Spring 2011 Goodwill Industries-Suncoast, Inc. www.goodwill-suncoast.org Goodwill Honors Publix with Artful Thanks Carol Jenkins Barnett, president of Publix Super Markets Charities, chats with Goodwill artist Jeremy Ingram about his painting, at left, presented to Publix as a tribute to the company’s 40 years of support. Goodwill-Suncoast recently honored Publix for helping support Goodwill’s employment and train- ing programs for the past 40 years. The evening reception for Publix Super Markets Charities, Inc., hosted by Goodwill at the Polk Museum of Art in Lake- land, was attended by more than 80 local dignitaries, Publix officials and Goodwill representatives. Goodwill President and CEO Lee Waits presented Carol Jenkins Barnett, president of Publix Super Markets Charities, with a striking abstract painting by Goodwill trainee Jeremy Ingram. Despite his blindness, Jeremy’s creativity shines in his artwork, as it does in his day-to-day work at Good- will. Jeremy is one of 60 participants in Goodwill’s Lakeland Adult Day Training Program for people who have severe disabilities. This training program and many other Goodwill services have been beneficiaries of Publix’s support over the years. Guests at the reception enjoyed a display of 18 paintings by Goodwill trainees, who had been the lucky recipients of art lessons as an outreach proj- ect of the Polk Museum of Art. Also featured at the Goodwill’s Sammy Wiggins leads a magical march of the mops in the short film “MopMania.” Watch Goodwill’s merry mop-makers at work in Lakeland! Visit YouTube.com and type “MopMania at Goodwill-Suncoast” into the search field. The two-minute film, featuring “The Sorcerer’s Apprentice” as its soundtrack, takes a lighthearted look at the work of participants in Goodwill-Suncoast’s Lakeland training program for adults who have developmental disabilities. Last year, Goodwill trainees assembled 77,000 floor mops sold in Publix stores throughout west central Florida. MopMania on YouTube party was a short film showcasing Goodwill’s Lakeland training program (see related “MopMania” story below). Publix has Goodwill’s deepest gratitude for its long- standing generosity. “Frog” by Henry Dribbons “I Found Something” by Jeremy Ingram “For Mom” by Sheryl Friday
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Spring 2011Goodwill Industries-Suncoast, Inc. www.goodwill-suncoast.org
Goodwill Honors Publix with Artful Thanks
Carol Jenkins Barnett, president of Publix Super Markets Charities, chats with Goodwill artist Jeremy Ingram about his painting, at left, presented to Publix as a tribute to the company’s 40 years of support.
Goodwill-Suncoast recently honored Publix for helping support Goodwill’s employment and train-ing programs for the past 40 years. The evening reception for Publix Super Markets Charities, Inc., hosted by Goodwill at the Polk Museum of Art in Lake-land, was attended by more than 80 local dignitaries, Publix officials and Goodwill representatives. Goodwill President and CEO Lee Waits presented Carol Jenkins Barnett, president of Publix Super Markets Charities, with a striking abstract painting by Goodwill trainee Jeremy Ingram. Despite his blindness, Jeremy’s creativity shines in his artwork, as it does in his day-to-day work at Good-will. Jeremy is one of 60 participants in Goodwill’s Lakeland Adult Day Training Program for people who have severe disabilities. This training program and many other Goodwill services have been beneficiaries of Publix’s support over the years. Guests at the reception enjoyed a display of 18 paintings by Goodwill trainees, who had been the lucky recipients of art lessons as an outreach proj-ect of the Polk Museum of Art. Also featured at the
Goodwill’s Sammy Wiggins leads a magical march of the mops in the short film “MopMania.”
Watch Goodwill’s merry mop-makers at work in Lakeland! Visit YouTube.com and type “MopMania at Goodwill-Suncoast” into the search field. The two-minute film, featuring “The Sorcerer’s Apprentice” as its soundtrack, takes a lighthearted look at the work of participants in Goodwill-Suncoast’s Lakeland training program for adults who have developmental disabilities. Last year, Goodwill trainees assembled 77,000 floor mops sold in Publix stores throughout west central Florida.
MopMania on YouTube
party was a short film showcasing Goodwill’s Lakeland training program (see related “MopMania” story below). Publix has Goodwill’s deepest gratitude for its long-standing generosity.
