July Shining a light on the Who’s the fairest · 14 Ricky Moran Donation Door Attendant Southwest 15 Gloria Hernandez Clothing Proc/Hanger I Papillion ... 28 Crystal Archer Ld Pressure

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Goodwill Industries, Inc.Serving Eastern Nebraska

& Southwest IowaGoodwillOmaha.org

July2013

Shining a light on the Edgar Award

Get to know Jana Marshall, the latest recipient of the Employ-ment & Training department’s

quarterly recognition!

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Who’s the fairestof them all?

Several of our programs collaborated to host a job fair with hundreds of job seekers

and dozens of employers!

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t was the acronym that got the ball rolling.

This spring’s Management Development Program (MDP) cohort was tasked with, among other things, putting together an event to cap off their six-month training. And the fruits of those labors are DIVE into Goodwill Week, a weeklong event to celebrate Goodwill’s diversity, inclusion, values and ethics.

“Specifically, the MDP group was given the task of putting the 2012 Leadership Development Group’s projects to life,” said MDP member and Work Experience Coordinator Holly Schwietz. One group focused on diversity and inclusion, the other on ethics and values.

Facilities Manager Ross Tremaine, a self-proclaimed “wordsmith kind of guy,”

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diving intogoodwill

by Neal Obermeyer

continued on page 6

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new employeesMay 2013

Christina AndrewRetail Sales Assoc II180th & Q

Jarid BallCustodianOffutt

Kelley BentleyRetail Sales Assoc IIFremont

Akatule Bouadi Dock Worker II72nd & F

Katey BremerDonation Door Attendant 180th & Q

Albert BuenoReserve Rep IReserve

Nancy BurgessClothing Proc/Hanger I Madison

Robert Carey Custodian Zorinsky

Susan Darnold Retail Sales Assoc IIBellevue

Roger Diehm Retail Sales Assoc II180th & Q

Kermit Doolan Retail Sales Assoc II Bellevue

Bryan Eckersley CustodianZorinsky

Kyle Estwick Wearhouse Associate 72nd & F

Ariel FalconDonation Door Attendant 180th & Q

Christopher Gaddie Dock Worker II72nd & F

Gerald Gehrt Retail Sales Assoc IISouthwest

Jade Gregory Retail Sales Assoc II180th & Q

Gabrielle Hallberg Donation Door Attendant 156th & Maple

Jacqueline Hawkins Retail Sales Assoc II 78th & Dodge

Steven Hembree Retail Sales Assoc II Madison

Philip HigginsBus Sanitation Tech72nd & F

Matthew Hilario CustodianOffutt

Dalton Johannsen Retail Sales Assoc II 180th & Q

Alisha Johnson Retail Sales Assoc II Papillion Bobbie Jones Custodian Offutt

Ariel Lahowetz Donation Door Attendant 180th & Q

Erin Main HR Specialist BPP

Zane McClarnon Dock Worker II72nd & F

Carol McFadden Retail Sales Assoc II Fremont

Daniella Merizalde Retail Sales Assoc II 180th & Q

Molly Milbrandt Clothing Proc/Hanger IBPS

Mark Mumaugh CustodianOffutt

Kesha Nevins Donation Door Attendant West Center Eric Penner Donation Door Attendant Southwest

Kevin Ratliff Trailer Attendant 72nd & F

Sherri RelifordOne Stop Navigator Ames Plaza

Tyler Sell Retail Sales Assoc IIMadison

Rachel Slaughter Retail Sales Assoc IIWest Center

Edward Spitalnick Custodian Offutt

Rheanna Tingle Retail Sales Assoc II 156th & Maple

Mercedes Washington Clothing Proc/Hanger I West Center

Felicia Wayman Clothing Proc/Hanger IMadison

Austin Wilson Retail Sales Assoc IIMadison

The Clothes Line PUBLISHER: Frank McGreeEDITOR IN CHIEF: Rita Hamele CrumMANAGING EDITOR: Neal ObermeyerSTAFF WRITERs: Brent Koster, Kristin Koopman, Kris Pachunka, Rebecca Armstrong and Ann BaileyFAN CLUB PRESIDENT: Jaime Alencastro

The Clothes Line is published monthly and is available at each Town Hall meeting. If you are unable to attend Town Hall, you may also find copies in the Marketing area at BPP, or request to have a copy delivered to you by calling 402.231.1915.

You may also find Clothes Line articles and full-issue digital downloads on the GoodTimes Blog at http://www.goodwillomaha.org/blog.

