Ohio Valley Goodwill Industries

The 2013 Goodwill Celebrity Golf Outing teed off only a few minutes late on the morning of June 13th, despite torrential rain and stormy skies for the early part of the set-up and check-in time. Fortunately, good humor and positive optimism on the part of Goodwill volunteers, Glenview staff team members, celebrities, players and the outing organizers prevailed and almost 200 golfers got off to an almost sunny start. This year marked the 13th anniversary of the Goodwill Golf event and Honorary Chairman Joe Walter along with President and CEO, Joe Byrum thanked the assembled sponsors, players and volunteers for their support over the past 13 years. “We could not have this wonderful event without your support and participation and we are very grateful for your on-going commitment to Goodwill’s mission of service to individuals with disabilities,” said Joe Byrum, President and CEO. The annual golf outing is the single fund-raising event that the organization hosts each year in support of its programs and services.

Honorary Chairman Joe Walter and Outing Coordinator, Doug Ostholthoff, standing with CARE greeters and volunteers. Goodwill President and CEO Joe Byrum standing with CARE Supervisor Lois Kramer and 2013 CARE Greeters.

After the official launch, the 2013 Goodwill golf outing players enjoyed playing 18 holes on the beautiful Glenview course along with their celebrity partners. As always, Honorary Chair Joe Walter welcomed a host of his celebrity friends including Bengal luminaries Jim Breech, David Fulcher, David Lapham and more. “I am always so happy to join with my fellow athletes in supporting such an important cause,” said Joe Walter.

The 2013 Goodwill Golf Outing also marked the return of its celebrated volunteer team from its CARE (Center for Advocacy, Recreation and Education) program; partner agency, Hamilton County Developmental Disabilities Services as well as Stephanie Mitchell, former Golf Outing co-chair.

One of the highlights of the annual event in recent years has been the Spectacular Helicopter Ball Drop and this year was no exception. Thousands of golf balls were dropped from a helicopter by Goodwill Board member, Jim Armour, to the delight of the watching spectators, following the end of play. The 2013 lucky winner of the $2500 Grand Prize was selected by Joe Walter, Doug Ostholthoff and past co-chair Stephanie Mitchell as they picked up the ball that landed closest to the pin.

“The 13th annual Goodwill Celebrity Golf Outing was once again a fantastic success thanks to the hard work of everyone involved and the support of our sponsors, players and volunteers,” said Outing Coordinator, Doug Ostholthoff.

The day’s festivities ended with a lavish dinner buffet sponsored by Lother’s Catering followed by sponsor recognition, silent auction winner announcements and the most looked forward to part of the outing, the annual contest winners.

Ohio Valley Goodwill is grateful to 2013 Presenting Sponsors MVD Communications and US Bank, Beverage Sponsor: Palmer Leasing, Cart Sponsor: Rumpke, Helicopter Ball Drop Sponsor: Tape Products; Grill Station Sponsor: Village Pantry Catering, Dinner Sponsor: Lother’s Catering, Signage Sponsor: Holthaus-Lackner Signs, Hole-in-One Sponsor: McCluskey Chevrolet as well as Celebrity Host, Joe Walter.

Our sincere thanks to all of our 2013 sponsors, players, volunteers and friends for their on-going support of Ohio Valley Goodwill and our mission of service to the Greater Cincinnati community. Each year, the organization serves almost 3000 people with disabilities and our nation’s veterans. It is community support that makes our mission possible. Watch for the 2013 Goodwill Celebrity Golf Outing Photo Gallery coming next week.

The Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) has announced that Ohio Valley Goodwill Industries Rehabilitation Center, Inc. has been accredited for a period of three years for:
• Community Employment Services: Employment Supports
• Community Employment Services: Job Development
• Community Integration
• Comprehensive Vocational Evaluation Services
• Employment Skills Training Services

CARF is an independent, nonprofit accrediting body whose mission is to promote the quality, value, and optimal outcomes of services through a consultative accreditation process that centers on enhancing the lives of persons served. Of particular note, the CARF evaluators stated that “upon review of our records, we have also determined that your organization has achieved a level of “accreditation distinction” among your peers.”