“Frog” by Henry Dribbons
“I Found Something” by Jeremy Ingram
“For Mom” by Sheryl Friday
employment services to the people of this state for more than 50 years, and we remain accountable for those services. We won’t pull up stakes when the going gets tough. Just as you can count on Goodwill in your community, we hope we can count on you. With our funding always at risk, your support is more critical than ever. Your donations of cloth-ing and household items, as well as your generous gifts of cash, make the fulfillment of our mission possible. On behalf of the thousands of people Goodwill-Suncoast serves, I thank you for your ongoing generosity.
Dear Friends,
Goodwill Industries-Suncoast, Inc. Opportunities Spring 2011Page 2
Goodwill’s Voice Heard in Tallahassee I have just returned from Tallahassee, where I had the opportunity to meet with some of the state’s most influential leaders. With Goodwill's state funding threatened by budget cuts, it was important to let the voices of our program participants be heard through Goodwill's advocacy. The issue of privatizing government services by outsourcing them to corporate providers is under discussion in the Legis-
lature at this writing. While Goodwill-Suncoast provides a variety of services by contract with the state, we differ from for-profit corpora-tions that seek government contracts largely for the benefit of their shareholders and their bottom line. Our motivation is not profit, but to help people reach their full potential – through the dignity of work and the power of a paycheck. Goodwill-Suncoast and our eight sister Goodwill organizations throughout Florida are here to stay. We have provided training and
Sincerely,
R. Lee WaitsPresident and Chief Executive Officer
Retails Sales Manager Karen Cline and Senior Assistant Manager Ron Sanders show off the Business of the Month award.
Goodwill Industries-Suncoast, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer that provides services without regard to race, spiritual beliefs, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, socioeconomic status or disability. If you need accommodation or assistance in accessing any area of employment or program services, please let us know.
Way to Go, Oldsmar Superstore! The Oldsmar Goodwill Superstore was named Oldsmar Business of the Month in February. Oldsmar Vice May-or Doug Bevis called the store a great busi-ness and a “truly super community partner” as he presented the award at the Feb. 1 city coun-cil meeting. The vice mayor mentioned that in addition to being a great family shopping
We’re sad to report that Goodwill’s Adult Day Training Center in Lakeland suffered three losses recently. Lori Reed, the center’s supervisor, passed away Feb. 27. Lori was well-loved by Goodwill employees and program participants. She led the center with love and intelligence for 10 years. Lori had a tireless and giving spirit, and she fought daily for the rights and dignity of adults with disabilities. A close friend and co-worker says Lori “was our princess, our advocate and mentor, our crusader, our resident clown and our treasured friend.” She had a larger-than-life per-sonality that left an imprint on everyone she met. Lori’s career was clearly her passion, and she is sorely missed. Alton “Butch” Cochran, a participant in the Lake-land program, passed away March 8. Butch worked at the Lakeland center for many years, and will always be remembered as a kind and loving man who “never met a stranger.” Butch loved to listen to music, and always had a huge smile and a wave for everyone he met. Chris Mercado, another Lakeland program participant, passed away late last year. Friends and family say Chris's positive, happy outlook kept him alive far longer than doctors thought was possible, given his disabilities. He fought to make the best of his circum- stances, working two days a week at Goodwill’s Lakeland program where he hung clothes and assembled mops. His mother says Chris will live on and “be saving three lives” via organ donations. Goodwill lost a valuable long-term employee Jan. 16. Jim Davis worked for Goodwill for more than 15 years as a donation attendant in Oldsmar. Jim had recently retired from Goodwill, although his wife said he would have stayed on if his health had permitted. Jim loved people and always had a smile on his face. Fellowemployees and regular donors miss Jim and his cheerful demeanor.
In Memoriam
Vivian reads a Maya Angelou poem to the men and women in Goodwill’s St. Petersburg Adult Day Training program during Black History Month.
Goodwill Senior Accountant Vivian Thomas models one of the striking African outfits she wore each day in February to commemorate Black History Month. Vivian owns more than 60 of the outfits, many of which were purchased at Goodwill.
Sharing HerHeritage
destination, the store provides employment and training opportunities for people with disabilities and that store sales support Goodwill’s services. Several regular shoppers attended the award presenta-tion to show support for their neighborhood Goodwill store.
Our Mission:To help people achieve their full potential through the dignity and power of work.
Opportunities is a quarterly publication for friends and employees of Goodwill Industries-Suncoast, Inc.