july 2013

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1 Julie Bell Assistant Store Manager Madison 2 Lena Pflanz Retail Store Manager Madison 2 Jerrell Stapleton Donation Door Attendant Benson Park Store 4 Jim Metteer, Sr. Clothing Proc/Hanger I 156th & Maple 4 Stanley Callan Database Support Spec Benson Park Plaza 6 Kris Pachunka Community Relations Coordinator Benson Park Plaza 6 Myles Grefe Custodian Lincoln 7 Benny Marks, IV Custodian Offutt 7 Thomas Schnepp Retail Sales Associate II Harris Center 9 Robert May, Jr. NISH Team Leader Offutt 9 Heather Autenrieth Donated Goods Proc. II Blair 10 Akatule Bouadi Dock Worker II 72nd & F 11 Angel Diaz, Jr. Floor Care Specialist Offutt 11 Alex Grady Custodian Lincoln 11 William Eklund Custodian Offutt 11 Jasmine Frierson ShopGoodwill Gen. Clerk 72nd & F 11 Austin Wilson Retail Sales Associate II Madison 12 Robert Blake Custodian Offutt 12 Conchita Tolles E-Commerce Team Leader 72nd & F 12 Michael Thompson Retail Sales Assoc (Spec) Harris Center 12 Vondre Caldwell Retail Sales Associate II Benson Park Store 12 Ahmed Al Ani Donation Door Attendant 156th & Maple 14 Ricky Moran Donation Door Attendant Southwest 15 Gloria Hernandez Clothing Proc/Hanger I Papillion 15 Daniella Merizalde Retail Sales Associate II 180th & Q 16 Robert Ferguson Custodian Zorinsky 16 Matthew Estabrook Custodian Zorinsky 16 Justice Jackson Clothing Proc/Hanger I Harris Center 18 Ann Bailey Marketing Design Spec. Benson Park Plaza 19 Eldon Jones Custodian Lincoln 19 Kianna Jones Retail Sales Associate II Benson Park Store 20 Carlesha McCullough Retail Sales Associate II Benson Park Store 21 Mistina Wong Retail Sales Associate II 180th & Q 22 Kimberly Streit Retail Sales Assoc (Spec) 180th & Q 22 Scott Kissel Donation Door Attendant Madison 23 Mary Marion NISH Team Leader Stratcom 24 Jacob Welch Donation Door Attendant 156th & Maple 24 Christopher Brammer WearHouse Associate II 72nd & F 25 Ashley Studanski Retail Sales Assoc (Spec) Blair 26 Richard Nava WearHouse Team Leader 72nd & F 26 Emri Hamilton Retail Sales Assoc III Bellevue 26 Benigno Mercado Lead Custodian Offutt 26 Susan Darnold Retail Sales Associate II Bellevue 27 Elizabeth Donner Community Development Coordinator Benson Park Plaza 27 Pearl Wilder Asst Custodial Manager Stratcom 27 Lisa Ayala Assistant Store Manager 78th & Dodge 27 Kayleigh Butler Retail Sales Associate II Benson Park Store 28 Crystal Archer Ld Pressure Washing Tech 72nd & F 28 Jacob Perrigo Retail Sales Assoc III Fremont 28 Mark Mumaugh Custodian Offutt 30 Nancy Burgess Clothing Proc/Hanger I Madison 31 Jayney Solo Receptionist Benson Park Plaza 31 Gary May Computer Technician 72nd & F 31 Sabrena Henderson Retail Sales Associate II Harris Center

happy birthday!July 2013

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he Employee of the Month is always a fun award to give during Town Hall.

People are excited, nervous and shocked for the winner (and for the people who kept the award a secret!). During May’s Town Hall the feelings were amplified as Norman Barnes, YouthBuild construction trainer, was awarded Employee of the Month.

Norm was nominated by Miriam Blair, his supervisor, who had help from several YouthBuild students. Norm came to Town Hall to watch his students give a presentation about their AmeriCorps visit to Lincoln. Three students came to the front of the room with Michael Anderson, GED Instructor.

Two of the students talked about how much Norm has impacted their lives. The third grabbed the mic and proclaimed, “Norm — you’re employee of the month!”

A shocked Norm had tears in his eyes. By the time he was done talking, there wasn’t a dry eye in the house.

Norm says that receiving this award is “an awesome feeling.” It validates all of the hard work he puts in with the students each day.

“I didn’t know how much of an impact I was having on them,” he said. “I like to emphasize teamwork with the students, and this award showed that we are here as a team.”

It is easy to see that Norm is extremely proud of his YouthBuild students.

Norm’s focus on safety is one of his strongest qualities. Safety is one of Goodwill’s top priorities (we talk about it at every Town Hall), and it is especially important for the YouthBuild students when they are out on the construction sites.

Norm goes above and beyond

when training the students for their OSHA certifications, making sure they know all of information they need to pass the course. Thanks to Norm, the students can point out safety hazards to contractors while on the work sites!

Most of Norm’s compliments come from the YouthBuild students themselves.

“During hands-on tasks, Mr. Norm always made sure that I followed all of the safety procedures to keep me from harming myself,” said student Sha’Mora Gunn. “He also has taught me that it’s not about rushing to get the job done, it’s about the quality in the work that I do.”

Isn’t that a life lesson we can all use? Congrats, Norm!

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May Employee of the Month Norman Barnes (center) with just a few of his many adoring fans.

employee of the month: mayby Rebecca Armstrong

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meet your edgar award winner!by Neal Obermeyer

hen Jana Marshall started as a career specialist in Goodwill’s Adult

Career Program, Coordinator Tina McGaugh said she wasn’t necessarily prepared for the hard discussions that come with the territory.

“Our participants can be pretty harsh and confrontational sometimes,” Tina said. But over the past year, Tina said that Jana has grown into an amazing career specialist and an invaluable part of the Ames Plaza team.

“She’s built such a good rapport with her participants,” she said, “and she’s not scared to have those hard conversations that are sometimes necessary.”

As a result of her great work in the program, Jana was awarded with the Edgar Award, the quarterly recognition of our Employment & Training department. The award, which is named after Goodwill founder Edgar Helms, is given to a staff member who exemplifies Goodwill’s mission.

