New Faces At Goodwill: By Zach Knight

     At Goodwill Industries: Serving Northeast Ohio & Northwest Pennsylvania, we firmly believe in our mission; Building self-sufficiency through the power of work. In order to fulfill that mission, we are constantly expanding our workforce and on-boarding talented individuals that are eager to change lives in the communities we serve. It is our pleasure to introduce three new individuals Goodwill has proudly added to our mission services and retail teams! 

Coji Maddona III works as a Job Developer, Job Coach, and a Classroom Instructor for Goodwill’s Workforce Development department. He previously was a teacher with the Bolivar-Richburg Central School District in Bolivar, NY. He enjoys anything pertaining to cars, spending time with family and friends, and traveling. He is originally from Smethport, PA, relocating to Erie to take a position with Goodwill. He graduated from Gannon University in Erie with a degree in Interdisciplinary Studies. Coji chose to work for Goodwill because he wanted to work for a company that helps people to better themselves through the power of education and employment. He looks forward to growing with Goodwill, as Goodwill grows within our community.

Chelsea Schermerhorn is employed as an Instructor and Job Coach for the Workforce Development department at Goodwill. She previously was employed at Vertmarkets/Jameson Publishing as an Email Marketing Assistant, and also at MCRC Erie as a Tutoring Coordinator. Originally from Texas, Chelsea moved to Pennsylvania to attend Mercyhurst University in 2009, to pursue a degree in English and Religious Studies. She enjoys writing, reading, and playing video games when she’s not trying to convince her three-year-old son to snuggle. She is very excited about working with children and young adults, making a positive difference in their lives through Goodwill’s involvement in Erie and the surrounding communities.

Chris Oleski is our new Director of Donated Goods Retail.  Chris comes to us as a former 10-year board member of our organization. He has over 29 years of retail experience between Fisher's Big Wheel, OfficeMax, and most recently Ollie's Bargain Outlet. A lifelong resident of Erie, Chris attended Cathedral Prep high school and received his bachelor’s degree in Management from Gannon University. Chris is also a PIAA football official in the fall and can be seen working many Friday night high school football games throughout Erie County. Chris will be celebrating his 30th wedding anniversary to his wife Cheryl in 2018. They have two grown children; C.J. 28, and Lauren 25.

Oh, Yhe Places We Have Gone!: By Mary Murray

    It’s hard to say who had more fun this summer: the Goodwill Summit Workforce Development staff who tagged along or the clients who were able to experience a dream job.

The pace was fast and furious as staff scrambled to locations throughout Erie County to job coach clients in fun, unusual and creative work settings.

     The job shadowing and Work-Based Learning Experience (WBLE), as it is formally called, are a collaboration of Goodwill and the Pennsylvania Office of Vocational Rehabilitation. Under job shadowing, clients -- many who are either in high school or recent graduates -- simply observe various jobs at an employer. If the organization is a non-profit, they can dig right in and work alongside staff. Under the WBLE, clients are actually paid for the work they do.

     These young women and men worked or job shadowed with media employers such as WQLN, Erie’s Public Broadcasting Station; CATV, Erie’s cable access television; and MenajErie Studio, a video production house. Retailers included Subway, Perkins, Save-A-Lot, Big Lots and others. Non-profit partners who came on board were as varied as the Purple Martin Conservation Association; E.A.R.S, Erie’s rabbit rescue society; the ANNA Shelter; and Second Harvest Food Bank. 

     Two young men, armed with resumes, were able to secure paid work experience at two car dealerships in Corry and utilized their formal automotive training to gain more hands-on experience in the service departments.

     Another notable collaboration was with EmergyCare, which provided work to a young Corry man whose intent is to become an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT). The client, who is Red Cross certified and serves as a volunteer firefighter, was already enrolled in the company’s EMT training during his placement.

      As job coaches, the staff wore many hats – cheering on their students’ successes, gently coaxing them on business etiquette, and guiding them on processes and procedures in their jobs. Both work experience programs are continuing on a year-round basis with clients out to many exciting placements this fall and winter.

