Ohio Valley Goodwill Industries

Ohio Valley Goodwill’s Industrial Services division is delighted to announce the launch of its newly re-designed Business Services website, www.GoodwillB2B.com. The newly enhanced site features a podcast testimonial from long-time partner, Stephen Byrnes, President of J & M Marketing, as well as a comprehensive overview of the division’s business capabilities. In addition to fulfillment, packaging and assembly services, Goodwill’s Industrial Services division is able to offer document management, janitorial cleaning services as well as warehousing and other out-sourcing options. The new www.GoodwillB2B.com website also provides information about News and Events of interest to business services visitors.

“Goodwill’s Industrial Services division is delighted to have the opportunity to outreach to our business customers and to provide them with information about how Goodwill can help provide solutions to their business needs,” said Todd Schreiber, Industrial Services Marketing Manager. Please take a moment to visit the site at www.GoodwillB2B.com and see how Goodwill can help your business today!

Goodwill’s “Learn Something! Do Something” newsletter is now a quarterly feature on the corporate website under “Tell Me About Services.” The newsletter is intended to keep individuals, family members and staff informed about upcoming activities related to Community Preparation and “Be Your Best” classes currently offered through Ohio Valley Goodwill’s Work Adjustment Training program. The classes are designed to help participants learn about becoming active members of their community as well as about relevant life skills.

Included in the newsletter are class descriptions, quarterly schedules and news updates regarding community activities and outings. Consumer Advisory Committee (CAC) meeting announcements will also be included in the newsletter. Goodwill’s Consumer Advisory Committee is an advocacy organization that supports individuals in learning to speak up for themselves and others.

For more information about the “Learn Something! Do Something!” newsletter and Community Preparation activities and classes, please contact Katie Wietmarschen, Program Manager at 771-4800, ext. 6258.

Mr. Jim Raussen, new member of Ohio Valley Goodwill’s Board of Directors.

Ohio Valley Goodwill is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Jim Raussen, Director of Insurance and Financial Services for the Ohio Department of Development, as a new member of the organization’s Board of Directors. Goodwill’s Board of Directors helps to set policy and formulate governance issues and procedures for the organization.

Prior to joining the Ohio Department of Development, Mr. Raussen served in the Ohio Legislature for three terms and received many distinguished awards including “Freshman Legislator of the Year”from Columbus Monthly magazine, ”Outstanding Legislator of the Year”award from the Ohio Association of County Boards of Developmental Disabilities and most recently, one of the area’s top “Forty Under 40″ by the Cincinnati Business Courier.

Ohio Valley Goodwill is delighted to welcome Mr. Raussen to its Board of Directors and looks forward to his support of the organization’s mission of serving men and women with disabilities as well as our nation’s veterans.

Michael Flannery, OVGI Public Information Officer

On Sunday, March 21st, Goodwill’s Public Information Officer, Michael Flannery, was a guest on WCPO’s “Good Morning Tri-State,” hosted by Jenell Walton. Among the many topics discussed was Ohio Valley Goodwill’s recent recognition by GreatNonprofits as one of the top-rated employment and training centers in the country serving individuals with disabilities as well as our nation’s veterans. Flannery also stressed the urgent need for donations to support Goodwill’s on-going mission.

This was a home-coming of sorts for Flannery as he was a reporter at WCPO for more than 13 years before coming to Ohio Valley Goodwill.

“I was thrilled to have the opportunity to talk with Jenell and brag about the work that Goodwill does for our community” said Flannery. “I was happy to inform WCPO viewers of how Goodwill works to help people with disabilities and why their donations are so critical,” added Flannery.

Ohio Valley Goodwill is grateful to “Good Morning Tri-State” and WCPO for their assistance in sharing Goodwill’s important mission of service to the Greater Cincinnati community.

Goodwill’s Consumer Advisory Committee officers James Harley and Samantha Woolery presenting check for Haitian Relief to the Community Ambassadors Resource Alliance (CARA).

Thursday, March 25th marked the occasion of the official check presentation by Goodwill’s Consumer Advisory Committee officers, James Harley and Samantha Woolery, to the Community Ambassadors Resource Alliance (CARA), in support of Haitain Relief efforts. The Consumer Advisory Council organized a series of flower and hand-designed card sales over the past several months in order to raise money for the important cause. The group is an advocacy organization supported by Ohio Valley Goodwill established to help individuals learn how to speak up for themselves and others.

In recent years, CAC has expanded its community outreach efforts to support a variety of important causes including accessible and affordable transportation options, food drives, the 2009 Hamilton County Developmental Disabilities Services levy campaign and now Haitian Relief. CAC decided to donate their fund-raising efforts to the Community Ambassadors Resource Alliance (CARA) because of their sponsorship of the “DD Cares for Haiti” campaign, which was initiated after the recent earthquake. CARA’s mission is to raise awareness and funds to enrich the lives of individuals with disabilities and the “DD Cares” campaign was specifically designed to raise monies for individuals with disabilities affected by the disaster. Ohio Valley Goodwill is an active partner of the Hamilton County DD Services-supported CARA group and is actually a founding member of the collaborative organization.

