Career Scoop: Good Choices Make Good Lives

By Debbie Grant, Career Solutions development director

When people think about Goodwill they think about shopping and making donations to help other people go to work. But what they may not know is that Goodwill is also about helping young people in middle school and high school learn about the importance of making good choices.

Consider the choices you make each day. What will I eat? What will I wear? Will I go to school or to work today? It’s all about deciding what to do. If you go shopping, you may decide to spend money on one big item or on several small items. Each of these decisions has an impact on today, tomorrow and in some manner, the years ahead.

Goodwill wants to encourage young people to stay in school, determine future options, and to understand that the way they behave today, along with the choices they make today, can directly impact them, their family and their community, for the rest of their lives. Goodwill counselors and employee volunteers help teens learn to make good decisions by visiting their schools and presenting a program called CHOICES. The CHOICES training consists of two one-hour interactive presentations that provide information so the students understand how they do have control over their present and their future. They learn the importance of self-discipline as a key to success and they have fun while learning!

Volunteers from Goodwill Industries and the Middle Tennessee Society for HR Management have partnered to make the presentations and fund the supplies for the program. Additional funding was provided by a grant from the Predators Foundation and United Parcel Service.

Know a classroom of eighth or ninth graders that can we can train? Call 615-346-1237.

 

 

D Movement: The Ripple Effect

By Scott Bryant, Manager of Advertising and Creative Services

2011 calendar available in stores now

When I think of Goodwill I think of a drop of water, or in our case, one donation that starts the ripple effect. Lives are changed by that one item that goes through an amazing cycle, in turn providing many people in the communities we serve, the chance to work.

You see, it all starts with you. Whether it is a sweater that no longer fits your taste or a lamp that just doesn’t match your décor anymore, your donations start an empowering ripple across Goodwill.

The concept is simple yet the impact is greater than you can ever imagine. And it is because of this impact that we decided to design a calendar just for you so you will realize how your generous donations have changed so many lives. The funds generated by the sale of your donations help thousands of Tennesseans find and keep jobs.  We are so grateful for everything you donate to Goodwill.

A job is not just a job for the 12 people you will meet in the calendar.

Because you give, they have a chance to be better parents, children, siblings, employees and members of their community.

Because of your donations, you have made an impact on their lives and everyone at Goodwill.

And the ripple continues because of you.

Preview the 2011 calendar available in stores now.

Career Scoop: Lifting job seekers to another level

By Crystal Tyler, Computer Instructor

Twice a week, every Monday afternoon and Friday morning, the computer lab at our Berry Road Career Solutions Center transforms! It becomes the home of our forklift training program. Most forklift operators will tell you, “I’ve driven for years and never had to be certified,” and that was the case.  However, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) require that all forklift operators be certified. Lucky for them Goodwill can provide that certification.

Goodwill’s forklift training program is helpful on two fronts.  First, it helps the clients by giving them a boost of confidence because they are certified. Second, it helps employers by certifying employees for their business. Busy employers no longer have to dedicate time to train their personnel when it can be done by Goodwill.

Our three hour training program focuses on sit-down trucks and teaches the safety points that every forklift operator must know.  The class allows each student hands-on training, giving the benefit of obtaining experience on the equipment, regardless of whether they have operated a forklift in the past so the class is perfect for both the novice and the seasoned professional operator.

Beginning in 2011, we will be offering a new addition to our forklift training, focusing on narrow-aisle (aka reach trucks) equipment.  This training will be offered to those who have previous experience on this type of equipment.

Here at Goodwill our training programs offer more than just knowledge.  They offer the chance at a better life.  Whether it is the ability to find a job, or the ability to move up in the position that you already have, chances are that Goodwill has a training program that can help you do just that.

Do you know someone whose life could be changed if they were to go through one of Goodwill’s training programs?  Let them know Goodwill can help.

GW Boutique: 12 Days of Online Goodwill Holiday Shopping!

By Gail Champion, OnlineGoodwill.com Manager

Item of the Day - 32' LED HDTV!

The countdown is on. You officially have just a wee bit more than two weeks to buy online and have the perfect gift ready to go under the tree!

How to find that fab gift is as easy at onlinegoodwill.com. We have over 1000 items listed, ranging from jewelry, art, tools, antiques, books, collectibles, electronics and more!

Throughout the next 12 days we will feature a daily gift item for those special people on your holiday list.

Onlinegoodwill.com works much like ebay, with most auctions beginning at the low price of $5.

Best of all, just like our stores, the money generated goes to help fund our mission of providing employment and training opportunities for people who have disabilities and others who have trouble finding and keeping jobs. So far this year we have assisted almost 10,000 Tennesseans at our 16 Career Solutions centers.

So what could be better than finding fab deals with ease, convenience and 24/7 access, AND making a positive impact on your community?

Sounds like the perfect present to me.

Follow us on Facebook and Twitter to see the 12 days of onlinegoodwill.com! It all begins Monday, December 6! Happy Holidays!

D Movement: ‘Tis the season for giving… but you have given all year long

Jennifer Kalifa, Donations Manager

I’ve been a part of Goodwill for almost 18 years and, let me tell you, it’s been exciting! I have seen the company grow and what’s been especially important to me is how many lives we’ve changed. It’s because of you, our donors, and I want to thank each and every one of you. You do so much to help so many and should be proud of yourself for what you do with every item you donate.

There are many ways your donations change lives. Because you give, you’ve provided jobs for 100 employees in the donations department and 1,400 others who work in our processing centers, our retail stores, our transportation department, our corporate employees and everyone else associated with our Goodwill. That’s a lot of lives that have been changed because of your generosity.

Your donations also provide fun and affordable shopping experiences for the people who rely on Goodwill for their clothes, furnishings, household items, and overall great ‘finds’. If you’ve not stopped in one of our stores, I’ll tell you, you’re missing out on great deals!

I like to think of Goodwill as one of the original recyclers. We take the items you don’t need any longer and return them to the retail side of our business so they can find a second life with someone else. That means less in the landfills.

But more than that, I like the culture at Goodwill. I like that we’re a self-sustaining company and I like it that the more donations we receive, the more money we have to provide more people job training and skills. Everything extra truly means more jobs and opportunities.

I love going into our stores and seeing people I hired many years ago who still enjoy their jobs. I think Goodwill offers unlimited opportunities and each employee truly has the opportunity to be the best, regardless of their barrier.

Our name, Goodwill, says it all. A lot of times I think it’s important for people to look back to see how far we’ve come. We don’t waste people’s money and are truly resourceful. The more money we make, the more money we can put into programs. Not many companies can say they’re financially stable and that’s comforting for me. We’re little ‘ole Goodwill and we keep growing, helping and proving we’re here to help. I hope everyone has an awesome holiday season!

We are thankful for you all year long. Tell us, how could we make your donation experience better?