Michael Ann Harvey Vice President for Marketingand Public Relations(727) 523-1512, ext. [email protected]
Lee Bell, CPAJoshua BeyerMark W. BrownHeather Ceresoli, CPARenee H. DabbsSteven M. EricksonTom Falone, IVMalinda S. FuscoMark E. GauthierOscar J. HortonMichelle KnightKarl KochLouise R. LopezRichard E. LudwigJohn Maceovsky, CPAJohn McCaughertyDavid E. MurphyCarole PhilipsonEd RaderCharlie Robinson, Jr.Timothy SalzsiederLoreen M. SpencerRobert G. Stern, Esq.Bob WabbersenRep. Will WeatherfordJohn H. Whitcomb
If you do not wish to receive this newsletter, please contact the editor.
What’s a Smile Worth?
www.goodwill-suncoast.org
On the face of an adult discovering for the first time
that his work has value,a smile is priceless.
Please help us ensure a future full of smiles by leaving a gift to Goodwill Industries-Suncoast.
From $1 to $1-million,your gifts will change lives.
For information aboutfinancial gifts and planned giving,
please contact Jim Williams,VP for Fund Development,
toll-free (888) 279-1988, ext. 1050.
Goodwill Industries-Suncoast, Inc. Opportunities Spring 2011Page 3Donating Cars: A Family Affair
Talent Scout
Beth RobertsVocational EvaluatorCareer Assessment and Planning Services
Beth Roberts has always wanted to make a difference in people’s lives, and during a 25-year career at Goodwill, she’s certainly done that. In her current role as a vocational evaluator, Beth travels through-out Goodwill-Suncoast’s 10-county service area, helping people who have disabilities find out what types of jobs would be right for them. Through interviews, tests and worksite evaluations, she as-sesses people’s talents, skills and interests to help them set employ-ment goals. “I like being able to guide someone who doesn’t have a lot of hope for their future into some real possibilities for that to change,” says Beth. Her career with Goodwill started in 1986, not long after she graduated from the University of South Carolina. She was hired as a behavior specialist for the Adult Day Training program in St. Petersburg. A year later, Beth was selected to manage Goodwill’s brand new Supported Employment program, which offers job placement and coaching that enables people with disabilities to hold jobs in the community. Because she missed working directly with people, Beth transitioned to her current position in 2000. Beth and her husband have a grown daughter and son and live in Pinellas Park with their beloved cats.
GoodStuff ...
Dresscue Me Turn frugal into fabulous! Learn how to transform vintage clothing finds into chic, fashion-forward looks on Dresscue Me, a new TV series on the Planet Green network. Planet Green is an official partner of Goodwill's Donation Movement.
Luau DaysShake your grass! Enjoy tropical refresh-ments, register to win a free kayak and feast your eyes on great summer savings. Visit our stores on May 13-15 for a hula lotta fun!
Polyester PromIt's raining men (in leisure suits)! Get your tickets to Ocala's biggest party of the year, co-spon-sored by Goodwill. Big 92.9 FM's annual Polyester Prom is May 27, and it's too hot baby! Go to www.hiltonocala.com for tickets.
Wedding GalaHere come the brides! Goodwill's wildly popular bridal event is back for its fifth year! The Gala is a chance to score drop-dead gorgeous, new wedding gowns for a fraction of the retail price. Gala dates are June 4 at the Oldsmar Superstore and June 11 at the Goodwill Superstore in Ocala. Check www.goodwill-suncoast.org for details.
Jocelyn King was ready for a new car. She knew her current car, a 1987 Lincoln Mark VII, had life left in it. But she also knew she wouldn’t get much money for the sedan in a trade. And she didn’t want to hassle with trying to sell it herself. “I knew Goodwill Industries had a good reputation,” Jocelyn says, “and I wanted to support a worthwhile institution in some small way.”
Generous donors Jocelyn King and son Darrin enjoy their new rides and helping their community.
Jocelyn called Goodwill-Suncoast to ask about our car donation program, and a Goodwill representative visited her at her St. Pete home the same day. “I was quite satisfied with the process,” she says. Jocelyn donated her Lincoln and it was later sold at a Goodwill car sale. When her son Darrin was ready to up-grade from his 1995 Saturn, he too turned to Goodwill. “Neither of us has much in the way of material assets,” says Jocelyn, “but we felt Goodwill was a great place.” Goodwill-Suncoast has seen an uptick in multiple car donors from the same fam-ily. Last year, Arlene Clarke and her father Horace Howell generously donated a 1991 Ford Explorer and a 1998 Chevy Malibu to Goodwill. To all Goodwill vehicle donors and purchasers – thank you! Proceeds from Goodwill’s car sales support services to people in our community.