CARA Executive Director Kate Hawkins gratefully accepted the check for $275.00 from CAC officers James Harley and Samantha Woolery during the official presentation ceremony. “On behalf of the CARA group and the “DD Cares for Haiti” campaign, I am delighted to accept the contribution of the Consumer Advisory Committee for this important cause,” said Hawkins. Ohio Valley Goodwill applauds its Consumer Advisory Committee for its outstanding humanitarian efforts in support of persons with disabilities affected by the recent Haitian events as well as their on-going advocacy support of all people with disabilities.

L to R: Sharon Hannon, Marketing Specialist, Erin Hill, Intake Coordinator

Ohio Valley Goodwill was delighted to be a featured exhibitor at the 2010 Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities Provider Fair on Tuesday, March 23rd. The fair was designed as an educational outreach opportunity for families and individuals served by the Warren County Board of DD. Goodwill’s Marketing Specialist, Sharon Hannon and Intake Coordinator, Erin Hill talked to dozens of families and individuals about the soon-to-be grand opening of its newest Vocational Services Center in affiliation with its new Lebanon retail store location.

“We are always excited about the opportunity to participate in Warren County Board-sponsored outreach events,” said Sharon Hannon, Marketing Specialist. “This year is especially meaningful because of the upcoming opening of our new vocational services center,” added Hannon. The new center is projected to open in late April or early May and will provide work training opportunities for 10 individuals supported by the Warren County Board of DD. The vocational services center is housed in the same building as Goodwill’s newest store location which is scheduled to open on April 22nd. Located at 1065 East Main Street in Lebanon, the vocational services center and retail store are the most recent additions to Ohio Valley Goodwill’s network of stores and training programs. “Goodwill has worked hard to respond to the needs of our local communities and the newest location in Lebanon is just the most recent example of Goodwill’s on-going support of the community,” said Leslie McCurley, Asst. Director of DD Services.

Look for up-coming news of the Lebanon store’s grand opening on April 22nd as well as an official announcement of the Goodwill’s new Vocational Services Center opening in late April.

L to R: Martha Schottelkotte, President Woodlawn Chamber of Commerce, Leslie Ghiz, Cincinnati City Councilmember, and George Palmer, Ohio Valley Goodwill

Ohio Valley Goodwill was delighted to be the host location for the Woodlawn Chamber’s March luncheon meeting on Wednesday, March 17th.  Goodwill’s long-standing commitment to community involvement was the reason for the chamber luncheon being held at the corporate headquarters in the Village of Woodlawn.  George Palmer, Goodwill’s Director of PR and Marketing is a Woodlawn Chamber board member and served as the host for this month’s luncheon.

Special guest speaker for the event was Cincinnati City Council member Leslie Ghiz, who is running for Hamilton County Commissioner.  Since becoming a Council member in 2005, Ghiz highlighted her track record in support of public safety.  Ms. Ghiz has led the fight to ensure no cuts were made to Cincinnati police and fire personnel to balance the City’s budget.  Ghiz has also helped to restore the funding for the successful Drug & Gun Elimination Program and increased police walking patrols and public safety technology in the City budget.  Ms. Ghiz hopes to apply her experience of serving on Cincinnati Council and her experience as an attorney to the position of Hamilton County Commissioner, a race that will be decided this November.

“We were so delighted that Leslie Ghiz could take the time from her busy schedule to address the Woodlawn Chamber and discuss with us some of the issues that have bearing on our Village and the surrounding area,” said Martha Schottelkotte, President of the Woodlawn Chamber of Commerce.    The Woodlawn Chamber holds monthly meetings and meets quarterly with the Regional Commerce Partnership – a group of chambers in the northern communities of Greater Cincinnati.

L to R: Cheryl Phipps, HCDDS, Samantha Charek, V&V, Susan Pahner, RHC, Nikki Martin, V&V, Debbie Baker, LADD, Kate Hawkins, CARA, and Sharon Hannon, OVGI.
Not pictured is Betsy Baugh, UCP.

Kim Martin, parent and Nikki Martin, fashion design artist.

Monday, March 15th marked the celebration of the 2010 Ohio Public Images Awards Luncheon. This year’s event was especially poignant for members of the Community Ambassadors Resource Alliance (CARA) and fashion design artist, Nikki Martin, because the group was being recognized for the success of the 2009 What Matters Most Fashion Show. The precedent-setting fashion show was designed to showcase the skills and abilities of all people with disabilities and served as the debut of fashion design artist, Nikki Martin. Ohio Valley Goodwill is a co-founder of the CARA group and was a major sponsor and co-producer of the 2009 Fashion Show event.

Ohio Public Images is a not-for-profit organization that was established to promote positive perceptions of people with developmental disabilities. Annually, Ohio Public Images recognizes groups and organizations that have demonstrated outstanding efforts in enhancing the positive image of the abilities of individuals with developmental disabilities. The 2009 What Matters Most Fashion Show was selected for an award of merit due to the inclusive nature of the show’s models and uniqueness as a showcase for the designs of artist, Nikki Martin.

“The CARA group could not be more pleased with the recognition by Ohio Public Images of the What Matters Most Fashion Show,” said Kate Hawkins, CARA Chairperson. “It was truly a ground-breaking, inspiring event which is still being talked about in Hamilton County,” added Hawkins. Ohio Valley Goodwill was a co-producer of the event and provided 20 models and boutique fashions for the show. “We’re so glad that the What Matters Most Fashion Show received this recognition,” said Sharon Hannon, Marketing Specialist. “It was a labor of love for all of us involved in planning and producing this exciting and memorable event,” added Hannon.

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!