Goodwill Program Participants Crowned Royalty: By Hanni Nazario

     Goodwill program participants and high school sweethearts, Aaron and Jocie, won Homecoming King & Queen on October 14, 2017 at General McLane High School in Erie County! Aaron and Jocie are both participants in Goodwill's Youth Experience Success program at General McLane High School. Aaron also completed a Work-Based Learning Experience with Goodwill this past summer and was a student ambassador at the 2017 Pennsylvania Association of Goodwills conference in September.

     Aaron and Jocie are excellent examples of individuals with disabilities, thriving with support from family, school, and community. Our Goodwill organization is happy to have played a small role in their huge successes! Congratulations to these two wonderful students!

Lessons In Life - When The Student Teaches The Teacher: By Mary Murray

     Upon opening the door to the break room, I saw the young man sitting quietly, with a crochet hook and a ball of turquoise yarn, busily working. I asked what he was doing and he said, “I’m making a scarf.”

     How is it that you crochet, I asked? “I have autism and this calms me down,” he responded matter-of-factly.

To say that I was impressed was an understatement. First, here was a tall, strapping young man who had no qualms about crocheting in a public setting. Second, he ‘owned’ his disability, which I found refreshing, insightful, and a testament to his maturity.

     Previously, Alex had been a client at Goodwill, volunteering at various stations throughout the Summit store. Under the gentle guidance of Job Coach, Andre Lyons, Alex transitioned from a client to a sales floor employee. Now the tables were turned, and Alex was the teacher, giving me a few lessons.

     “Crocheting is way for me to deal with anger issues,’’ he explained, when pressed on how he came to embrace the hobby. I felt pretty inadequate after that. Here is a 20-year-old with the wisdom and insight to find a productive way to deal with his emotions. As for me, I had simply given up on this crocheting thing. 
     Being a natural leftie who is forced to live in a right-handed world, I bumbled and failed miserably over the years as right-handed crafters tried and tried again to teach me to crochet. I had resigned myself to the fact that crocheting was simply not in the cards for me, but nonetheless, it irked me that I couldn’t get the hang of it.
     Alex would have none of that negative talk. “You can do it,” he said. He sat with me and ever so patiently allowed me to fumble with the hook and yarn, before gently coaxing the first, then the second, and then a row of double crochet stitches. The next day he surprised me with a gift --  a small ball of gold yarn and a crochet hook so that I could practice. He checked in on me every few days, inspected my work, and told me to rip out my mistake – more than once! The role reversal was quite amusing, but I dutifully complied.

     I have learned a lot from Alex – how his patience could make a difference for me, but also the wisdom and insight this young man commands with regard to his life and in handling his emotions. Thanks, Alex. Oh yes, a scarf is coming your way!

Second Chance Citizen’s Circle: By Chloe Quinn

     On September 29, 2017, Goodwill Industries held a Second Chance Citizen Circle training at our Ashtabula office, hosted by Jennifer Boswell, the Reentry Coordinator from the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation & Correction (ODRC). The event was an all-day training that focused on the development and management of a Citizen’s Circle group.

     The day began by defining: what is a Citizen’s Circle? First, some key terms. Re-entry was explained as the period in which individuals are released from prison or jail. There were 193 inmates admitted into jails and prisons in Ashtabula County just during the calendar year in 2016.  Recidivism is another key term to learn, which is the rate at which people return to a penal institution after serving an initial sentence. Ashtabula County has a recidivism rate that is lower than the state average, and providing returning citizens with support like Citizen’s Circle helps keep that number low.

     Many people come out of jails and prisons with multiple barriers to overcome. Many counties operate Citizen’s Circles as a way to assist returning offenders in navigating supports and services to readjust to society in a crime-free and productive manner. Circles involve volunteers from various local supports, ranging from social service agencies to faith-based organizations, who meet monthly with participants. A few of Goodwill’s local community partners represented at this training, were Community Counseling Center, ACCAA (Ashtabula County Community Action Agency), Catholic Charities, ACDL (Ashtabula County District Library), Signature Health, and  Everlasting Life Recovery Home. Partners assist citizens in developing an “Action Plan” that addresses their strengths and provides tools and guidance in order for them to achieve their goals.

