Youth Experience Success in Goodwill Program
“My son has never held a job for six weeks.  The staff (at Goodwill) motivated him to be at work every day … He’s never had such a positive experience in his life!”  These are the words of one mother whose son participated in Youth Experiencing Success (Y.E.S.), Goodwill Industries of Northwest Ohio’s summer youth work program.

Running from June 22 through mid-August, 20 youth and young adults ages 16 – 27, participated in the program designed to give them not only work experience, but develop good work habits.   The program’s participants were referred to Goodwill by Rehabilitation Services Commission (R.S.C.), Lott Industries/Ability Center, and the Zeph Center.  The youth each worked 27 ½ hours per week at various locations throughout the greater Toledo Area.  Jobs included food service at My Brother’s Place and Compass, animal car at Paws and Whiskers Cat Shelter, auto care at J&J Auto, and grounds maintenance at both the Toledo Botanical Gardens and Highland Meadows Golf Club.  Program participants even helped prepare for and work at the Jamie Farr Owens Corning Golf Classic with the LPGA.

Goodwill staff and job coaches assisted the youth involved in the program develop “soft” employment skills such as attendance, following dress codes, and communication skills with co-workers and supervisors.  The program also helped develop a strong camaraderie and fellowship among the participants and employers.

“This has by far been the most successful summer youth employment program we’ve had to date,” said Deb Lagger, Goodwill’s workforce development director.  “From the kids to the employers to the families, everyone was engaged and highly supportive.”
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Goodwill Helps Napoleon Resident Work Towards Independence
Young Anthony Beck has his first job and really likes it! Beck, who is 21 years-of-age, is part of Four County Career Center’s Student Transition Program. On February 1 he began his employment at the Henry County Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) garage in Napoleon. Placed in the position by Goodwill Industries of Northwest Ohio’s contracts department, Beck provides general office cleaning and janitorial. He has a job coach through Four County Career Center to assist him in his duties, making sure all is going smoothly.

According to Goodwill's director of contract services, Julie Roloff, "Anthony really likes his new position and he is doing an excellent job. "We're really proud of him."
On Wednesday, August 11, everyone involved in the program celebrated their success with a picnic at Wildwood Metro Park, Toledo.   The youth, families, employers and Goodwill staff all got together for food, fun and games.  In the end, maybe one of the job coaches, Mary R., said it best, “I was truly blessed by each of the students.  This is a wonderful program for our youth; very positive.  I hope it continues.” Read More Success Stories

New Arena Gives The Power Of Work To One Special Goodwill Consumer
A smile ran across Bonnie Beamer's face as she described the duties of her new job. "I make sure every thing on the stand is very clean and that the relish and onions are in the right place," said Bonnie as she grinned.

Bonnie is a young woman who has been working with Goodwill since January of this year; receiving services such as job seeking skills training and guidance from a job coach and placement specialist. This summer, along with her Goodwill job coach, Patricia Blubaugh, she attended a job fair for the new Lucas County Arena. She was hired, becoming one of the first employees for the new Arena Bonnie began her job October 2.

Working for Gladieux Food Service, she takes care of the arenas condiment stands during events, making sure they are clean, spotless and well stocked. She enjoys meeting fellow employees and helping them learn the job as well.
When asked what her favorite part of having a job is, Bonnie smiled and replied, "Doing the job well!" Read More Success Stories


The Ability To Work Again
Having the ability to work again and make a living is something that John Dillon treasures. "I like the people I'm working with and being able to keep busy," said Dillon recently about his job at Goodwill.

John was originally referred to Goodwill by the Bureau of Vocational Rehabilitation (BVR). After completing a Community Based Assessment he worked a short time in Janitorial Services doing clean-up at festivals and also a slight time in the Goodwill's computer recycling program, Reconnect. But John has found a home reconditioning vacuum cleaners in Goodwill's Vaccraft program where he has worked since May of this year.

Say's John, "I'm really handy with my hands and this has been a good thing. I enjoy it."

Prior to coming to Goodwill, John had worked as maintenance and lawn care for a Toledo area trailer park, and also as a custodian for a local café. But now, on his feet and making ends meet, John sees a future with Goodwill as the Vaccraft program expands.

The best part says John, "everyone here is friendly and helps you if you need it." Read More Success Stories


Goodwill Auto Auction’s Dynamic Duo
Since it began in 2006, Goodwill’s Auto Auction has enjoyed much success, but that’s especially true this year. Over the last 12 months, the auction has benefited by the hard work of two long-time Goodwill employees--regional operations and auto auction manager, Casey Holmes, and receptionist/communications specialist, Sandy Harcourt.

Beginning last fall, Sandy has operated as the auction’s front-line of communications, handling as many as 10 inquires each day regarding possible donations. She takes the initial calls; answering questions, taking information and working with the donor through all the steps necessary for title transfer. Goodwill has a towing company pick-up all the cars that are donated, so Sandy also coordinates the towing between the donor and tow company.

Once the vehicle’s keys are in hand, Sandy delivers them, and the title work, to Casey, the other part of the equation for success. Casey logs and tracks all the information in the agencies information system, and works with the title office on completing the transfers. She then coordinates the auction itself and contacts the vehicle’s donor via mail regarding the sale price the car brought at auction. This is the amount the donor can claim as a tax deduction.

"I really enjoy doing this," says Casey. "I get to hear comments from people like, I'm glad I no longer have to take the bus to work." or, "Now I finally have a van to transport my children around in."
Casey also credits Jet's Towing Service for helping with the auction's success. They have done a great job and donate so much of their time and help. We are really thankful for what they do for us."

The latest auto auction in March had the highest attendance to date, raising more than $23,500 for Goodwill's job training and placement programs.

When asked if she has anything she wants the public to know, Casey replied, "If you need a good work car, come to the auction. We'll be happy to help you!"
And, if you're interesting in donating, just call Sandy at 419-255-0070. She'd love to talk to you. Read More Success Stories