The Latest News from OVGI

L to R is Sharon Hannon, Marketing Specialist and Leslie McCurley, Asst. Director of DD Services

Saturday, March 6th marked Ohio Valley Goodwill’s 4th time as a featured exhibitor for the 2010 Summer Adventures for all Kids Expo held once again at Tri-County Mall. Hundreds of families, teachers, parent mentors, individuals and professionals attend the annual event which offers an opportunity to find out about the array of resources that are available in the Greater Cincinnati community for children and adults with disabilities. The collaborative event is sponsored by the Hamilton, Butler and Clermont Boards of Developmental Disabilities as well as the Hamilton County Educational Services Center and the Down Syndrome Association.

The Expo is designed primarily to showcase summer camps and activities for kids but also features year-around activities and transition programs. Goodwill’s many program options and experience with transition planning makes the organization an attractive option for families, teachers and individuals exploring opportunities after high school.

“We are always delighted to be included in the Summer Adventures for All Kids event,” said Leslie McCurley, Asst. Director of DD Services. “It’s a wonderful opportunity to talk with lots of interested families about how Goodwill can provide needed programs and services for their sons or daughters into the future,” added McCurley.

Ohio Valley Goodwill was also thrilled to receive a recognition plaque from Expo organizers in acknowledgement of the organization’s participation over the past 4 years.

Host Joe Walter and Celebrity Co-Host Stephanie Mitchell

Ohio Valley Goodwill is delighted to announce the upcoming 10th Anniversary Celebration of the Goodwill Celebrity Golf Outing. The annual event is being held this year on Thursday, June 17th at the beautiful Shaker Run Golf Club and will be filled with special anniversary features including recognition of our many friends and supporters over the years. Celebrity host Joe Walter  and co-host Stephanie Mitchell will bring lots of very special guests to this year’s event and everyone will have a chance to enjoy a beautiful day of golf, celebration and a look back at how their support has helped Goodwill’s mission of putting people to work.

“Ohio Valley Goodwill is certainly looking forward to the opportunity to thank our friends for 10 years of support and participation in the annual golf outing,” said Joe Byrum, Goodwill President and CEO. “The outing has become a much looked forward to chance to get together with our many friends in a fun and relaxed way which not only is enjoyable but works to benefit the organization’s mission,” added Byrum.

To register for the 10th Anniversary Celebration of the Goodwill Celebrity Golf Outing, please click here. Ohio Valley Goodwill, celebrity host Joe Walter, co-host Stephanie Mitchell and everyone we serve look forward to seeing you on the links on Thursday, June 17th at Shaker Run. For more information about this year’s special event, contact Sharon Hannon, Event Coordinator, at 771-4800, ext. 6364. To make a donation to our annual auction event, please contact Kim Masters at 771-4800, ext. 6270. Remember, with your support, Ohio Valley Goodwill serves more than 2600 individuals with disabilities and our nation’s veterans each year!

Ohio Valley Goodwill was honored to serve as the host location for the 2010 Advocacy and Leadership Summit. The premiere event welcomed more than 120 advocates, Goodwill staff team members, as well as co-presenters, the Hamilton County Developmental Disabilities (HCDDS), Advocacy and Leadership Network. The summit served as the opportunity to provide information to the many individuals in attendance about the advocacy and leadership development options available through Goodwill as well as HCDDS and the larger community.

Samantha Woolery, Chairperson of Goodwill’s Consumer Advisory Committee (CAC) and James Harley, Secretary, welcomed the interested group to the 2010 summit and provided an overview of Goodwill’s self-advocacy efforts.

Katie Wietmarschen, Community Preparation Program Manager and Leslie McCurley, Asst. Director of DD Services for Goodwill surprised the CAC co-chairs by presenting them with the 2010 HCDDS Superintendent’s Award which Goodwill had officially received at the 2010 HCDDS Annual Awards event on March 1st. The prestigious award was given to Goodwill’s CAC group in recognition of their outstanding community outreach on behalf of the 2009 HCDDS Levy Campaign. “Goodwill is extremely proud of the accomplishments of CAC not only this past year but since they began their self-advocacy work more than 15 years ago,” said Leslie McCurley.

The 2010 summit presented basic concepts in leadership and advocacy to the assembled guests and was highlighted by a special presentation about the use of People First language and the Advocacy Leadership Network’s “People Aren’t Jars” training. The “People Aren’t Jars” presentation focuses on not using hurtful “labels” and treating individuals with respect at all times.