Book Donation — It's Elementary!Children from Starkey Elementary School in Seminole drop off nearly 500 books the school collected for Goodwill’s BookWorks childhood literacy program. The generous donation is just one example of community support for the annual book drive, which supplies many of the books that will be presented to disadvantaged preschool children during the coming year. Special thanks to Starkey Elementary and to all who donated during the annual book drive.
To donate a car, call toll-free 1-866-604-6634.
Don't Miss These Upcoming Events
Opportunities Spring 2011 Page 4
Non-Profit Org.US POSTAGE
PAIDPermit #5008
St. Pete, FL 337
10596 Gandy Blvd.St. Petersburg, FL 33702
Return Service Requested
There’s No Place Like Home
The Smith family enjoys the picnic and barbeque area of Goodwill’s Freedom Village I.
It’s hard to be a single mom in the best of situations – even harder when the mom has disabilities that limit her mobility. That’s the case with Candice Smith, a 37-year-old Pinellas Park mother of two elementary-aged girls. “It’s hard being disabled,” she says. “Raising two kids is a struggle.” For three years, Candice and her girls have lived at Freedom Village I in Pinellas Park, one of Goodwill-Suncoast’s five apartment communities for low-income disabled or elderly people. Their two-bed-room apartment is fairly close to the girls’ school, plus there are lots of stores and restaurants nearby. “It’s a good place to live if you want your independence,” says Candice. Goodwill operates three one- and two-bedroom apartment build-ings for people who are disabled and have low incomes in Pinellas Park, Tampa and Clearwater. The remaining two buildings – in Palm Harbor and Ocala – are designed for people who are at least 62 years old with low incomes. In addition to caring, helpful management, each community offers architecturally barrier-free facilities with features such as extra-wide doorways, and kitchens and baths designed for wheelchair users. Rent subsidies are made available by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) on a scale based on expens-es and income. The HUD formula determines how much rent residents
Goodwill affordable housing for people with disabilities and qualifying income:
Freedom Village I 7700 66th St. NorthPinellas Park, FL 33781(727) 541-6620
Donations also gratefully accepted at Goodwill storesGoodwill Attended Donation Centers
Hillsborough County
RIVERVIEWRiverview Oaks Plaza9624 U.S. 301 South
BRANDONBloomingdale Wal-Mart949 E. Bloomingdale
SEFFNERParsons Village Plaza710 W. Dr. MLK Blvd.
Lowe’s 4210 S. Dale Mabry Hwy.
Northdale Wal-MartN. Dale Mabry at Bearss Ave.(Weekends only)
Westchase Primrose School Linebaugh Ave. and Countryway(Weekends only)(Accepts furniture)
U-Save7701 W. Hillsborough Ave.
Polk CountyLAKELANDBarclay Plaza4945 U.S. Hwy. 98 N.
Pinellas CountyCLEARWATER2250 Gulf to Bay Blvd.(Accepts furniture)
Prospective residents should contact the property they are interested in. People who are hearing-impaired should call (727) 579-1068.
pay. For Candice, having an affordable, safe environment for her family has made life as a single mom with disabilities just a little easier. “People are shocked I can do it,” she says.
Mother Earth visited Goodwill on Earth Day and her message was clear: Green is the way to be, and Goodwill earns her praise for being an environmentally friendly organization. The key, she says, is in the way Goodwill repurposes items. Repurposing is a green practice that helps save the environment. When you donate to Goodwill, you give items you no longer need a second life. And when you shop at Goodwill, you reduce the need for new goods to be produced. “It’s all good, and it’s all green,” said Mother Earth. In honor of Earth Day, Goodwill handed out free, reusable water bottles to all donors April 22
Mother Earth and Goodwill Celebrate Earth Day
and 23. With Mother Earth’s help, Goodwill also promoted its Donate Movement. Goodwill hopes the Donate Movement icon will become as prevalent as the symbol for recycling. Please help Goodwill and Mother Earth get the word out:Just as there are things you recycle, there are things you donate!
Your Old Stove Could Help Cook Up a Job
For free major appliance pickup, call 727-439-1905 and mention Goodwill.
call 727-439-1905 and mention Goodwill. You’ll get a donation receipt for tax purposes and your donation will help support Goodwill’s services.
Even if your old stove or refrigerator isn’t working, it can help someone get a job. A Goodwill hauling partner now offers free pickup of major appli- ances in Pinellas, Hillsborough and Pasco counties. For free pickup of working or nonworking large appliances,