Lake County Staff Introduces "Level-Up" Program: By Lake County Staff

     This program year, our Workforce Development staff in Lake County, adopted the theme “LEVEL-UP.” This theme refers to our participants’ progress in reaching personal, educational, and employment goals. This year’s classes have been framed around this theme by teaching participants about “Goal Setting,” “Time Management: Take Time to Make Time!” and the “Stages of Change.” Upcoming classes are “Successful Interviewing” and “This is Me!”, a group focused on empowerment that will include guest speakers and community leaders willing to share their own stories of leveling-up. Our participants are utilizing skills learned in class, and are adapting to the concept of “leveling up!” The following are some of our participant’s success stories:

- One participant graduated from Brown Aveda and received her advanced cosmetologist license from the Ohio State Board of Cosmetology.

- Through job placement services, one participant successfully interviewed, and accepted a full-time Shift Supervisor position with CVS.

- One participant is pursuing a dog grooming certificate, and has been hired at The Paw Wash after successfully completing a paid work experience. 

- One graduated this year from the Cleveland Institute of Dental & Medical Assistants, and is a registered medical assistant hired in at the Lake County Free Clinic after successfully completing a paid work experience.

- One participant successfully completed a paid work experience at our Madison Goodwill store, with hopes to gain customer service skills. She recently accepted a full time position in food service.

- Another participant is completing a paid work experience that is focused on training her in the area of administrative support. She currently has two placement interviews set up for full time positions in a real estate office, and insurance sales office.

Work Is Music To His Ears: By Mary Murray

    There’s one thing you should know about Tyler S. This young man is persistent. When most teenagers find it difficult to get out of bed on their summer break from school, Tyler, a graduate of North East High School, was up early calling the staff at the Goodwill Summit Workforce Development office, seeking information about his work-based learning experience. Under this program, Goodwill’s Summit Workforce Development staff, partners with the Pennsylvania Office of Vocational Rehabilitation to coach clients while they are paid to work.

     Tyler knew this could be a good gig for him so he called in the morning, in the afternoon, in the evening, and on the weekend. It was all good, illustrating that this young man is serious about his future.

     The staff was working to secure an audio production placement for Tyler; one that he had expressed an interest in. After a few promising inquiries, Tyler was able to work for not one, but three employers in his field. In fact, his success has led all three employers to request that he return to work for them next summer.

     Tyler spent 60 hours working for WQLN, Erie’s Public Broadcasting Station, as an audio production assistant. Tyler produced public service announcements, edited audio spots, and worked six weeks on the Sounds Around Town summer music concert series, setting up equipment before the concerts, tearing down, and working the audio board.

     Not one to lack energy, Tyler simultaneously worked for a private music studio on the days that he was not scheduled at WQLN. His third job was equally as exciting. He worked several long days as a camera operator and director for CATV, Erie’s community access television station during Erie’s Summer Blues & Jazz Festival and the annual Celebrate Erie festival.

     With all of that experience under his belt, we are sure that Tyler is taking California State University of Pennsylvania by storm this fall as a commercial music technology major. We’re sure we will be seeing more of Tyler’s name in the credits of future audio productions as he pursues his passion.

Pennsylvania Association Of Goodwills: By Zach Knight

     Goodwill Industries of Ashtabula, Inc. (Serving Northeast OH & Northwest PA) had the privilege of hosting this year’s annual PAG (Pennsylvania Association of Goodwills) conference through a two-day event that happened Thursday, September 28, 2017, and Friday, September 29, 2017, at the Erie Sheraton Bayfront Hotel. This was the first time in the event’s nine years that Goodwill Industries of Ashtabula, Inc. (Serving Northeast OH & Northwest PA) has hosted the annual event. The purpose of this conference is for Pennsylvania Goodwills to meet their peers, network with each other, share business and mission service ideas, as well as plan for the future. Retired United States Air Force Lieutenant General, Mark Ramsay, also made an appearance to discuss, "The Challenges of Leading and Managing the Work Force."

New Faces At Goodwill: By Zach Knight

     At Goodwill Industries: Serving Northeast Ohio & Northwest Pennsylvania, we firmly believe in our mission; Building self-sufficiency through the power of work. In order to fulfill that mission, we are constantly expanding our workforce and on-boarding talented individuals that are eager to change lives in the communities we serve. It is our pleasure to introduce four new individuals Goodwill has proudly added to our office and workforce development teams! 