The latest accreditation is the fourth consecutive Three-Year Accreditation that the international accrediting body has awarded to Ohio Valley Goodwill Industries Rehabilitation Center, Inc. The CARF survey letter noted that Goodwill’s “achievement of four consecutive surveys with zero recommendations is rare and places it in a distinct group of organizations.”
Highlights of the 2013 CARF survey letter included the following statements:

“The commitment of the board, leadership, and staff members to its mission and vision promotes a culture of care and compassion for the individuals served and their families that permeates the entire organization. Its sterling reputation with community members; funding and referral sources; and, particularly, the persons served and their families reflects the high level of satisfaction expressed by all stakeholder groups.”

Ohio Valley Goodwill takes great pride in the personal success of the men and women with disabilities that the organization serves and is delighted that the 2013 CARF survey results reflect this level of commitment and dedication to its organizational mission. This accreditation decision represents
the highest level of accreditation that can be awarded to an organization and shows Goodwill’s full conformance to the CARF standards.

An organization receiving a Three-Year Accreditation has put itself through a rigorous peer review process and has demonstrated to a team of surveyors during an on-site visit that its programs and services are of the highest quality, measurable, and accountable. The 2013 CARF survey letter closed with:
“Please accept this letter of recognition as a commendation to your organization for your significant achievement and a sustained commitment to enhancing the lives of persons served in your community through high quality services.”

As one of the largest providers of vocational training and job placement services in Southwestern Ohio, Ohio Valley Goodwill Industries has had a long history of excellence in the quality of services it provides to Greater Cincinnati. Each year, Ohio Valley Goodwill serves almost 3,000 men and women with disabilities and our nation’s veterans.
For additional information or a tour of Ohio Valley Goodwill Industries Rehabilitation Center, please contact the Marketing Department at (513) 771-4800.

Katie Weber pictured with Mom, Karen Weber, Goodwill Cheviot team, Ann Walters, Sales Manager and Michael Flannery, Public Information Officer

Ohio Valley Goodwill’s staff team was elated to have the opportunity to recognize the community service of volunteer, Katie Weber, during an official “thank you” ceremony held at the organization’s Cheviot store location on Monday, June 3rd. Katie chose to put together a Goodwill donation drive at her school, Dater Montessori,  for her service project this year. Katie and her family are friends with Goodwill Public Information Officer, Michael Flannery and because of this relationship, Katie is very aware that Goodwill serves people with disabilities. Katie’s “Goodwill Donation Drive” took place at the school at the end of May and resulted in the collection of more than 2000 pounds of donated items.

“We really wanted to figure out a way to thank Katie for her hard work and for choosing Goodwill for her school project,” said Ann Walters, Retail Sales Manager. “We think it’s very important for kids to learn about community volunteerism and Katie’s efforts are certainly an inspiration to all of us,” added Walters. Katie was presented with a plaque from Goodwill Public Information Officer, Michael Flannery and then, a  gift certificate from Cheviot Store Manager, Tammy Rosen. “The gift certificate can be used at any Goodwill store and can be used anytime Katie wants to use it,” said Ann Walters. Katie’s mom, Karen, remarked Katie loves to shop and the gift certificate will come in handy. All of the members of the Goodwill team were touched when Katie smiled and said “Thank You” to everyone present.

Ohio Valley Goodwill applauds Katie Weber for her community activism efforts and is grateful to Katie, her family and Dater Montessori for their generous donations to the organization and its mission of service to individuals with disabilities.

Saturday, June 1st marked the occasion of the 2013 CARA “Wheels for Wishes” 8th annual fund-raiser held at Beech Acres park. Ohio Valley Goodwill has been a major sponsor of this event since its inception. “Wheels for Wishes” is a family-friendly, community celebration and is designed to support CARA, the Community Ambassadors Resource Alliance, and its mission of raising funds to enrich the lives of individuals with developmental disabilities.

Sunny skies prevailed despite gloomy forecasts and a good time was had by all in attendance. This year’s event featured musician and Master of Ceremonies Mark Macomber along with the CRS Barbershop Quintet and Jake Ryan, performance artist. In addition, guests enjoyed the opportunity to custom design their own t-shirts, sponsored by DIY Printing and to play with the foster dogs presented by Peppermint Pig.

As always, the official start of the day is a lap around the track and the opportunity to win some of the lavish raffle baskets sponsored by CARA partner organizations. The culmination of the morning-long festivities is the drawing for a brand new bike and this year’s Grand Prize winner was Ginny Roll Moorehous. “We’re thrilled to have the support of all of our CARA partners and friends for this year’s Wheels for Wishes event,” said Amy Linz, Chairperson. The 2013 event raised over $2000 which will be used to provide scholarships to enrich the lives of individuals with developmental disabilities.