Jana is part of the team of career specialists at Ames Plaza in the Heartland Workforce Solutions Adult Career Program. Each of the career specialists has up to 60 people on his or her list, and every day, they help clients search and apply for jobs, create and update resumes and find training opportunities.

Tina said Jana is very passionate about helping people,

and it shows in her work and the success stories she has helped bring about.

Recently, Jana helped a dislocated worker successfully change careers. This client had been working for Pamida in their printing area, and when Pamida was taken over by ShopKo, he found himself without a job by no fault of his own.

“All of his work experience was in one field,” Jana said. “He hadn’t been looking for work for 20-some years.”

This client decided he wanted to switch to truck driving. So Jana worked with him to go over filling out applications online, putting together a resume and writing cover letters. Eventually he was one of eight people chosen from a pool of 250 applicants.

“He just really tried hard and did everything we asked him to,” she said. “He was a really positive story.”

In addition to meeting with clients, Jana also attends job fairs to promote the program. She said

she’ll also interact with people in the resource room at Ames Plaza to let them know about the program there.

“A lot of people use the resource room, but they don’t even know we have the program here,” she said.

Tina said Jana is also known to volunteer for extra responsibilities, including the Ames Plaza building committee and workshop committee.

In her spare time, Jana likes to spend time with her family and her boyfriend. She also enjoys outside activities like swimming, horse-riding, or going back to her hometown of Arthur, Neb. Jana has also taken up running, and she’s run two 5k races recently and hopes to run the Corporate Cup as well.

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Edgar Award winner Jana Marshall, adult career specialist, at the cubicle where dreams are made.

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what a dive!: continuedby Neal Obermeyer

said he saw those letters and the DIVE acronym just came to him.

“I think the acronym was the big light bulb,” Holly said. “Once we had that visual, then it was like a jumping board for planning the week!”

Each day’s topic had corresponding posters and handouts to help deliver the message, culminating in a potluck on Friday to symbolically and literally bring all of the different aspects of Goodwill’s culture together.

monday - DiversityHolly

wanted Goodwill staff to think about their own backgrounds, the diversity they bring to the workplace and how that can enhance the Goodwill team.

“My bottom line is: bring your whole self to work,” she said.

Handouts were distributed to employees, encouraging them to think about the different cultures each person comes from.

“As an example, I’m a redhead. That’s a very specific culture,” Holly said. “I’m left handed. I’m a single parent. I’m also the hearing parent of a deaf child.

“So I’m bringing all of these experiences into my work life,” she said. “I think outside the box, because I’m left handed. I’ve always had to make adjustments — on

scissors and batting and putting. We’re creative.”

Tuesday - InclusionHuman Resources Manager

Julie Cernin’s focused inclusion on disability awareness.

Julie distributed materials throughout Goodwill on working with people with disabilities, including disability facts and myths, disability etiquette and a crossword puzzle.

Wednesday - ValuesCareer Center Manager Tim

Suelter’s day centered around Goodwill’s values — stewardship & responsibility, learning, dignity & diversity, customer driven and integrity & accountability — and how they impact the community the greatest when they are demonstrated as a team.

Thursday - EthicsBenson Park Store Manager

Josh Meyer’s focus was on ethics in the workplace.

“Ethics kind of go along with the laws we follow in America, but also the responsibility of holding yourself to a higher standard,” Josh said.

Josh’s handouts show what ethics should look like in the workplace and give advice on how to make ethical decisions. He also included an activity for personal reflection.

“There are a bunch of words that relate to ethics, and people can go through and circle which words they think they perform,” he said. “And the ones they don’t circle give them things they can work on.”

Friday - Bringing it all together“My day

is kind of the final day that represents how each of our departments support the agency and the mission as a whole,” Ross said.

And what better way to bring everything together than with a potluck?

While Ross focused on how every part of the organization comes together, Goodwill employees will come together for a potluck lunch on Friday. Ross said there’s even a diversity component to the meal, as employees were encouraged to bring items representing family recipes or foods from cultures they aren’t entirely familiar with.

beyond dive weekIn addition to the group DIVE

week project, each of the MDP members was encouraged to do an individual project. Holly chose to develop trainings on the DIVE topics to ensure that the focus wouldn’t end just because the week did.

Holly has been working with the Organizational Development department to develop the trainings, which began their pilot stage this week.

“We’re going to make sure DIVE will carry on,” she said.

continued from page 1

Holly Schwietz

Ross Tremaine

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summer work experienceby Holly Schwietz

ummer Work Experience (SWE) is a new program that gives special education

students who recently completed their high school education an opportunity to gain exposure to a work situation in a supportive environment and to expand their job-readiness skills.

This summer, Benson Park Plaza is hosting a pilot program for SWE youth. Goodwill received an Opportunity Grant from Health and Human Services, which allowed recent high school graduates with disabilities to receive work experience and job readiness training.

This summer, Trainer Jen Hoye is working with participants for the specialized six-week SWE program. Work Experience trainers normally have the summer off,

similar to teachers, but the grant funds one trainer position for six weeks.

At the end of the school year, Work Experience trainers recruited students who were graduating in May for the summer program. Six signed up for the program. Three of the participants completed the Work Experience program at the ROC, one participant comes from Council Bluffs, one is from Blair and one is from BPP.