     Michelle Lehr works as Goodwill’s Human Resource Generalist. She previously worked as a Government Contractor for William Beaumont Army Medical Center in El Paso, TX after fulfilling her active duty military contract. She enjoys hiking and traveling with her husband. She is originally from Boardman, Ohio and has lived in AZ, TX, MO, WA, and OR, recently moving back to Ohio in February 2017. Michelle attended Park University in Parkville, MO earning a bachelor’s degree in Human Resource Management. She says she has learned a significant amount about the organization in the short time she has been here, and is looking forward to growing with Goodwill!

Angela works as Goodwill’s Bookkeeper. She previously worked at GMJ Consulting, LLC and J. A. Valentic & Co., Inc., CPA’s as a Staff Accountant prior to coming to Goodwill. She enjoys reading, baking, and spending time with her cats and dogs. She has lived in Geneva her whole life, but has worked in Ashtabula since 2008. She attended Lake Erie College, studying Accounting and History. She also attended Cleveland State University for her Master’s in Business Administration, as well, receiving her CPA license in 2014. Angela says she chose to work for Goodwill because she wanted to work for a company that helps the community. She is looking forward to watching the company grow!

Octavia works as Goodwill’s Ready to Work Employment Case Manager for Lake County. She is concurrently the Teen Program Coordinator for the Ashtabula YMCA. Octavia had previously worked at Signature Health as a mental health case manager. She says she is a proud mother of five beautiful girls that are her life and her strong Christian faith is at the center of who she is. With her passion for youth, she volunteers as a youth leader at her church. Overall, she loves to work with people, as she empowers and encourages others to be all they can be. She truly believes that working for Goodwill Industries will help her fulfill that and a lot more!

Sharing, Playing, & Learning Makes For A “Fun Day”: By Mary Murray

     Sometimes it’s the little things we take for granted – learning how to tie square-knots as a kid, dabbling with paints and ink stamps, stringing beautiful beads into a necklace or bracelet. These activities, or hobbies if you will, can lead to a lifelong passion for creating, and sometimes, to a business where others pay for crafts or products.

     Artisans are a pretty happy lot, eager to create, flex their artistic muscle and push themselves to new heights. They are driven to share their creations whether it be something as simple as a knitted cap or something more complex as a carved duck decoy.

     A hobby doesn’t necessary need to be an income-producing activity. Learning to play solitaire can keep one entertained, fine tune math and counting skills, develop a competitive spirit, and reduce the time spent in front of the phone, computer or television.

     That was precisely the goal of Hobby Day, launched this year by Goodwill’s Workforce Development team in Erie through its program, Project Youth Experience Success. The staff took Hobby Day on the road to Corry Area High School and the Erie County Technical School. Hobby Day, or, “Fun Day,” as one student called it, did just that -- exposed students to fun activities that could perhaps spark an interest in a lifelong pursuit to call their own.

     And fun is what the 60 plus students had as they made their way around to 20 different tables to experience – often for the first time -- how to macramé, learning a guitar cord, or stamping cards with a rainbow of iridescent ink. Still others learned to crochet while a few brave students dug their hands into dense clay to shape a small bowl or wall plaque.

      Hobby Day was loud and boisterous  –  just as it was designed to be.  Guitar strumming in one corner, a choral of cheers as students putted a golf ball, or those who tried their hand, or feet, at hacky sack.

     One student taught another how  to pay solitaire; another student showed his friend how to play Jenga, a game in which you balance wooden blocks atop one other; still others were drawn to the classic favorite, Legos.

     In another corner, students worked intently on beading, painting and sprinkling glass cups with glitter. Others painted a Christmas ornament and several students made unique dream catchers.

     And like all kids, these students enjoyed digging in the dirt! Workforce Development Program Manager, Hanni Nazario was surrounded by students as she shared her passion for gardening by having students replant hot-pepper starts she had carefully cultivated from seed. Students also could choose from sunflower seeds, catnip, and herbs.

     Teachers in the Life Skills and Learning Support classrooms in Corry heartily endorsed the concept of Hobby Day and were excited to see their students embrace new activities. Meanwhile, Lesa Scalise, transition center instructor at Erie County Technical School, has already met with the Goodwill staff to make plans for next year’s event. Even more important than the endorsement by the teachers, was the joy so evidently on display on the students’ faces. At Goodwill, we can see the value of combining fun and learning to grow our students.