Ohio Valley Goodwill hosted the 2010 Summit as part of its Community Integration initiatives designed to help people develop the necessary skills to be successful in all aspects of their lives. “I was inspired to see the impact that this initial summit had on the individuals who were participants in this event,” said Katie Wietmarschen, co-facilitator. “Goodwill will continue to be a leader for providing opportunities for people to learn about community resources for integration into the future,” added Wietmarschen.

Ohio Valley Goodwill’s Consumer Advisory Committee (CAC) was honored to be selected for recognition at the 2010 Hamilton County Developmental Disabilities Services (HCDDS) Annual Awards event held March 1st. The prestigious award was presented to CAC in recognition of their hard work in support of the 2009 HCDDS Levy Campaign as well as for their on-going community outreach efforts. Joe Byrum, Goodwill President and CEO, Melinda Gabelman, Advocate and Sharon Hannon, Marketing Specialist were delighted to accept the Superintendent’s award on behalf of the Consumer Advisory Committee.

“We are very proud of Goodwill’s Consumer Advisory Committee and applaud their advocacy work that benefits all individuals with disabilities,” said Byrum after accepting the award. Cheryl Phipps, HCDDS Superintendent, went on to commend Goodwill for its support of the Levy campaign generally and specifically, the co-coordination and sponsorship of the 2009 What Matters Most Fashion Show. The sold-out, precedent-setting show was designed to showcase the skills and abilities of all people with disabilities and served as the launch of Visionaries and Voices fashion designer, Nikki Martin. (Click here to view images from the 2009 CARA What Matters Most Fashion Show).

“Ohio Valley Goodwill is gratified by the recognition of our efforts to support individuals with disabilities and especially, the hard work of the many advocates represented by its Consumer Advisory Committee,” said Byrum, Goodwill President and CEO. The organization has worked in partnership with HCDDS for more than 25 years and serves more than 500 individuals per year with developmental disabilities.

L to R: Tim Spoleti, Program Mgr, Marty Caffrey, Mentor Specialist, Donna Finklea, Data Recording Specialist

Tuesday, March 2nd marked the date of the official launch of Ohio Valley Goodwill’s newest service option, its Goodwill GoodGuides™ program. The new program is designed to assist youth in Northern Kentucky in overcoming disadvantages and avoiding delinquency. The GoodGuides™ program is part of a national youth mentoring program in partnership with Goodwill Industries International. The goal of the program is to match at-risk youth with caring adults and provide them with guidance and support through career exploration and job readiness skills.

The Goodwill GoodGuides™ program engages adult volunteers who are expected to commit to supporting, guiding and being a friend to a young person for a period of at least one year. Mentors help youth develop and reach positive academic, career and personal goals. The program targets youth between the ages of 12 and 17 who are at-risk for dropping out of school, facing legal troubles, or are at-risk due to issues such as abuse, disability, drug or alcohol dependence, or gang membership.

“With Goodwill GoodGuides™, we will be able to offer expanded mentoring services to the youth of the Northern Kentucky community. Goodwill will recruit, train and support volunteer mentors to engage youth in promoting their career development and life skills,” said Tim Spoleti, Program Manager for GoodGuides of Ohio Valley Goodwill.

Currently, the Goodwill GoodGuides™ program is seeking caring, compassionate adult mentors to participate in its newest service opportunity for at-risk youth. For more information about the Goodwill GoodGuides™ program and its mentoring opportunities, please contact Tim Spoleti at 513-771-4800, ext. 6220 or tspoleti@cincigoodwill.org

CAC members encouraging others to open their hearts in support of Haitian Relief

Ohio Valley Goodwill’s Consumer Advisory Committee took advantage of pre-Valentine’s Day good feelings on Friday, February 12th, by hosting a sale of flowers and hand-made greeting cards in both its Springfield Pike and Fairfield locations. The special sale was organized by Consumer Advisory Committee (CAC) members who wanted to encourage others to open their hearts in support of Haiti. The CAC is a group of individuals who participate in work training programs at Goodwill and are concerned with advocacy efforts on a wide array of topics. The Valentine sale was specifically planned as a fund-raiser on behalf of Haitian Relief. Members of the group wrapped flowers, assisted customers with gift selection, and organized all aspects of the special event- making it a true team effort and a wonderful success!

“I couldn’t be more pleased with the efforts of CAC to support Haitian Relief and their on-going commitment to community advocacy,” said Erin Hill, CAC Advisor. The initial event raised over $200 and will be followed by a bake sale on Wednesday, February 17th sponsored by Goodwill’s Westwood CAC team members.