Participants spend part of their four-hour shift working in the store, performing jobs in the retail and production areas. They also have an opportunity to work administrative clerical

jobs. Participants then spend part of their shift on job-readiness skills, practice interviewing, job application preparation and career exploration.

During their first week alone, participants completed resumes, submitted applications online and attended a job fair. They helped with set up of Goodwill’s Job Fair and used the opportunity to network with employers from a wide variety of companies. Trainer Jen Hoye indicated that exposure at the job fair allowed participants to make connections and practice their interview skills.

The ultimate goal for SWE program participants is employment. All strive to be productive and earn their own money.

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Trainer Jen Hoye (left) with the Summer Work Experience students.

A Summer Work Experience student speaks with an employer at the recent Goodwill job fair.

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Buenas vistas!by Neal Obermeyer

leven volunteers from the AmeriCorps VISTA program — which stands

for Volunteers In Service To America — are fulfilling their service commitments around the Heartland Workforce Solutions (HWS) career center this summer, working as navigators, developing workshops, assisting as career specialists and more.

Eileen Buzzello, a year-round VISTA who works for HWS, said people at the agency had been talking about how they could increase the services at the career center without having the budget to actually hire more people. Being a VISTA herself, Eileen knew about the program and applied for funding.

The Summer VISTA Program is a 10-week commitment in which volunteers work full-time, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., five days a week.

Five VISTAs are working directly with participants in the resource room, helping with job searches and assessments and connecting clients with other resources in the building.

Navigator and VISTA volunteer Brittany Joe is originally from Pasadena and recently graduated from college.

“I was homeless for a time, and

I had an amazing support system,” she said. “So when I graduated, I thought I would give back to the community because so much was given to me.”

Brittany said that even though technically she is helping people find jobs, much of what they end up teaching are life skills. Many clients can’t even begin to apply for jobs without being shown how to use the internet and set up an email account.

Brittany studied marketing in college — not social work — so working as a navigator was a big change. But orientation prepared her for the challenges and educated her about the population, and she’s also found a way to apply her marketing education.

“We’re working on developing a community awareness survey to learn why more people aren’t coming in,” she said. She hopes to have the survey completed by the end of her summer term so she can interpret the data and propose recommendations.

This summer is Brittany’s first time volunteering for VISTA. She said she was terrified coming to Omaha, but said the people at the

center are an amazing group, and now she is considering staying in the city at the end of her term.

Linda Williams, a VISTA volunteer and workshop trainer at the career center, is an Omaha resident who is in her third stint with the program. She has previously worked with Habitat for Humanity and Metropolitan Community College, and now she finds herself training the underprivileged to become employed.

Linda is currently developing curriculum for an entrepreneur training workshop, sharing her own background with those who want to start their own businesses.

“I’ve been a contractor for 13 years,” Linda said. “I know the ropes.”

Like Brittany, Linda plans to finish her research and planning by the end of the summer and then turn it over to HWS to implement.

Ultimately, Brittany and Linda and their nine fellow summer VISTAs will help fulfill the HWS goal of helping to deliver more and better services to the clients of the career center.

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Eileen Buzzello

!

Brittany Joe

Linda Williams

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connecting people with jobsby Ann Bailey

t was approximately 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, June 20 and job seekers slowly filed

into the Benson Park Plaza lobby, anxiously waiting for the doors to their potential careers to open.

Business Outreach Specialists Regina Bell and Megan Sharpe, along with 24 local companies hustled to get tables, displays and information set up for the crowd to file through and learn more about career opportunities.

At noon the visitors were welcome to begin walking through the Durham room and begin inquiring about positions. Within the first hour of the event, more than 100 visitors signed in.

The career fair included many opportunities in different fields of work including customer service, health care and warehouse opportunities from employers like Target, West Corporation, Alegent Creighton Health and Nebraska Furniture Mart.

Some companies provided job seekers with samples such as 12 ounce bottles of Dr. Pepper or reusable shopping bags from Home Depot. Others provided opportunities to fill out applications and interview on the spot.

West Corporation alone was able to help 35 job seekers through the initial interview process and are currently awaiting background checks to be completed. Many employers made positive comments about the diverse amount of employers.

Having multiple industries involved attracted a wide variety of job seekers with a large array of talent and skills. Many employers even had multiple positions available.

Overall, more than 300 people attended the career fair with a large amount being referred through Goodwill’s very

own programs like YouthBuild, Summer Work Experience, Customer Connect, WIA adult and youth programs and READY. Participants from Vocational Rehabilitation, PALS Program, Branching Out with Omaha Home for Boys and Step Up with Urban League also attended.

We also had a lot of media attention throughout the event which included two news stations and the Omaha World-Herald.

Congratulations to Megan, Regina and all other Goodwill staff who helped make this a successful event!

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Job seekers and employers packed the Durham Room at the June 20 job fair.

Eric Newton recently became the first YouthBuild participant to obtain his GED since the program relaunched last fall. Eric began working with Goodwill as a part of the Summer Youth Program in the summer of 2009. Near the end of the summer, he ran into Chad Garvis, the YouthBuild coordinator, who told him about the program. Eric decided it was for him, so he joined up at the conclusion of his Summer Youth experience. Eric said he likes the hands-on aspect of YouthBuild, which he feels makes it easier to learn. And he said when he finds he doesn’t understand something, the staff has been extremely helpful. The biggest challenges of the program were getting used to the structure and getting back into a routine, he said. But now he’s got his GED and construction training as well.

