Ohio Valley Goodwill Welcomes State Representative Cindy Abrams for Tour of Employment and Training Center!

Representative Cindy Abrams with Lois Kramer and Kristine Agoston, CARE

Ohio Valley Goodwill was delighted to welcome State Representative Cindy Abrams to its Employment and Training Center on Tuesday, February 25th for a comprehensive tour of its programs and services. The Representative learned about the organization’s 100+ year mission of service to the Greater Cincinnati community as well as had the opportunity to talk to its team members about its specific programs designed to support the success of individuals with disabilities and our nation’s veterans. Goodwill’s Center for Advocacy, Recreation and Education (CARE) was of particular interest to the Representative as she was warmly greeted by CARE Ambassador Kristine Agoston and Coordinator Lois Kramer. Lois and Kristine provided an entertaining and informative overview of the program which is designed to create community connections of interest to the program participants. The Representative then spoke to Chelsea Combs, Asst. Director of Employment Services, and received an overview of the array of services offered to individuals to assist in attaining and maintaining employment. Additionally, Goodwill’s important services for Transition Youth were discussed.

The Representative then met with Dennis Koenig, Case Manager with the organization’s Veterans Services to understand more about its vital services for our military veterans as well as others struggling with homelessness. The Representative toured the organization’s transitional dormitory and spoke to Lee Mauldin, Dorm Supervisor, regarding the supports provided to enable veterans to get jobs and permanent housing in the larger community.

Goodwill’s work and training opportunities were explained in more detail by Lisa Schneider, Asst. Director of DD Services and were followed by a tour of the Production facility and an explanation of how Goodwill uses items donated to generate revenue for its mission through its network of 18 stores but also, contributes to environmental preservation by helping to divert more than 55,000,000 lbs. of donated product from area landfills every year. The newly elected Representative was very impressed with the tour and overview provided by the Goodwill team and remarked that she had no idea of everything that Goodwill does and its impact in the larger community.

Ohio Valley Goodwill is grateful to Representative Abrams, (District 29), for making time in her busy schedule to visit Ohio Valley Goodwill Industries and learn about our important mission of putting people to work in the Greater Cincinnati. To learn about Goodwill’s 100+ year mission of service, visit www.cincinnatigoodwill.org/services.

Sharon Hannon, Goodwill, with Representative Abrams