet auction site created by a nonprofit organization. Goodwills from across the country, including Goodwill Keystone Area, place items on shopgoodwill.com for bidding. People from all over the world can go to this site and bid.
Like all Goodwill purchases, revenues from auction sales fund job training and employment placement programs for people with barriers to independence.
Shop Goodwill Online
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Goodwill Treasures
Goodwill® Keystone Area’s (GKA) fall fundraiser, Goodwill Treasures raised nearly $59,000, which is a 15% increase over last year’s event. The funds will directly support programs and services that teach people in your community valuable work skills. About 200 people gathered at the Historic Peter Allen House in Dauphin, PA on Friday, September 12 to bid on 250 items. Goodwill Treasures includes a silent and live auction as well as dinner, desserts, and live entertainment.
Many unique items are donated to Goodwill. Rather than selling these one-of-a-kind items in Goodwill stores, these items are auctioned off at either Goodwill Treasures or shopgoodwill.com (see details about this online auction on page 5). Some of the popular items included Soviet Leader Nesting Dolls, Danbury Mint Beaver Stadium Replica, and a late 1950s Sears No. 508
Firefighter Pedal Car. Additionally, Pennsylvania Representative Mark Keller donated his time and auctioneer skills to create a fun and memorable live auction.
Each year, we recognize a person who participates in a Goodwill program and has become a shining example of Goodwill’s mission. This year, we honored Lavena Shifflett. During her speech, she told the crowd, “Because of Goodwill, today I have a high school diploma, a job, and benefits.”
Thank You to the Sponsors of Goodwill Treasures!
Paul & Rose Anderson PA Automotive Association
Boyer & Ritter Brown, Schultz, Sheridan & Fritz
The Hall Foundation
Strategic Sales Search L.B. Smith Estate Foundation
Ross & Diane Witcoski McNees Wallace & Nurick, LLC
Computer Aid, Inc.
Susquehanna Bank High Companies
The Historic Peter Allen House Tents and Events
Mark Keller, Goodwill Treasures auctioneer, gets
the live auction going.
Honoree Lavena Shifflett (center) with her supervisor Russ Negley
(left) and President & CEO for GKA Ron Kratofil (right)
Soviet Leader Nesting Dolls,a popular item at this year’s
Goodwill Treasures
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Help fund success stories
for people with barriers to independence.
Donate online atyourgoodwill.org
Donate by calling717.525.6210
Thank You to the Sponsors of Goodwill Treasures!
Fresh, New Website Change Lives
In September 2014, Goodwill Keystone Area (GKA) launched a newly redesigned website. Prior to 2014, this website was last revamped in 2008. Since then, technology has rapidly changed. This website was redesigned to modernize the look and feel, improve usability and serve as a new hub for all things GKA. It was planned with our customers in mind. Yourgoodwill.org is now mobile-friendly, and visitors can find a store or donation center in
the click of a button. Information about our business services and programs and services are also easily accessible. We also highlighted our social media links so fans can stay connected with us. Goodwill staff is able to maintain the site, keeping costs low. With the help of a Lancaster-based web development company Sharp Innovations, we were able to accomplish these goals and much more. Go ahead and take a look for yourself by visiting yourgoodwill.org.
GIVETO GOODWILL
877.808.8990
goodwillcardonation.org
YES! we take vehicles
Interested in Fashion Design?
Shop at Goodwill
Re-design your finds
Submit your entry to be a finalist at the Goodwill Runway Show
Entries due March 20, 2015
Goodwill Runway Show APRIL 23, 2015 • WYOMISSING, PA
