Ohio Valley Goodwill Industries

The Live Oaks campus was the setting for the 2009 Autism Expo which attracted hundreds of families on Saturday, September 26th. This is the 4th year that Ohio Valley Goodwill has been an exhibitor for the well-attended event which is designed to provide interested participants with information about services for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder. More than 50 vendors were part of this year’s event, representing social, recreational, residential and vocational services.

“We have worked collaboratively with the Families with Autism Spectrum Disorders group for many years,” said Sharon Hannon, Goodwill Marketing Specialist. “We are delighted to have the opportunity to talk with families about the many programs and services that Ohio Valley Goodwill can offer,” added Hannon. Group members are also scheduled to tour the organization’s corporate headquarters on Thursday, October 8th.

The Expo also provided the forum for attendees to learn about the upcoming Hamilton County Board of MR/DD Tax Levy and the importance of voting Yes on Issue 5 on November 3rd.

Sparkle Hope, Access Customer Service Coordinator(L)
Michael Johnson Goodwill Program Supervisor (R)

A representative from Access visited Ohio Valley Goodwill on Wednesday, September 23rd for a “meet and greet” afternoon program. The forum was an opportunity for individuals at Goodwill who are served by Access to ask questions and voice any concerns regarding service offered by the transportation carrier. Customer Service Coordinator, Sparkle Hope coordinated the afternoon session and answered questions from individuals in attendance. A Brief preview of upcoming changes was discussed and Access plans to return to Goodwill at a later date to discuss these changes in detail. “We try to keep our program participants well informed about changes to Access services as it is so important to their work schedule here at Goodwill,” said Michael Johnson, Program Supervisor and meeting coordinator. Goodwill appreciates the involvement of Access and looks forward to future informational meetings.

Ohio Valley Goodwill Industries was out in full force on Friday, September 18th when staff members participated in Turfway Park’s “Sock Hop” in celebration of the 50th Anniversary of the race track facility.  Members of Goodwill’s retail sales staff dressed in fifties attire and helped to promote the mission of the organization while having some fun selling raffle tickets for prizes, passed out promotional items and shared information about Goodwill’s programs and services.  Turfway guests were able to catch a glimpse of how Goodwill helps to serve the vocational needs of men and women with disabilities and specifically how retail store sales help to provide the revenue to make programs and services available.  Entrance to the event cost party goers $5.00 or a new pair of socks – with all socks being donated to Ohio Valley Goodwill.  “We wanted to join in for this fun event and to help Turfway’s guests to learn a little more about what Goodwill does to help individuals with disabilities.  Events like this are always a great way to help showcase our services,” said George Palmer, Goodwill’s PR and Marketing Director.   Goodwill thanks Turfway Park for helping to support Ohio Valley Goodwill’s mission to put people to work!

L to R caption: Melinda Gabelman, Advocate
Sharon Hannon, Goodwill Marketing Specialist

“Tuesday, September 22nd marked the start of the Fall series of scheduled community outreach presentations by Ohio Valley Goodwill team members in support of the Hamilton County Board of MR/DD’s 2009 Tax Levy. Advocate Melinda Gabelman and speaking partner, Sharon Hannon, Marketing Specialist, co-presented to the Newtown Community Council regarding the vital importance of the Levy renewal to almost 8000 families and individuals with developmental disabilities in Hamilton County.

The pair are only one example of the organization’s commitment to providing as much community education as possible prior to the November 3rd election. Goodwill Public Information Officer, Michael Flannery, has a long list of speaking engagements scheduled as well in support of the Levy.

“Ohio Valley Goodwill has worked in partnership with the Hamilton County Board of MR/DD for more than 25 years and is committed to doing everything we can to educate the Greater Cincinnati community about the critical importance of voting yes on Issue 5,” said Hannon, Marketing Specialist.

Goodwill is planning to host a number of activities in the coming weeks in support of the Levy including a county-wide Open House event on October 21st and the 2009 What Matters Most Fashion Show on October 28th at the Kingsgate Marriott Conference Center.

Remember to vote Yes on Issue 5 on November 3rd!

“Hundreds of excited supporters packed Paul Brown Stadium on the evening of September 17th for the official Kick-Off Celebration of the Hamilton County Board of MR/DD’s 2009 Levy Campaign. Michael Flannery, Goodwill’s Public Information Officer, served as MC for the evening which also featured luminaries such as Superintendent Cheryl Phipps and Celebrity Host, Joe Walter.

The excited crowd were treated to musical performances, autographs from Bengal players, a humorous skit regarding the 12 Days of the Levy Campaign, and an inspiring drum band performance by the “Yellow Jackets.” The purpose of the multi-faceted event was to energize Levy volunteers as they undertake the important mission of community outreach in urging the passage of Issue 5.

“We all have to work together in a team effort to make sure that this critical levy is passed,” said Superintendent Cheryl Phipps. Audience members cheered as they were charged with getting a “Yes vote on Issue 5!” The rousing event ended with yard signs being distributed to exiting volunteers who will help to spread the word during next weekend’s community yard sign effort.

The Hamilton County Levy provides more than 73% of the Board’s operating budget over the next 5 years and helps to provide vital services to more than 8000 families in the Greater Cincinnati community. “We are determined to do everything we can to get this Levy passed,” said Michael Flannery, MC. “It is critical to the individuals we support. Please remember to vote Yes on 5 on November 3rd,” added Flannery.