Eric’s next goal is to get into college and take classes in computers, which is his career interest. He’ll be taking part in some job shadowing through YouthBuild to learn more about the field.

He said the program has taught him perseverance in working toward his goals. “At times it might be frustrating, but you have to hang on,” he said. “Stay with it.” Congratulations on completing your GED, Eric!

Eric Newton, proving Newton’s First Law by using hard work and the guidance of YouthBuild staff to put his career in motion.

GEDs Bring Good Things to LifeBy Neal Obermeyer

Hanging employment barriers out to dry. 13

Goodwill Omaha is now ontwitter and facebook!

You can follow us on twitter at: www.twitter.com/GoodwillOmahaBecome a fan of Goodwill Omaha on facebook by searching “Goodwill Omaha”

Keep up with Goodwill online!facebook.com/goodwillomahatwitter.com/goodwillomaha

Eric Newton recently became the first YouthBuild participant to obtain his GED since the program relaunched last fall. Eric began working with Goodwill as a part of the Summer Youth Program in the summer of 2009. Near the end of the summer, he ran into Chad Garvis, the YouthBuild coordinator, who told him about the program. Eric decided it was for him, so he joined up at the conclusion of his Summer Youth experience. Eric said he likes the hands-on aspect of YouthBuild, which he feels makes it easier to learn. And he said when he finds he doesn’t understand something, the staff has been extremely helpful. The biggest challenges of the program were getting used to the structure and getting back into a routine, he said. But now he’s got his GED and construction training as well.

Eric’s next goal is to get into college and take classes in computers, which is his career interest. He’ll be taking part in some job shadowing through YouthBuild to learn more about the field.

He said the program has taught him perseverance in working toward his goals. “At times it might be frustrating, but you have to hang on,” he said. “Stay with it.” Congratulations on completing your GED, Eric!

Eric Newton, proving Newton’s First Law by using hard work and the guidance of YouthBuild staff to put his career in motion.

GEDs Bring Good Things to LifeBy Neal Obermeyer

Hanging employment barriers out to dry. 13

Goodwill Omaha is now ontwitter and facebook!

You can follow us on twitter at: www.twitter.com/GoodwillOmahaBecome a fan of Goodwill Omaha on facebook by searching “Goodwill Omaha”

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another classic day of golfby Rita Crum

t’s not every day you celebrate 15 years of hitting a little white ball in honor of

Goodwill. Well, that’s what 132 golfers did on June 17 at Shadow Ridge Golf Course.

Goodwill hosted its 15th Annual Golf Classic, raising funds for our employment and training division. There were nearly 55 companies represented on the course, including our two title sponsors, Mutual of Omaha Bank and Gallagher Grace Mayer. Other top sponsors included Kiewit Building Group, American National Bank, Omaha Neon, Vital Support Systems and Fraser Stryker Law.

Golfers teed off at 11 a.m. and encountered various challenges along the course, including competing against WOWT’s John Knicely for closest to the hole. Nearly 25 Goodwill employees greeted staff and helped keep golfers on track throughout the day.

Afterwards, players were treated to a delicious dinner buffet and also learned a little bit about Goodwill. Guest speakers Youthbuild Coordinator Miriam Blair and program participants Tracy Tate and Joseph Martinez took to the podium and educated the crowd about Youthbuild. From the construction industry

to attaining their GEDs, Tracy and Joseph educated everyone in the room about the benefits of a Goodwill program.

The event went off without a hitch and it was all made possible by a dedicated golf committee comprising local business volunteers and Goodwill staff.

To date, this event has raised more than $400,000, all of which has gone to support Goodwill’s mission of changing lives and strengthening communities through education, training and work.

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YouthBuild Coordinator Miriam Blair (center) introduces pro-gram participants Tracy Tate (left) and Joseph Martinez (right).

WOWT anchor John Knicely tees off at the Hole 17 challenge at the Goodwill Golf Classic.

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community engagement: Just say yes! by Erin Swanson

ver the last several months, community engagement has come to the surface as

an important piece of Goodwill’s strategic plan for the next several years.

Community engagement refers to the process by which community organizations and individuals build ongoing, permanent relationships for the purpose of applying a collective vision for the benefit of a community. Community engagement deals primarily with the practice of bringing communities towards transformational growth through collaboration.

Through a team effort of several employees at Goodwill, our agency has had the opportunity to host events like Rotary After Hours and Coffee and Contacts for the Suburban Rotary Club and the Omaha and

Western Douglas County Chambers of Commerce. Additionally, our Board Members have been hosting monthly engagement socials at Goodwill headquarters, inviting their colleagues and friends to learn more about the impact our work and mission has on our community.

These community events give Goodwill the opportunity to discover and build new relationships with people we have never interacted with before. Throughout the last six months, we’ve had over 250 new guests in our building learning about our mission for the very first time.

Every person departing these events leaves with a greater understanding and appreciation for our mission and how their donations or collaborations with Goodwill will better the lives of people in our community.

