Ohio Valley Goodwill Industries

Service Guild Meeting – February 24, 2011 (pictured left to right):
Linda Eslick, Goodwill Service Guild, Tim Spoleti, Manager, Goodwill GoodGuides Program, Maureen Brabbs, Goodwill Service Guild

The Service Guild of Ohio Valley Goodwill Industries held its first general meeting of 2011 on Thursday, February 24, 2011 at the Woodlawn Corporate headquarters.  More than 30 members of the volunteer organization attended the meeting.  Tim Spoleti, Youth Services Manager for Goodwill’s GoodGuides youth mentoring program was the guest speaker.  During his discussion, Mr. Spoleti informed the group about Ohio Valley Goodwill’s newest service program.  The GoodGuides youth mentoring program is a two-year program which is funded by the US Department of Justice that helps young people who are at risk for dropping out of school, who are facing legal trouble, and/or are at risk for delinquency.  The goal of the GoodGuides program is to help young persons in the Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky area build career plans and skills; prepare them to finish high school or obtain post-secondary training; and help them gain productive work lives by providing structured and supportive relationships with trusted adult mentors. 

During his presentation with the Service Guild, Mr. Spoleti discussed with the Service Guild that the GoodGuides program, which is now in its second year, is always looking for mentors who are good listeners, encouraging and supportive, dependable and committed, and most especially people who truly enjoy working with adolescents.  “We are seeking adults that are willing to make a one year commitment to transforming the future of an adolescent,” commented Spoleti.  “In the first year of our program, we’ve seen dramatic changes in the lives of the young people who have received mentoring.  They have stayed out of trouble, their academic performance has improved, and they are focused on their future,” said Spoleti.  For more information on the GoodGuides program, interested individuals can contact Tim Spoleti at tspoleti@cincigoodwill.org or at (513) 771-4800, ext. 6322.

The Service Guild of Ohio Valley Goodwill Industries is a long-standing volunteer organization whose mission is to provide outreach and support for the organization through fundraising and community awareness.   Members of the Service Guild also help to run the “Treasure Island Gift Shop” inside the Tri-County retail store.

He’s played in three Pro Bowls, is one of only two players to catch for more than 1,000 yards in each of the past six seasons, and is the longest-standing member of one of football’s most storied teams. Yet through 12 years with the Green Bay Packers, Donald Driver remained one of the NFL’s most talented receivers who had never reached a Super Bowl.

When Driver takes the field in his first Super Bowl on Sunday, there will be no doubt he has learned the rewards of hard work and the value of being given a chance. Off the field, Driver has made it his mission to ensure that others in his community get the same chance to learn the value and dignity of work.

As a teen, Driver lived in harsh conditions with his mother and four siblings, with the family living in a U-haul truck, in motels and on the street. He grew up knowing what it was like to not have lights, water, gas or food. It wasn’t until the Packers gave him a chance in the 7th round of the 1999 draft that he was able to transition from being dependent to independent, quickly becoming known as a leader on the field and off.

Today, he holds virtually every Packers receiving record, but is also well known for his extensive community and volunteer work. In addition to creating his own foundation that assists a variety of local charities, he is also a spokesperson for Goodwill helping to raise awareness of what it means to give people a chance through work and training.

Driver’s relationship with Goodwill started in March 2003 when he agreed to sign autographs at the opening of the new Goodwill Store and Donation Center in Franklin, WI. Since then, he has appeared in Goodwill commercials, donation drives, book signings, store openings and other promotional opportunities supporting his local Goodwill.

This year, on his way to his very own Super Bowl, Driver wants to raise awareness and deeper understanding of what it means to overcome challenges and be given a chance to work.

“As an NFL player, I’m part of a group that receives a lot of attention and praise- but there are many unsung heroes that are overcoming unbelievable challenges everyday- with the help of organizations like Goodwill,” said Driver.

Goodwill gives people a chance everyday by providing employment opportunities for people with disabilities, veterans, youth, and other vulnerable populations. Driver truly demonstrates both in words and actions what Goodwill is all about. He knows what it means to believe in dreams and work hard, and strongly believes that every American should be given the opportunity to gain dignity and independence through work.