On Tuesday August 29, Goodwill started our Tooling U Manufacturing Training Program at our DeVeaux Job Connection Center. The classes are Tuesday- Thursday 10-12, and all students are provided a laptop where online modules and instructions are given. When students successfully complete the program they will have an Advance Manufacturing Certificate. Program Manager Candace Odenweller and JCC Navigator Melody Godwin are facilitating the class and helping each participant successfully make it through the program.
Congratulations to all the participants and way to go Candy and Melody!
Ten Steps to Get Organized for Back-To-School Clothes Shopping By Lorie Morrero
We are fast approaching back-to-school time and now is a great time to share how to get ahead of the game with a quick project to ease your way into the shopping season.
Soon, back-to-school ads will be promoted everywhere, including your nearest Goodwill, with great deals on clothing and supplies. But the only way to take full advantage of these savings is to know what you need in the first place!
You can save the most time, money, and hassle if you know what you already have that works, what each child needs for the current season and what each child needs for the next season. So let’s help you get a step ahead by getting your kids’ clothing organized for some savvy shopping.
TEN STEPS TO BACK-TO-SCHOOL CLOTHING ORGANIZATION
Typically, you want to get as much of this project done as possible without the kids and involve them for a targeted amount of time at the end. If kids are older or if they are interested in the process, they may benefit from being involved so that they can learn from what you’re doing.
You’ll need the following supplies to get started:
Paper grocery sacks,
Plastic storage bins,
Permanent marker,
Paper and
Pen.
Bonus: label maker for bins
Let’s dive in:
Get the laundry done as much as possible to give you a full view of what you have. As you fold the laundry, note the sizes of the kids’ underwear, shirts and pants. Also make a note of anything that needs to be replaced.
Tell the kids you’re going to ask them later to try on a few clothes to see if they fit. Many children cooperate better if they have been given advance notice to transition into activities.
Start with the folded clothing in their dresser drawers, such as socks, underwear, shorts and sweaters. Check each item for size and wear-and-tear, neaten it up and organize it as needed. Make note along the way of anything you need to purchase.
If you’re not sure whether something fits, start a try-on pile for each child for later.
Anything that has been outgrown can be placed in a paper sack to donate to Goodwill. Mark the bag with the permanent marker with the word “donate.” You can also label and use the bags to sort other items like toys that need putting away in other rooms.
If you have younger family members who may want outgrown items as hand-me-downs, put these items in storage bins and label the full boxes by gender, range of sizes and season.
Next, move to the closet and tackle the hanging clothing. Keep noting what needs replacing and areas that are coming up short. Consider everything in terms of “good school clothes” and count how many shirts, pants and dresses will currently work.
Once you’ve gone through all of each child’s clothing, take whatever’s left in the try-on pile and grab the kids for a try-on session. Some kids may be more cooperative if you let them try-on while they watch a favorite show as a treat, and some may think it’s a big fun fashion show! Do have fun with it and work with your child’s preferences to make it painless for everyone.
Write down everything you notice that is needed and the correct sizes for everyone. Don’t forget underwear, socks, belts, ties, hair accessories, jackets, sweaters, school uniforms, “party clothes,” athletic shoes, casual shoes and dress shoes.
Take your bags of donations to your nearest Goodwill donation center. You can find the closest one using our locator. You’ll be helping fund programs and services in your own community that help people get good jobs while helping the planet too!
Now you’re ready! Your kids’ clothes are organized, and you have a list of exactly what you need to get from the big sales in a few weeks. And don’t forget the bargains you can get every day shopping at Goodwill, where gently used kids’ clothing can be the perfect way to save even more.
On Dec. 22nd 1990, the landmark Reynolds Rd. Goodwill store opened its doors for the very first time! Since that date, this store has been remodeled a handful of times. Goodwill Industries of NW Ohio’s President/CEO, Amy Wachob, started her career with Goodwill at this location in 1991. This was the first new concept location, which transformed Thrift Shopping in NW Ohio. The Reynolds Rd. location was designed intentionally to offer shoppers a modern and updated shopping experience.