The gold key that unlocks

the door to successful sales and fundraising is building relationships that endure. The adage “people give to people” is true, whether you are seeking funds or business from foundations, corporations or individuals. Building relationships is not easy, it takes concentration, focus, charm, wit, intelligence, and perhaps most importantly, authenticity.

So just remember that all of you, from Employment Specialist to Retail Associate, are the best sales and development people we have and your contacts with our customers and donors is just as important as mine.

For Goodwill to continue to be successful in cultivating commercial contracts and securing financial contributions we must continue to be engaged in the community.

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Goodwill Omaha President & CEO Frank McGree talks about the agency at the Rotary After Hours event.

Business Development Coordinator Kristin Koopman (right) organized the Coffee & Contacts event. The Chamber’s Bridget Martin (left) was one of many in attendance.

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ere are some of the amazing things your coworkers were up to the past two months!

ABOVE & BEYONDMyles Grefe“Myles is very professional. He does an outstanding job and should be commended for his efforts. Way to go, Myles!”

U.S. Attorney’s Office

Steven Hennessey“Steve is always willing to go above and beyond to make our offices look nice. He’s always in a good mood and we appreciate him and the job he does. Way to go, Steve!”

Judge C. Arlen Beam

LIFESAVER

Angie Montgomery“Angie showed me how to use the flier-folder machine with no notice. She dropped everything to help me! How awesome.”

Ann Bailey“Ann volunteered to work on a room rental on a Friday evening after the group’s meeting time changed. I couldn’t have done it without her!”

“Ann fixed up all the rooms at BPP with Mission Vision Values posters. You are a problem solver Ann. I’m so glad you work at Goodwill. Hot dog!”

“Ann noticed I was folding a large amount of fliers for a mailer. She told me that we have a machine that could do that for me! Ann saved me so much time.”

Brent Koster“For helping me send out literally 50 emails through Constant Contact and Customer Connect.”

Bruce Kleffner“When making the delivery to 180th store he noticed some of the Vodec students were having trouble making it through the snow so he took the time to help them get in the building.”

Christina Coffin“She makes work fun and exciting as well as productive. She is a great person to have on our team.”

Crystal Archer“Crystal saw a purse in the trash at one of the bus stations she cleaned. She realized it was not trash and that

it had probably been stolen. She called the police to pick up the purse. The police were able to return the purse to the owner. Way to go!”

Dan Martin“Dan really was a lifesaver when he jumped up to fill the gaps when other drivers did not show. Thanks!”

Danielle Wilcox“Thank you for your help that allowed me to get my paperwork for life insurance turned in. In the event that an actual lifesaver doesn’t work, my financial affairs will be left in better shape thanks to your help.”

Don McPherson“The Good Turn Girl Scout drive went extremely smoothly thanks to you and your employees!”

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awards aplenty!April - May 2013

In other recognition news, here READY Specialist Sany Ferrucci (left) presents Donna Miller with her fourth and final completion certificate from READY’s Microsoft Office classes. Donna is the first participant to earn all four certificates!

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awards aplenty!April - May 2013

Erin Swanson“Congrats to Erin for organizing Goodwill’s participation in Omaha Gives! Our agency raised over $16,000.”

Ivan Johnson“Ivan is a great door guy and is quick to help when asked. He’s always ready to work and is greatly appreciated.”

Jacob Brown“Jacob found a very important item a donor accidentally donated. Jacob was shown a picture and found the item within an hour. I’m so proud you’re part of the WearHouse team!”

Kevin Fehderau“Calmly and cooly repairing the mail server network connection and removing the errant snapshot in record time!”

Lucy Diaz“Lucy is always there when you need her and a very dedicated worker.”

Lynn Johnson“From working the donation door to doing a floor recover or hanging, she is definitely a team player and her coworkers enjoy her around.”

Nancy Malone“Nancy is a great cashier and super fun to work with. She always has a smile on her face and is ready to work. Go Nancy!”

Neal Obermeyer“Putting aside more high-falutin’ projects and compiling the Metro bus proposal at the last minute.”

Rebecca Armstrong“Kudos to Rebecca for helping me finalize the Dex Yellow Pages contract. In the end we saved the agency $4200!”

“Thank you for relieving Mardell for lunch so I could keep my appointment. You saved my life! Not really but you made it much easier.”

Rockie Smith“Rockie was going in to clean the women’s restroom and found a lady unconscious and notified the receptionist, who called Code Blue and called 911.”

Sonia Galarza“Recognized for her awesomeness! She’s understanding and very helpful. Fun to be around and makes work fun for everyone!”

Todd Milbrandt“For providing the lead that allowed us to finally buy a vacuum.”

Zach Davis“Zach came from Bellevue to help us in our time of need. He remained busy at all times. He was very professional. Whatever was asked was done with a smile. Thanks!”

may Store of the Month:

Can you believe it? Three months in a row! James and his staff ended May nearly 30% over budget and 36% over last year! Congratulations!