L to R: David Hayes, John Lutes, Claire McCurley, Stephanie Mitchell, Connor McCurley (front row), Kim Miller and Brent McCurley (rear)

“Wednesday, September 16th was not only the occasion for a Reds baseball game, but also, a community outreach opportunity for 8 members of Ohio Valley Goodwill’s support team. Marketing Specialist, Sharon Hannon along with 7 volunteers including Brent, Connor and Claire McCurley, Stephanie Mitchell, Veterans Specialist, David Hayes, Kim Miller and John Lutes all joined together to share information about Goodwill and its important partnership with the Hamilton County Board of MR/DD.

The Great American Insurance Group has for many years offered its kiosk at the Reds stadium to partner organizations affiliated with the Hamilton County Board and the Community Ambassadors Resource Alliance (CARA). “It’s always a wonderful opportunity to reach out to hundreds of Reds fans and Hamilton County citizens about the very important mission of both Goodwill and the Board,” said Sharon Hannon, Marketing Specialist. The group of enthusiastic Goodwill volunteers spread the word about voting YES on Issue 5 in November’s upcoming election.

Ohio Valley Goodwill is grateful to the Great American Insurance Company, the CARA group and its dedicated volunteers for their assistance in the organization’s on-going community outreach efforts.

Joseph S. Byrum
President & CEO
Ohio Valley Goodwill Industries

“During the 2009 OAGI (Ohio Association of Goodwill Industries) Conference held recently in Columbus, newly appointed Rehabilitation Services Commission (RSC) Administrator Michael Rench was introduced by Ohio Valley Goodwill’s President and CEO, Joe Byrum. The long-time colleagues have worked together for more than 20 years on the most effective ways to serve individuals with developmental disabilities.

“I am delighted that Michael Rench was appointed by the Governor to this position,” said Byrum. “He is uniquely qualified to address the many challenges facing the Rehabilitation Services Commission and its partners as we move forward in our mutual mission efforts,” added Byrum.

Michael Rench
Rehabilitation Services Commission
(RSC) Administrator

“Mr. Rench’s address was listened to attentively by the more than 200 Goodwill representatives present and will serve as inspiration for the collaborative work that is to come. The new Administrator emphasized during his remarks that the future focus for RSC will be on transparency, community collaboration and quality of outcomes for individuals served.

The annual conference is attended by members of the 16 Goodwill organizations throughout the state of Ohio and is designed to provide state-of-the-art training and networking opportunities for its staff teams. “We were delighted to be the host location for this year’s OAGI Conference,” said Margie Pizzuti, President and CEO of Goodwill Columbus.

Donna Cumen and Bev Blum
Goodwill Guild volunteers

“Saturday, September 12th was a banner day in five of Goodwill’s Hamilton County store locations as they hosted the 2009 Voter Registration drive. The drive was held from 11:00 am until 2:00 pm in Goodwill’s Cheviot, Loveland, Montgomery, Oakley, and Tri-County store locations.

Interested shoppers were pleased to have the ability to easily register to vote at the county-wide event. Volunteers for this year’s event included members of Goodwill’s Service Guild and the Hamilton County Board of MR/DD. “We are grateful to our dedicated volunteers and our retail team for their commitment to help out during this important election year,” said Sharon Hannon, Goodwill Marketing Specialist.

Katie Evans, HCBMR/DD Service Facilitator

“Music was in the air on Friday, September 11th in a Mt. Washington neighborhood as Ohio Valley Goodwill Marketing Specialist, Sharon Hannon and husband, Mark Macomber in partnership with friends Chris Humphries and Mike Lacinak welcomed more than 40 guests to a Friday Night Salon in honor of special guests Councilmember Roxanne Qualls and Hamilton County Board Superintendent, Cheryl Phipps.

The festive community event was organized in order for friends and neighbors to learn about the important issues affecting all residents of Hamilton County and specifically, the need to support the upcoming MR/DD Tax Levy. Superintendent Phipps spoke eloquently to the attentive audience members and was very warmly received by the assembled guests.

The community salons are being hosted throughout the Fall season by the different partner agencies affiliated with the Hamilton County Board of MR/DD. “It is just so important that people have the information they need to support this vital issue this year,” said Sharon Hannon, Marketing Specialist. “We want to make sure that voters understand that Issue 5 is critical to all citizens of Hamilton County,” added Hannon.

The Service Guild of Ohio Valley Goodwill Industries will be holding its annual Fall Mini-Fest at the Woodlawn Retail Store located at 10600 Springfield Pike in Woodlawn on Friday, October 2nd and Saturday, October 3rd.   Hours for the festival will be from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm on both days.

A variety of activities are planned for the festival including:

• Homemade Baked Goods and Candy
• Elegant Junque and Rummage Items
• Wonderful Gift Items from the Treasure Island Gift Shop
• Books, Tapes and CD’s
• Fingerprinting by the Woodlawn Police Department
• Blood Pressure Screening by the Woodlawn Fire Department
• Hot dogs, chips and drinks at lunch time 

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The Goodwill Service Guild operates the Treasure Island Gift Shop inside the Woodlawn retail store. The mission of the Service Guild is to help make the public aware of Goodwill’s vocational training and job placement efforts and to support the organization’s mission. All proceeds from the festival will help to support Goodwill’s programs and services for men and women with disabilities.Ohio Valley Goodwill Industries is a comprehensive rehabilitation organization that offers vocational training and support services for individuals with physical, mental, psychological and social disabilities and other barriers to employment. 

Community support helps Goodwill put people to work!

Bring the family and enjoy the fun.