Project Runway - Youth Experience Success Fashion Show: By Mary Murray

    Lights, camera, and a whole lot of action. As they strolled the lighted catwalk amid thunderous applause, you’d have thought they were moonlighting as professional models in their after-school hours.
     Eight students from Corry Area High School brought down the house with their sass, flirty hair flips, exaggerated dab, and genuine joy as they strutted down the runway decked in some mighty fine threads.
     Mya and Cait, Kayla and Dylan, Jamie and Brian, John and Brady made a name for themselves as fashion models in the first Project Runway: Youth Experience Success Fashion Show sponsored by Goodwill Industries of N.E. OH and N.W. PA.  The goal of the event was to showcase the students in work ready clothing and casual work attire as part of their year-long instruction in job readiness skills.
     About 70 people, including school district officials, faculty, family and friends, attended the midday event in May, held in the school gymnasium.
Classroom instruction, held twice a week, focused on interviewing, resume preparation, phone etiquette, body language, and, equally as important, teamwork, conflict negotiation, independent living and financial literacy.
     Instructor Mary Murray designed the fashion show to showcase the students and what they have learned, but also to give them confidence and a sense of appropriate attire for a job interview. Given the incredible collection of clothing in the Summit Goodwill store in Erie, PA, it was decided that the students, many of whom might not have ever worn a suit jacket or high heels, should have an opportunity to shine in dress suit or a tailored jacket and skirt.
And that, they did. Diminutive Mya, who appeared first, is no stranger to catwalk moves. Though she might be small in stature, she owned the room – strolling down the runway in a striped dress, complimentary designer jacket, and her peach purse swinging in rhythm with the music. She pivoted, hand on hip, flipped her freshly cut bob, and strolled like a pro, although this was the first time she, Cait, and Kayla had ever worn high heels.
     Kayla, who followed, didn’t let her braces prevent her smile from stretching nearly the entire width of the school gymnasium, as she made her way down the lighted runway. Cait, who stands 6 feet tall at age 16, clearly enjoyed her moment in the sun. She exuded bold confidence matched only by the bold orange designer jacket and floral skirt she modeled, complete with 3-inch coral pumps!
     Dylan was the epitome of California dreamin’ dressed in a double-breasted tan jacket, soft pink shirt and tie and cuffed pale olive slacks – all of which complimented his lanky, “model-esque” frame. With his short cropped haircut, twinkling blue eyes and beatific smile, Dylan could easily have strolled a New York City runway.
     Brian, who was dazzled by the prospect of wearing a tie, couldn’t contain his excitement as he grinned broadly, waving to the crowd in his smart, brown suit and blue striped shirt.  Jamie, known as a showman at school for his antics which makes everyone laugh, drew upon his softer side, blowing kisses to the audience with outstretched arm, confidently dressed in a navy shirt, tie and khaki slacks.
     John, tall and quiet, looked handsome in a navy suit jacket, striped shirt and khaki slacks. The dramatic change from his usual t-shirt and athletic pants, brought his mother to tears, according to several members of the audience. And finally, there was Brady who unleashed a few surprises on teachers and guests. Although he had rehearsed his dab – a move made popular by a professional football player and credited to the Atlanta hip hop movement – he finished out the show with a Michael Jackson moonwalk. 
     Though one might not necessarily equate clothing with empowerment, the two went hand and hand at this fashion show. The event was transformational, leaving a lasting impression upon the audience. More important, was the transformation in the students themselves. They were the picture, -- not of fine clothes -- but of confidence, empowerment and hope.

2017 Goodwill Annual Dinner: By Zach Knight

     This past quarter, Goodwill Industries of Ashtabula, Inc. held it’s 2017 Annual Dinner in which we had the pleasure of honoring the individuals that have made our great organization what it has become today.

     It was a full house that night, as over one hundred and sixty individuals from our office, retail, workforce development, and contracts department were in attendance, as well as many organizational and community stakeholders. The night started off with a warm welcome from our President/CEO, Eric Schwarz, who took a moment to reflect back on some of the landslide achievements made by our retail, contracts, and workforce departments. 

    Plaques were awarded to four individuals for their outstanding achievements as well as their personal successes throughout the duration of their employment with Goodwill, or their success throughout the duration of their time in one of our Vocational Rehabilitation programs. 