G O O D

B Y T E S

RECYCLED COMPUTER STORE

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happy anniversaryJuly 2013

24 YearsBobbie TvrdikVP, Admin SvsBenson Park Plaza

16 YearsLinda AndersonClothing Proc/Hang IIIHarris Center

Kay HilgenkampSr. Director of Retail72nd & F

13 YearsEloisa RuckerNISH Team LeaderOffutt

Gordon ScheetInformation Tech DirBenson Park Plaza

12 YearsAaron KastlCustodianLincoln

11 YearsHolly SchwietzWork Exp CoordBenson Park Plaza

10 YearsLena Pflanz Retail Store Manager Madison

9 YearsNathaniel AndrewsRetail Inventory Spec72nd & F

Gerald SplearNISH Team Leader Lincoln

7 YearsBrenda HarrisRetail Store ManagerSouthwest

6 YearsPauli BishopSenior Finance DirBenson Park Plaza

Angela HouserRetail Store ManagerFremont

Jacqualyn NordAssistant Store ManagerBellevue

5 YearsGarry KernYouth Career SpecialistAmes Plaza

Anthony PecoraroCustodianZorinsky

4 YearsKerrilynn BrunoDonated Goods Proc. IIWest Center

Jennifer RohrEmployment CoordinatorBenson Park Plaza

3 YearsLynn ClarkRetail Prod Worker I72nd & F

Zachary DavisDonation Door AttendantBellevue

Melanie MoyerRetail Store Manager West Center

2 YearsGary CampbellGen Postal Clerk IIPostal

Lora HowardRetail Sales Associate IIFremont

Samantha JanousekRetail Sales Assoc IIIBenson Park Store

Thomas Moore-HilgenkampRetail Sales Assoc IIIFremont

Marcus NelsonRetail Sales Assoc IIIPapillion

Kendrick RansomRecycling Technician I72nd & F

Justin SmithDonation Door AttendantMadison

Irmgard UhlenkampCustodianStratcom

1 YearHeather AutenriethDonated Goods Proc. IIBlair

Pamela BaconClothing Proc/Hanger IBlair

Rachel BowserClothing Proc/Hanger I Blair

Nicholas BoyceDonation Door AttendantBlair

Maurice ColeDock Worker II72nd & F

Jocelyn DolphinRetail Sales Associate IIBlair

Deanna DownenRetail Sales Assoc IIIBlair

Joshua EricksonDonation Door AttBlair

Rockiyath GbadamassiClothing Proc/Hanger I180th & Q

Cathy GoldappClothing Proc/Hanger IBlair

Laura HarrisAdult Career SpecialistAmes Plaza

Alex JonesDonation Door AttBlair

Kristie KeenDonation Door AttBlair

Victoria LantzRetail Sales Associate IIBlair

Keith LeeDonation Door AttBlair

Andrew LivermoreDonation Door AttBlair

Maria MartinezRetail Sales Associate IIPapillion

Mandi NorthRetail Sales Associate IIMadison

Bisharo OmarClothing Proc/Hanger I78th & Dodge

Danna PickellTeam Leader-Retail Blair

Ronald PiekenDonation Door AttMadison

Haley PierceRetail Sales Associate IIBlair

Jennifer SalsburyWork Exp TrainerBlair

David SextonAsst Grnds Maint SupVA

Alexis SmithRetail Sales Assoc IIIBlair

Jayney SolotorovskyReceptionist Benson Park Plaza

Ashley StudanskiRetail Sales Assoc (Spec)Blair

Patricia SullivanRetail Sales Assoc IIIBlair

Erin SwansonDir of Planned GivingBenson Park Plaza

Christopher VacantiCustodian Offutt

Christopher WairDonation Door Att156th & Maple

Kaitlyn WashburnRetail Sales Assoc III156th & Maple

Jeremy WeaverDonation Door AttSouthwest

1512Hanging employment barriers out to dry. 10

Hanging employment barriers out to dry. 8

July 2009Multicultural Calendar Highlights

July 1 – Canada Day: Canada Known as Dominion Day until 1982, this day celebrates the confederation of upper and lower Canada into the Dominion of Canada in 1867. Republic Day: Ghana On this day in 1960, Ghana gained independence within the Commonwealth of Great Britain. SAR Establishment Day: Hong Kong Pursuant to an agreement signed by China and the United Kingdom on December 19, 1984, the United Kingdom handed sovereignty over Hong Kong back to the People’s Republic of China and Hong Kong became the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of China on July 1, 1997. In this agreement, China promised that, under its “one country, two systems” formula, China’s socialist economic system will not be imposed on Hong Kong and that Hong Kong will enjoy a high degree of autonomy in all matters except foreign and defense affairs for the next 50 years. July 4 – Philippine-American Friendship Day: Philippines This celebrates the day in 1946 that the United States granted independence to the Philippines after ruling it since 1905. Independence Day: United States This commemorates the day in 1776 that delegates of the Thirteen Colonies signed the Declaration of Independence announcing their separation from Great Britain and the establishment of the United States of America. July 5 – Independence Day: Algeria Ruled by the Ottoman Turks since the mid-sixteenth century and populated mainly by Arabs who introduced Islam as the country’s predominant religion, Algeria became a colony of France in 1848. A war of independence from France began in 1954, and Algeria became independent in 1962. Independence Day: Venezuela First colonized by Spain in the fifteenth century, Venezuela began a war of independence led by Francisco de Miranda and Simón Bolívar that lasted from 1810 to 1821. It is on this day in 1811 that Venezuela declared its independence from Spain. This day is celebrated in Venezuela as a national holiday. July 6 – Day of Statehood: Lithuania Statehood Day commemorates the coronation of Lithuania’s first and only king, King Mindaugas, in 1253. July 9 – Independence Day: Argentina This day commemorates Argentina’s declaration of independence from Spain in 1816. July 10 – Independence Day: Bahamas This commemorates the Bahamas’ gaining independence within the Commonwealth of Great Britain in 1973. This holiday is observed from July 3 through July 10. July 11 – Flemish Community Holiday: Belgium Celebrated in Flemish communities in Belgium, this day commemorates the battle in 1302 in which the Flemish declared their independence from France. July 13 – Battle of the Boyne (Orangemen’s Day) observed: Northern