Ohio Valley Goodwill is proud to be a sponsor of CARA’s “Wheels for Wishes” annual fund-raiser as well as the opportunity to serve as an agency partner.

The sounds of dance music filled the halls of Ohio Valley Goodwill’s corporate headquarters on Friday, May 31st as the 2013 CARE Prom got underway. The Center for Advocacy, Recreation and Education (CARE) held it’s 6th annual Spring Prom event much to the delight of both the program participants as well as the invited special guests. The afternoon-long party marks one of the major social occasions of the Spring season, as participants and staff work together to create the magical decorations, beguiling fashion statements, and most importantly, select the dance tunes for the day.

Goodwill’s award-winning CARE program is designed to provide life-enriching opportunities for the individuals that choose to be part of the program and has consistently delivered on that promise since its beginnings in 2004. “The Spring Prom is something we look forward to every year and is enjoyed by everyone,” said Lois Kramer, CARE Supervisor. “I think it’s especially fun for family members to join in all of the festivities,” added Kramer.

CARE is one of the many programs offered by Ohio Valley Goodwill through its partnerships with local County Boards of Developmental Disabilities, to provide personal development options as well as work and skill training programs. To find out more about CARE, please visit www.cincinnatigoodwill.org/services. To schedule a tour, please contact: Sharon Hannon, Marketing Specialist at 771-4800, ext. 6364.

Ohio Valley Goodwill congratulates CARE on the wonderful success of their 6th annual Spring Prom event!

“Goodwill is excited about this year’s Wheels for Wishes event because of the new features that have been added,” said Sharon Hannon, Marketing Specialist. In addition to wonderful entertainment provided by the CRS Barbershop Quartet, Jake Ryan (a Michael Jackson-inspired performance artist), and Master of Ceremonies Mark Macomber, the CARA group is sponsoring a Pet Adoption event in partnership with the Peppermint Pig and has a host of raffle items generously donated by its partners as well an iPAD and brand new bicycle.” The morning-long event offers the opportunity for attendees to listen to great music; ride, walk or wheel around the track; custom design their own t-shirt with support provided by DIY Printing; and win great prizes.

To find out more about this year’s family-oriented, fun “Wheels for Wishes” event, please visit their website at www.caragroup.org. Please join Goodwill and CARA on Saturday, June 1st at Beech Acres and help enrich the lives of people with disabilities. This is a pet-friendly event.

L to R: Ohio Representative Margaret Conditt with Goodwill President and CEO, Joe Byrum.

Ohio Valley Goodwill’s President and CEO, Joe Byrum, was pleased to welcome State Representative Margaret Conditt to the organization’s corporate headquarters on Friday, May 24th for a comprehensive tour of its programs and services. Conditt represents House District 52 which is Liberty Township in Butler County. Through its partnership with the Butler County Board of Developmental Disabilities, Goodwill serves several hundred individuals at both its Fairfield satellite location as well as its main campus.

The Representative learned about Goodwill’s skill training, job placement and coaching services as well as its Center for Advocacy, Recreation and Education (CARE) where individuals are able to engage in enrichment opportunities of their choice. On Fridays, cooking classes take place in the CARE program and individuals were busily involved in making a banana cream pie during her visit. In addition, the Representative toured Work Adjustment, the Production building and visited the Veterans dormitory and learned about the extensive programs for both veterans and their families as well as individuals served in partnership with the County Boards of Developmental Disabilities as well as the Rehabilitation Services Commission.

“I am really amazed and pleasantly surprised to learn about the outstanding nature of Goodwill’s programs and services,” said Representative Conditt following the conclusion of the tour. “As a advocate for our nation’s veterans, I am especially pleased to see the work Goodwill is doing to help veterans get back in the workforce,” added Conditt. The Representative has recently co-sponsored a bill in the House to help veterans with military training in specific skill areas to have that training acknowledged in the civilian world as opposed to having to start over once discharged.

Ohio Valley Goodwill thanks Representative Conditt for her important visit to the organization’s corporate headquarters and her work on behalf of Ohio’s citizens.

On May 16th, advocates from Goodwill organizations nationally participated in Goodwill’s Annual Advocacy Day in support of better job opportunities for U.S. workers. Goodwill advocates met with hundreds of lawmakers and staff on Capitol Hill to urge Congress to protect investments that leverage Goodwill’s infrastructure, resources and expertise in job training and employment. The event is the centerpiece of Goodwill Industries International’s seventh annual Advocacy Day.