     In addition to the achievement awards that were given, nineteen individuals received service award pins that recognized and commended their long tenure with Goodwill Industries of Ashtabula, Inc. These employees received five, ten, fifteen, twenty, and twenty-five year service pins. Even a thirty year service pin was awarded to our wonderful Ashtabula production employee, Regina Stringham.

     Overall, the night was very pleasant, as it was filled with many laughs and moments that have since, transitioned to memories that will last a lifetime. Once again, congratulations to all of the award winners as well as all of the Goodwill Industries board members, staff, employees, and community stakeholders that contributed to making 2016 so successful!

Finding Your Life’s Work: By Harry Corbissero

     For many folks – clients and staff alike – Goodwill is a place to pass through, on the road to “bigger and better things.” For some others of us, however, no matter how we got here, it is a place to stay, because under the Goodwill banner we had found the best!

     I had no idea this would be my outcome when I first joined ranks with Goodwill Industries of Ashtabula, Inc. back in 1987, originally as an independent contractor, hired to teach an eight week class called Personal Adjustment.

       Marilyn Katzman (now deceased) was the person who innovated the program, but who allowed me the opportunity to re-interrupt the prescribed agenda in a personal manner, doing so in accord with my creative aptitude and fine arts background.

       My approach as an instructor was thus both to see and deal with the people in our programming as “masterpieces in progress,” seeking further resolution. Actually this credo has served me profoundly well over the years working with an agency devoted to helping people expand their potential and move along the life path, veering toward their own version of success.

       I became a full-time employee at Goodwill in 1994, continuing to tinker with and expand my agenda, while remaining faithful to its original premise. It has never let me down.

       I’ve had the opportunity to learn so much from the people I’ve encountered here over the years, I couldn’t begin to tell you all of the stories… Even so, I thought I could distill some of that learning down into a few concrete ideas that may have relevance to share.

       All of us need to know we have value, regardless of our life circumstance. Over the years I’ve discovered this deficit of self-belief at the crux of much pain and suffering in a person’s life.

       All people respond favorably to encouragement, when it is offered up in a spirit of sincerity. I’ve discovered too many people have been told “they can’t,” and need to learn that willingness to try constitutes an empowering first step.

Goodwill Grand Opening In Harborcreek: By Zach Knight

On April 29, 2017 in Harborcreek, Pennsylvania, we celebrated the official grand opening of the sixth addition to our retail store fleet. Standing on the corner of Buffalo and Nagle Road (behind Walgreens) is our brand new 1,700 square foot store and drive-through attended donation center where many stood, waiting patiently for the doors to unlock at 9:00 a.m. on the stores’ first day. The six month long preparation had folks on the edge of their seat, as one woman stated she had occasionally made special trips to the unfinished store to peek in the windows out of excitement. The grand opening was a great success, as the store constantly needed restocked throughout the day. Thank you to all who made the event successful and the Haborcreek community for their generous support and welcoming!

New Faces At Goodwill: By Zach Knight

          Over the past few months, Goodwill Industries: Serving Northeast Ohio and Northwest Pennsylvania has had several office and managerial opportunities become available in both of the states we serve. The opportunities presented to the chosen individuals, in turn, presented great opportunities to Goodwill, as we recognize the great talent and aptitude these folks bring to our team. Without further ado, we would like to introduce these new talented faces that we have the pleasure of working along side, here at Goodwill:

Katrina works as Goodwill’s Office Specialist and Receptionist. She previously worked at the Lake Co. Juvenile Court as a Deputy Clerk, prior to coming to Goodwill.  She enjoys working out, coaching track & cheerleading, cooking and doing anything with her children.  She’s lived in Ashtabula her whole life and attended the University of Akron as well as Kent State University, studying Computer Tech. and Communications. Katrina says she chose to work for Goodwill because she loves to be a part of an organization that helps the community. She says she has learned a lot about the programs Goodwill has to offer in the short time that she’s been here, and she’s looking forward to growing with the organization.

