Ohio Valley Goodwill Industries

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.

In partnership with Goodwill Industries International, Ohio Valley Goodwill is spreading the word about how the community can help in the current Haitian Relief effort. Over the past several weeks, the world has been a witness to the devastation caused by the recent earthquake in Haiti. Ohio Valley Goodwill along with the 166 member Goodwill enterprises in the United States and Canada, are working cooperatively to provide local communities with information about how to most effectively help the citizens of Haiti. Please visit Haiti Earthquake: How You Can Help for specifics on how you can join Goodwill in contributing to the relief effort to help the Haitian people.

Ohio Valley Goodwill in partnership with its almost 700 employees is encouraging support of the Haitian relief efforts and individual contributions to helping the people of the devastated island nation. “While Goodwill’s mission is focused on providing job training and employment for individuals with disabilities and our nation’s veterans, we recognize that we all need to do everything we can to support the heroic efforts of the many organizations directly involved in this effort,” said Joe Byrum, Goodwill President and CEO.