Today, Goodwill Industries of Northwest Ohio, Inc. is launching its 90 Days of Goodwill leading up to its 90th Anniversary in Northwest Ohio! March 29, 1933 Goodwill began its mission of changing lives through the Power of Work in Toledo and throughout the Northwest Ohio region. Goodwill will tell its story from its inception in 1933 to its impact in today’s environment. Daily postings will be made on our Facebook page (@GoodwillNow), and Instagram (@GoodwillNow). Throughout 2023, Goodwill will host many activities to mark its 90 years of service. These activities will include a Customer Appreciation Day, Workforce Development Community Resource Fairs, People Served Highlights, Team Member Recognition, and our reach throughout our 13 counties.
Pictured: Goodwill’s original Articles of Incorporation proudly displayed in “The West Wing” meeting room. The West Wing is a meeting room that is a casual space for innovative thinking and brain storming.
On June 16th, join us for a parking lot party at the Madison Ave location! There will be fun, food and other activities! Goodwill’s community partners will be there with information for you to start your journey to job skills and job opportunities. Need assistance with work clothes and boots? Stop out and learn what Goodwill and our partners can do for you! For more information contact Tisha at tcarroll@goodwillnwohio.org or call 419-255-0070.
Are you in the 43604 or 43607 zip code area? Goodwill is teamed up with The Junction Coalition and LISC Toledo to provide FREE training in skilled trades! Call Creyona to get more information at Goodwill’s Job Connection Center: 419-255-0070 ext 3104
On Wednesday, February 16th Goodwill Industries of NW Ohio’s CEO, Amy Wachob, hosted the newly selected Executive Director of Ohio Association of Goodwill Industries (OAGI), Prince. During his visit, he attended a Staff Meeting of Executives and toured the Administration Office as well as one of the Job Connection Centers, located at 1120 Madison Ave. in downtown Toledo.
OAGI is an association of 16 Goodwill Industries in Ohio. We work together to identify and monitor important issues and for OAGI members, engage in public policy discussions, and facilitate collaboration among autonomous Goodwill Industries.
Dontae came as a referral from the local Volunteers of America (VOA) at the beginning of January. He had been released from prison for 6 months and he was a transitional control. He was job searching and he was referred to Goodwill Industries from his case manager at the VOA. Dontae obtained employment with the help of the Goodwill Reentry Navigator at the Toledo Mobis of North America production facility in the Chrysler Jeep industrial complex. Once he obtained the job, the Goodwill Reentry program assisted him with purchasing some work clothing and work boots for him. Dontae is very happy and pleased with his job and the services he received at Goodwill. Nice work Dontae!
Toledo, OH – Goodwill Industries of Northwest Ohio, Inc. will officially launch its newest workforce development program Good Rides on Tuesday, February 15, 2022. Good Rides is a workforce development program designed to help individuals facing transportation barriers getting to and from work. Goodwill purchased a shuttle bus to help with the widespread issue and participants enrolled in the program will work with navigators to identify their barriers. Once identified, the navigators will create plans to overcome the challenges in order to become transportation independent.
Goodwill is currently working with area employers on the program and the launch will involve Whitmer High School interns working at Rosenboom, located in Bowling Green, OH. Students will leave directly from Whitmer High School to Rosenboom and will be returned to school following their shift.
“This really is an exciting program. We have been talking with area employers and people we serve for quite some time and transportation has frequently been mentioned as a challenging barrier to employment”, said Amy Wachob, President and CEO of Goodwill Industries of Northwest Ohio, Inc. “We are anticipating that the Good Rides Program will make a significant impact on eliminating a workplace barrier.” Wachob further states, “It is important to note that this is not a public transportation program, this is a workforce development program. Its design and intent is to work with individuals one-on-one and provide a lasting workplace solution. We are very encouraged by the depth of interest from both the people we serve as well as area employers. We have already been asked to increase our fleet!”
For more information on Goodwill’s Good Rides Program call or email:
The Tiffin Goodwill location will be temporarily closed beginning Tuesday, Feb 1st, for remodeling. The newly updated store will provide brighter lights, new flooring and new paint and fixtures to provide a better shopping experience. Opening date will be coming soon! Follow us on social media @GoodwillNow for updates. The Tiffin store moved to it’s current location in 2010.