Sean works as Goodwill’s Store Manager in our Summit Towne Center store in Erie, Pennsylvania. Prior to working at Goodwill, Sean worked several jobs, but the most recent was a position as Assistant Manager at Dunham’s Sports. He enjoys playing soccer in the majority of his free time, but also likes to fish and do woodworking. Sean is originally from Zelienople, PA, but moved to Erie in 2009. He is now attending Edinboro University, working to obtain a degree in Forensic Accounting. What Sean enjoys most about working for Goodwill, is the feeling of helping someone; either through our Workforce programs, or by providing cheaper goods for individuals who may be in a time of need.

Douglas works as Goodwill’s Production Manager in our Summit Towne Center store in Erie, Pennsylvania. He began his career in the Electronics Industry, and has moved on to work in various fields such as the "Green" Rail Industry, the Medical Equipment Industry and the Electronics Recycling Industries as a Production Manager. During his off hours, Douglas enjoys cooking, grilling and smoking meats, as well as various sports such as Baseball, Wrestling, Boxing and Soccer. When he finds the time, he also enjoys fishing in the area's lake and streams. Douglas is a McKean resident and graduate of General McLane High School & Erie County Vo-tech, with continued education through Penn State Behrend. The decline in the area's manufacturing market brought Douglas to the area of Retail. Douglas brings the working knowledge of efficiency, accuracy and speed when processing the thousands of donations on a daily basis. The knowledge and training he shares with his team is valuable in the continued growth and development that Goodwill provides. The personal development that Douglas has experienced for himself, in this particular sector of the community, has been extremely rewarding and satisfying.

Teamwork Makes the Dream Work: By Mary Murray

         On an unusually balmy afternoon, Andre Lyons used his quiet charm, sense of humor and deep affection for the mission of Goodwill to inspire a group of students at Fort LeBoeuf High School to follow in his footsteps at the Summit Towne store.

         Andre led a group of six students, grades 9 to 12, in the first tour of what promises to become a staple for the Pennsylvania Office of Vocational Rehabilitation. Following the two -and-one-half hour event, the students gave Andre a thumbs up for showing them all facets of the Summit operation. Many excitedly told Andre that they liked the hands-on experience they received.

       Andre, Job Coach and Employment Specialist, began his tour by sharing the history of Goodwill, discussing the job responsibilities of team members and stressing the importance of teamwork needed to accomplish the store’s operational goals. Accompanying him on the tour was new employee, Angela Murosky, an instructor in Workforce Development.

Later, students shared in writing their own definition of teamwork with such phrases as, “Teamwork is a greater thing than being alone on a team,” and “One person doesn’t make a team. More is what makes a team.”

         

        Following the writing exercise, Andre took the students outside to the front of the store and began to methodically explain the donation process, starting with the donation boxes. Stepping back inside the store, students met Katrina and learned about the Attended Donation Center and the customer service required to provide donation receipts and carry in boxes for donors.

          

    Next stop was Textiles, at which Andre explained the value of teamwork needed between production employees Tasha and Tia to sort, tag, and hang the clothes properly on the racks for eventual merchandise fulfillment in the store. He explained that the team checks each other. “If one misses something, the other will catch it,” he told the students, adding that if items are not properly hung on the racks it can create “tension” between co-workers in the warehouse and retail floor.

          

A Constancy of Purpose: By Harry Corbissero

          Some years ago, the Cleveland Plain Dealer ran an essay contest, “Why You Love Your Job.” The prize was five thousand smackeroos, and I entered. I didn’t win (they had 1,400 entrants), but I would like to share my submission because it really tells you something about what has sustained me in my instructional role over my long tenure here at Goodwill Industries. Okay, here it is:

          I feel quite passionate about my job and, if that’s love such a designation is okay with me.

          I work in the field of rehabilitation (now Workforce Development) as an instructor of both life and work-related skills, and have been doing so since 1987. I deal with people who have barriers to employment.

          One barrier the vast majority of the individuals I’ve encountered over the years share in common is feeling themselves to be “not as good as others,” for reason of the aforementioned personal barriers, as well as just being unemployed. My central mission is to help these folks learn to readjust their self-views and reignite their inner spark, giving rise to hope and new ambition.

          I’ve certainly encountered days when my own inner voice suggests to me that there are easier ways to make a living, but over riding these monetary lapses is the tremendous gratification I experience when I witness people move past the looming crevasse of their own self-doubt, and gain a more stable footing on the other side.