CARA models and supporters at 2010 Fabulous Fur Fashion Show

Thursday, February 11th marked the 2nd anniversary of the Community Ambassadors Resource Alliance (CARA)-sponsored Fabulous Fur Fashion Show in Covington, Kentucky. Ohio Valley Goodwill’s Marketing Specialist, Sharon Hannon, along with many other friends and supporters of the CARA organization, were in attendance at this year’s event. CARA’s mission is to increase involvement of individuals with developmental disabilities as well as to raise funds to meet their needs. Goodwill is a founding member of the CARA group, which is affiliated with Hamilton County Developmental Disabilities Services (HCDDS).

The gala event was the highlight of the winter season with fun and faux fur for everyone in attendance. The evening was capped off with a glamorous fashion show featuring CARA members as models, as well as HCDDS staff members and friends. “The CARA group is always very appreciative to Fabulous Furs for the opportunity to hold this wonderful event in support of the individuals we serve,” said Kate Hawkins, CARA president.

L to R Leslie McCurley, Director of DD Services, OVGI and Dawn Freudenberg, HCDDS Administration

Thursday, February 11th marked the beginning of a series of Webinar Conferences being co-sponsored by Ohio Valley Goodwill in partnership with Hamilton County Developmental Disabilities Services (HCDDS). The Conference series will continue through March 18th and is designed to provide staff with enhanced training in providing person-centered behavioral support for served individuals as well as strategies for professional development.

Speakers for the precedent-setting 2010 Webinar Conference Series include: Dan Baker, PhD, Elizabeth M. Boggs Center on Developmental Disabilities; Stacy Nonnemacher, PhD, Bureau of Autism Services Department; Freya Koger, PhD, Lehigh Support for Community Living; Jacki Anderson, PhD, California State University; as well as a panel of additional noted experts.

“Goodwill is very pleased to be part of the planning and implementation of the 2010 Webinar Conference Series which is focused on improving supports for adults with challenging behaviors in community settings,” said Steve Koons, Goodwill Director of Rehabilitation Services. “The series is just the most recent example of Goodwill’s collaboration efforts with Hamilton County Developmental Disabilities Services to provide outstanding programs and services for individuals with disabilities,” added Koons.

In partnership with Hamilton County Developmental Disabilities Services (HCDDS), Ohio Valley Goodwill serves almost 500 individuals with developmental disabilities annually.

Ohio Valley Goodwill was delighted to learn that it was selected as one of the top-rated, user-reviewed nonprofits that provide job training or placement services by GreatNonprofits. The first-ever list shows the breadth of nonprofits stepping up to address the growing need for jobs in the struggling economy.

Ratings were posted during the 2010 Job Training and Placement Awards hosted by GreatNonprofits, Goodwill Industries International, the International Association of Jewish Vocational Services and Guidestar. Members of the public who have volunteered, donated or been served by nonprofits submitted ratings.

“We are delighted to be included in this list of top-rated nonprofits that provide training and employment services,” said Joe Byrum, Goodwill President/CEO. “It is especially gratifying that the ratings are based on feedback from our many customers and users of our services,” added Byrum. 

To view the reviews, please visit www.greatnonprofits.org/jobs and look up Ohio Valley Goodwill. Ohio Valley Goodwill thanks all of its supporters and participants for their on-going support for our important mission of putting people to work!

Ohio Valley Goodwill in partnership with the Ohio Association of Goodwill Industries (OAGI) is pleased to announce the official launch of its brand new state-wide Business to Business website, www.ohiogoodwillsb2b.org. The new site is designed to inform businesses throughout the state of Ohio that Goodwill is an experienced source for business solutions. The new B2B website provides an overview of the many services Goodwills provide state-wide including packaging and assembly, janitorial services, document imaging and other specialized areas. In addition, through the easy “Contact Us” feature, the visitor can access the appropriate Goodwill based on their county of origin.

The www.ohiogoodwillsb2b.org site was created collaboratively with the input of representatives from both Goodwill Marketing and Industrial Services staff teams  throughout the state of Ohio and will serve as a informational conduit for business visitors. Included on the site are testimonials supporting the outstanding quality of Goodwill’s Business Services throughout the state. Of special note is a podcast by Stephen Byrnes, J & M Marketing, who is a long-time customer of Ohio Valley Goodwill and an enthusastic spokesperson on behalf of the state-wide effort. Please take a moment to view the compelling video testimony of Mr. Byrnes by visiting the testimonials page of the new site.

To find out more about Ohio Goodwills commitment to creating business opportunities together, please visit www.ohiogoodwillsb2b.org. As noted on the new site, “Ohio Goodwills…Working together, we create business solutions and put people with employment barriers to work.” For more information about the specific services that Ohio Valley Goodwill offers, please visit our local site at www.goodwillb2b.com.