“The nation’s unemployment picture is slowly improving after the most difficult labor period in a generation,” said Jim Gibbons, president and CEO, Goodwill Industries International “Nonetheless, we are continuing to see increased demand for our job training and employment services, which are being threatened by government spending restrictions. Now is the time for Goodwill advocates to inform members of Congress about the ongoing need for job services, especially for those Americans who face challenges to gaining or maintaining employment.”

Among the high-priority items for Ohio Valley Goodwill and the other independent Goodwill agencies from around the country are:
• The Charitable Deduction – The work of organizations such as Goodwill is made possible by the generosity of Americans whose donations support charitable causes.

Proposals to limit the charitable giving incentive in order to increase government revenues are likely to reduce resources for charities at a time when resources are shrinking and service requests are increasing.
• Non-defense Discretionary Funds – While retail operations generate the bulk of the funding that Ohio Valley Goodwill and other Goodwill agencies need to provide employment services, government resources are essential in making up the difference.

These resources have declined over the past decade, and Goodwill believes Congress should protect investments in employment and training programs rather than restrict them.

• The AbilityOne Program – The largest provider of employment opportunities for people who are blind or who have significant disabilities, the AbilityOne Program allows Ohio Valley Goodwill and more than 75 other community-based Goodwill agencies to collectively employ some 7,000 individuals.

These services are being negatively and disproportionately impacted by the government’s automatic spending cuts.
Become an advocate for individuals looking for meaningful employment. Write your local Member of Congress to take immediate action today:
http://www.goodwill.org/get-involved/advocate/action-center/

On behalf of Ohio Valley Goodwill locally, we appreciate your support which has allowed us to serve men and women with disabilities and our nation’s veterans in the Greater Cincinnati area for more than 97 years. It is your generous donations to Goodwill that help us put people to work!

The legislator was also interested to see the many programs offered to individuals served through our partnerships with County Boards of Developmental Disabilities as well as the Rehabilitation Services Commission.

Mr. Retherford was very cordial in meeting all of the Goodwill staff team members as well as program participants and noted that he was very impressed with the operations. “I am very pleased to find out more about Goodwill and the economic impact that the organization has in helping people go to work in our community,” said the Representative.

Mr. Retherford’s visit was especially timely as today is National Advocacy Day on the part of Goodwill organizations at the nation’s capitol. “We’re all about helping people go to work- whether its veterans or others trying to find employment,” said Michael Flannery, Public Information Officer.

For more information about Goodwill’s programs and services, please visit www.cincinnatigoodwill.org/services.

L to R: Kaitie Stretch and Katie Towns, Goodwill Placement Team Members.

Katie and Kaitie, one of Ohio Valley Goodwill Employment Services teams…Together they help put people to work!

Ohio Valley Goodwill has a pretty unique approach to helping people find jobs and we thought it would be interesting to introduce one of our Employment teams, Katie and Kaitie and explain a little about how they work. Katie Towns is a Placement Case Manager and Kaitie Stretch is a Placement Specialist and together they put all of their combined resources into helping people find jobs in the community.

As a Placement Specialist, Kaitie Stretch is the Marketing end of the team. She works directly with the employer to develop the prospective position based on what the individual wants and literally, “markets” the individual and the benefits of hiring them to the employer. She will then provide on-going coordination of the case management aspects of the needed supports to ensure that the individual maintains employment successfully.

As a Placement Case Manager, Katie Towns works directly with the job applicant in helping them to develop their job resume, practice for the interview, provide transportation and support as needed, and also, provide tips that might help the individual to be successful their obtaining the job. “This unique approach to job placement has really enabled us to help our job-seekers to find the positions that they really want and also to meet the employer’s expectations,” said Katie Towns.

“One of our recent stories about how well this team approach works involves a gentleman that really wanted a position with US Bank but had pretty firm ideas about the hours he wanted to work and the supports that he would need in such a position. He was convinced that he would never be able to get the job he wanted, but in working together, we were able to make that happen,” said Katie Towns.

Ohio Valley Goodwill is proud of the work of Katie and Kaitie and the entire Goodwill Placement team as they work hard to help people achieve personal success. To find out more about the benefits of working with Goodwill, please visit www.goodwillemploymentservices.com or call Marty Caffrey, Employment Services Manager at 771-4800, ext. 6239.