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.

Ann Weber, Goodwill Nurse, and new MSN!

Goodwill Health Services Team, Ann Weber, MSN and Melissa Ackman, LPN.

The last official day of National Nurse’s Appreciation Week ended in the most fitting way possible at Ohio Valley Goodwill. The organization’s RN, Ann Weber, officially became an MSN (Master’s in Science of Nursing). On Friday, May 10th, Nurse Ann, as she is affectionately known at Goodwill, received her MSN pin from Xavier University. Nurse Ann was able to complete this challenging program over the period of three years, despite a demanding professional position as well as recently becoming a new mom for the third time.

Nurse Ann has been employed at Ohio Valley Goodwill for the past three years and in partnership with Melissa Ackman, LPN, serves more than an average of 100 individuals per day through their responsibilities as the Health Services team at Goodwill. “I couldn’t be more proud of Ann and her impressive accomplishment,” said Doug Ostholthoff, Vice President of Administrative Services, who supervises the Health Services team. Both of Goodwill’s nurses excel not only in the performance of their professional duties but also, in their personal interaction with the individuals they support. “We both love our jobs and the people we work with,” said Weber. “I couldn’t be happier about my degree and my role at Goodwill.”

Both members of Goodwill’s Health Services team are viewed as invaluable members of the organization and are thought of fondly by everyone they serve each day. “We could not provide the quality of services that we provide as an organization without our highly skilled nursing staff team,” said Ostholthoff.

Ohio Valley Goodwill congratulates Nurse Ann on completing her MSN and Goodwill’s Health Services Team on their amazing work on the occasion of National Nurse’s Appreciation Week!

State Representative Louis Terhar and his wife, State Board of Education President, Debe Terhar.

Ohio Valley Goodwill was delighted to welcome State Representative Louis Terhar and his wife Debe to the organization’s corporate headquarters on Monday, May 6th for the official start of National Goodwill Week. Historically, the first full week in May is dedicated to celebrating Goodwill and its mission of service to the community. The Representative and his wife were provided a comprehensive tour of the organization’s headquarters and were fascinated to learn more about its diverse programs and services.

A member of the Military and Veteran Affairs committee for the Ohio House of Representatives, Mr. Terhar was very impressed with the Goodwill program for Veterans which offers transitional housing, skill training, job placement as well as follow-along case management services. Debe Terhar is the current President of the Ohio State Board of Education and was intrigued to know more about Goodwill’s work with local school districts in transition planning as well as about the organization’s award-winning Center for Advocacy, Recreation and Education (CARE) program. The Representative and his wife were also pleased to have the opportunity to learn about Goodwill’s skill training, work evaluation, job coaching and placement services and to talk with Supervisors, Nancy VanderWoude and Laura Kumler.

“It was certainly a pleasure and very informative for both of us to find out more about Goodwill’s many programs for veterans and individuals with disabilities,” said the Representative before leaving. Goodwill was delighted to welcome its very special guests this week and looks forward to their support of the organization in the future.

Saturday, May 4th marked the premiere of the new PigAbilities event as part of this year’s Flying Pig Marathon and more than 150 athletes took part in the big race. It was a beautiful day made even more special by the celebration of the hard work of the athletes representing many of the organizations who are part of the Community Ambassadors Resource Alliance (CARA) group; a non-profit dedicated to enriching the lives of people with disabilities. Ohio Valley Goodwill is a founding member of the CARA group and was thrilled to take part in the new PigAbilities event which was the culmination of a 12-week training program for the athletes involved.

PigAbilities team members set individual goals for their training efforts, learned about nutrition and making healthy choices, and celebrated milestones along the way. The day of the Marathon served as the occasion for all of the athletes to finish the 26th mile of the famous race and receive a medal for their efforts. Ohio Valley Goodwill team members this year included Kristine Agoston, Craig Franta,Melinda Gabelman, Darlene O’Hair, Sharon Hannon and the Agoston family. Along with athletes from Catholic Residential Services, Hamilton County Developmental Disabilities Services, Stepping Stones Center, RHC, United Cerebral Palsy and Visionaries and Voices, the Goodwill team members loved having their dedication to good health recognized. Dozens of on-lookers cheered on the racers throughout the event and applauded the athletes when medals were awarded.

Coordinated by CARA Executive Director Debbie Moorehous and trainer, Karen Bruce, the new PigAbilities event was designed to provide the support, instruction and encouragement each person needed to be successful in reaching their goal. One of the highlights of the day was when Visionaries and Voices artist Emily Funk presented trainer Karen Bruce with a specially designed medal she had created prior to the start of the Race. “It was truly a great day for Team Goodwill members as well as all members of the PigAbilities training group,” said Sharon Hannon, Goodwill Marketing Specialist. “We are grateful to CARA for all of their efforts to make this event possible and so memorable for the athletes involved.”

Friday, May 3rd signaled the start of Ohio Valley Goodwill’s Service Guild’s Spring Mini Fest held at the corporate headquarters in Woodlawn. The annual two-day festival is presented by volunteer members of the Service Guild and offers homemade baked goods and candy, wonderful gifts from the Treasure Island Gift Shop, Elegant Junque and collectibles, books, tapes and CD’s, and a grill-out during lunchtime. The annual event is one of the Service Guild’s largest fundraising activities and helps the organization to support services that assist Goodwill with its mission to help put people to work! This year the Mini Fest is even more noteworthy because it helps to mark the beginning of activities that celebrate the 80th Anniversary of the Service Guild.

For many years, various church groups have been involved in supporting Ohio Valley Goodwill Industries through monetary gifts and through direct services. Established in 1933, the Service Guild of Ohio Valley Goodwill Industries was organized from key women from these early churches and formed the nucleus of the group which now has over 100 members. Its first leader was Mrs. Edna Woodward who provided who provided leadership for the organization for many years.

The Service Guild and its volunteers support the Treasure Island Gift Shop which operates in the Tri-County retail store and provides much of the income that the organization generates. The Service Guild also helps to promote the mission of Ohio Valley Goodwill, conducts fundraising activities to benefit special activities of the organization, and assists in outreach to the community on behalf of Ohio Valley Goodwill. Each year, Service Guild members help with the annual golf outing, sponsor the yearly Thanksgiving, holiday luncheons, and Veterans Day luncheons, and offer a cash gift to consumers during the holiday. As a special fundraising event, the Service Guild holds a semi-annual Mini Fest each spring and fall at the Goodwill corporate facility. The organization also offers a large cash donation to Ohio Valley Goodwill each year.

Over the years, the Service Guild has helped to sponsor many special activities including the sponsorship of runners in the annual “Flying Pig” Marathon and other activities that consumers and staff have been involved in on the part of the organization. The Service Guild is truly an ambassador for Ohio Valley Goodwill.

In this their 80th year, we salute the Service Guild for their dedication and support of Ohio Valley Goodwill and thank each member for the time they have given to our organization. Ohio Valley Goodwill appreciates the work and commitment that the Service Guild has given over the past 80 years and we congratulate them on this special anniversary!