Ireland The Battle of the Boyne was a turning point in the war between the deposed King James II of England and VII of Scotland and his son-in-law and successor, William III, for the English, Scottish, and Irish thrones. The battle took place on July 12, 1690 outside of the town of Drogheda on Ireland’s east coast. Although not militarily decisive, its symbolic importance has made it one of the most infamous battles in British and Irish history. July 14 – Bastille Day (bass-steel): France This celebrates the fall of the Bastille prison, marking the beginning of the French Revolution in 1789 and the eventual end of monarchical rule and the creation of a French Republic. July 17 – Constitution Day: South Korea After the division of Korea into North Korea and South Korea at the end of World War II, South Korea formed a republic with its capital in Seoul and Syngman Rhee as its first president. July 19 – First Special Olympics Games (1968): United States On this date the first Special Olympics, an athletic competition for children and adults with cognitive disabilities, opened at Soldiers Field in Chicago. The first Special Olympics had 1,000 participants from the United States and Canada; by 1995, this competition had expanded to include Winter Special Olympics (added in 1977) and to involve 7,000 participants from all 50 states and 143 countries. The program of events has also grown dramatically, from three at the first Special Olympics to more than twenty. The international competition is held in the year before the regular Olympics. July 20 – Independence Day: Colombia Beginning in the fourteenth century, the region that is now Colombia was the center of the Spanish colony known as New Granada, which included Panama and most of Venezuela. Beginning in 1810, Simón Bolívar led a war of independence from Spain, which ended with his victory over Spanish forces on this day in 1819. This day is celebrated in Colombia as a national holiday. Luis Muñoz Rivera’s Birthday: Puerto Rico This public holiday commemorates the birth of Luis Muñoz Rivera (1859-1916), poet, journalist, and leader of the campaign for autonomy for the Spanish colony. When Spain granted political autonomy to Puerto Rico in 1898, Luis Muñoz Rivera became its leader. Only five months later, however, the United States invaded and took possession of the island, and Muñoz Rivera spent the rest of his life working to regain the independence of his nation. As Resident Commissioner in Washington in 1916, he denounced the proposed Jones Act, which was to give citizenship to Puerto Ricans but retain the island as a U.S. possession. The act was passed shortly after his death. Marine Day (Umi No Hi): Japan This holiday was observed for the first time in 1996. In 1874, the Meiji Government commissioned Robert Napier & Sons, a Scottish shipyard, to build the Meiji-Maru, a lighthouse service steamship. Using the vessel, the Emperor Meiji made an imperial tour of inspection of northeastern Japan in 1876, traveling from Aomori to Hakodate and arriving in Yokohama on July 20. “The Day of the Sea” or Marine Day commemorates the Emperor’s safe voyage. July 21 – National Holiday: Belgium This marks the day in 1831 that Belgium became independent from the Netherlands and Leopold I ascended the throne as Belgium’s first king. July 23 - Revolution Day: Egypt This day marks the beginning of the military coup in 1952 that led to the proclamation of the Egyptian republic. July 24 – Pioneer Day: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints This marks the day in 1847 that Brigham Young led other believers in the teachings of Joseph Smith, the founder of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, into the valley of the Great Salt Lake, where they would establish the center of their church and build Salt Lake City. Simón Bolívar’s Birthday: Ecuador and Venezuela This public holiday honors military and political leader Simón Bolívar (1783-1830). Known as “The Liberator,” Simón Bolívar led the rebellion against Spanish rule that established the independence of Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Bolivia. July 25 – Constitution Day: Puerto Rico The constitution of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico was approved in 1952 on this day, which is now commemorated each year with official government ceremonies. Republic Day: Tunisia This day commemorates the end of the Tunisian monarchy and the establishment of a republic in 1957. July 26 – Americans with Disabilities Act (1990): United States Signed into law on this date, this milestone of U.S. civil rights legislation protects people with disabilities from discrimination in the areas of employment, transportation, and public accommodation. (Earlier legislation had addressed discrimination in housing.) The law requires a wide range of public and private establishments to make new and renovated facilities accessible to people with disabilities and to make “readily achievable” changes to existing facilities in order to increase accessibility. July 27 – José Celso Barbosa’s Birthday: Puerto Rico This public holiday honors José Celso Barbosa (1857-1921), physician, social analyst, and politician, who in 1899 founded the Republican Party of Puerto Rico that advocated statehood for the island. July 28 – Independence Day: Peru This two-day national holiday celebrates José de San Martín’s proclamation of Peru’s independence from Spain on July 28, 1821. July 30 – National Day (Feast of the Throne): Morocco This commemorates the enthronement of the current king of Morocco, King Muhammad VI.

2011 June Diversity Calendar Datesdiversity calendarJuly

diversity calendarJuly 2013

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