          That step is crucial as a preamble to further growth. And, as the old saying states, the first step is often the hardest one to take.

          I hope you’d agree that this idea still has a value, in spite of what a different world we live in these days.

A Little Support Makes A Big Difference: By Sandi Allison

          Our Lake County Training Center Manager, Rosemary, recounts a story of how little things motivate people we serve.

          One of our participants, who is a kind, creative, single mother motivated to make a better life for herself and her son, had been struggling with drug addiction prior to her pregnancy and ended up with a criminal conviction that landed her incarcerated. Rosemary reached out to her, writing her a supportive letter while she was in jail. The participant sent a return letter and said, “I’d like to thank you for reaching out to me the way you did. It means a lot to know I still have people wanting to help.” She then said, “I would like you to visit after I am transferred because I’ll be able to wear my own clothing and it won’t be behind bars.”

          Rosemary tells us, “Those words reinforced my belief that supporting our participants, even if it must be done remotely, is critical to their morale, their motivation, and ultimately to their success.”

What Does It Take?: By Chloe Quinn

          What does it take to turn a client into an employee? This question could evoke debate, but two clear answers are evident when you look at the team at Goodwill, Ashtabula. Both Myles Beckwith and Kaylee Parmertor began their adventure at Goodwill as clients -- in the yO! (Youth Opportunity) and PRIDE (Personal Responsibility in Developing Employment) programs, respectively. They are both now seasoned employees, who bring their talents and skills to work with them every day, in turn making life better for those in Northeast Ohio. In their time here, they have both become highly valued members of our team.

Myles began his time at Goodwill as a yO! program participant in August of 2015. Within months, he realized that he would enjoy working here, and so in October of 2015, he applied and was hired into the position of General Laborer.  Since then, he has turned production in the wipers area around, out-performing prior production numbers in this area. Way to go, Myles—keep up the amazing work!

Kaylee began her journey as a PRIDE program participant in January of 2016.  When she was offered a chance to work here, she turned her chance into an opportunity, and took it in June of 2016. She now works as a General Laborer in the Goodwill, Ashtabula production area, and you will find her smiling face sorting and testing items in E&M (electronics and mechanical), or doing anything else asked of her. Congratulations, Kaylee; keep on moving up!

          The moral of this story is this: don’t let your story end in the middle of a sentence! There are many programs available to help individuals succeed here at Goodwill, no matter where they might be at in their story. We believe in the transformative power of work- and that belief shines through in our success stories such as these shared by Myles and Kaylee!

Fueling Your Passion: By Mary Murray

          There was a buzz of activity, lots of chatter and peals of laughter in Room 152 as students at General McLane High School put their passion to work busily cutting, pasting, gluing, and drawing on their poster boards.  In the process, they also honed their negotiating and teamwork skills.

          The interactive, hands-on activity was designed by instructor Angela Murosky as a means of making the learning a fun activity while teaching a lesson on volunteering. First, she had the students watch a video focused on making a difference in the lives of others.  In another classroom with older students, Angela added another component, requiring students to fill out a worksheet on transferrable skills, such as teamwork, customer service, time management and organizational skills – that would be developed through volunteering.

          Students, working in groups of four, leafed through a directory of 30 volunteer organizations compiled by their instructor. The group had to reach a consensus on which non-profit agency it would select. Then the students dug in, making a poster with markers, pencils, drawings and other images to showcase the work of the agency. Each group was required to provide some specific information – contact information, illustrate what the agency does, and who it serves -- and were urged to be as creative as possible. After the students completed the assignment, they were required to make a formal presentation. One group member was chosen to be the presenter and his/her job  was to explain to the class why the agency was chosen, what they do, and identify the constituents they serve.

          The activity was an overwhelming success, Angela said, prompting students to speak with passion about causes they find important – whether it’s the ANNA Shelter or Asbury Woods Nature Center in Millcreek. One student, Tori, was so excited about the project learning more about the ANNA Shelter, that she asked whether she could take the poster home to show it to her mother, Angela said.

          The assignment gave students more information about community resources and how they might pursue volunteering – simply as a means of giving back. The bonus is that many students also reflected on their choice as a career opportunity -- a goal that aligns perfectly with Project Youth Experience Success.