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Goodwill Industries of Northwest Ohio, Inc. turns 90!

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A bushel of potatoes, pictured below, represents the total capital stock of Goodwill Industries in 1933.  the first major transaction was to trade on half of a bushel of potatoes for one half of a bushel of onions.  For the first 6 months of 1933, Goodwill posted a cash income of $625 and $2,000 in barter.

Goodwill Industries of Northwest Ohio has seen a variety of locations of the past 90 years.  Some of these locations include the corner of Adams & 12th, the Morral Memorial Building at 627 North Huron St., which was directly across from the location at the corner of Lynn & Summit, which is near the now Fifth Third building.

Currently, Goodwill Industries has 13 Brick and Mortar retail locations, 4 store front Donation Stations, 2 Job Connection Centers, 1 E-Commerce retail location (shopgoodwill.com), the Transportation and Commercial Services share the building on Nebraska Ave. And our new headquarters at 1120 Madison Ave., which we moved into in January, 2018.

You can go to our Facebook page @GoodwillNow for more information on the past 90 years of Goodwill in Northwest Ohio.

“90 Days of Goodwill” Not Charity, But a Chance.

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That phrase was coined by Edgar J. Helms, Goodwill’s Founder. In these pictures from Toledo Goodwill people donated items that needed repair, specifically furniture items. Individuals work restoring collected goods while learning trades and sharpening skills at the same time. Income from the resale of the goods paid their wages and eventually an industrial school developed. That is the foundation of Goodwill. Today, your NW Ohio Goodwill provides job training to enhance the lives of individuals and their families through the Power of Work.

90 Days of Goodwill; History of incorporation amendments

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In the beginning of Goodwill’s Incorporation, in 1933, we were incorporated as “Organized Goodwill, Inc.”, also known as Toledo Goodwill. In 1977, our Amended Articles of Incorporation it was changed to “Goodwill Industries of Toledo, Inc.” In 1995 we were amended as “Goodwill Industries of NW Ohio, Inc.”, as we proudly serve all of NW Ohio. #goodwillnow#goodfinds#nwohio#Goodwill#whygoodwill#90years#90daysofgoodwill#community

Orange St. building 1930's
Pay Call in the 1930's

Goodwill Industries of NW Ohio updates Mission Statement

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During the 2022 Board Planning Session, held in September, work began on updating Goodwill of NW Ohio’s Mission Statement. This update was much needed and the new statement was written very intentionally to describe our purpose throughout Northwest Ohio.

#goodwillnow #goodfinds #nwohio #whygoodwill #Goodwill #90years #90daysofgoodwill #community #thrift

Goodwill builds dignity and enhances quality of life for individuals and families throughout Northwest Ohio through the Power of Work by eliminating barriers and providing opportunities.


Back to School Outfit Staples That Make Dressing-to-Impress That Much Easier

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As Labor Day swiftly approaches, it’s time to start thinking about the inevitable. The end of lazy summer days and the start of classes. Before heading back to school, I would always make sure to plan my first few days of outfits. Especially for college students, whose schedules and professors are different each day of the week, it’s important to make a great first impression and look the part of an ambitious eager-to-learn student every day of syllabus week..

 

For unique style inspiration, I love heading to my favorite Goodwill stores and thrift shopping. It’s amazing to see how the sight of one unique piece of clothing can spark the idea of an entire outfit, which will be the source of compliments and conversation starters as you head back into the world of networking and making new friends. Plus, I love how each purchase you make at Goodwill goes directly to helping others in the community. Not only do you get some really great pieces for prices your wallet loves, but the amount you pay helps out others who need it as well.

 

The photos below have a few of my favorite back to school looks, that are easy to put together and can be worn all throughout the fall. I love cozy fall looks that incorporate creative layers and mix end of summer attire with fall statement pieces.

Colored Denim
It always amazes me to see how quickly on the first cool night people start breaking out  the denim jackets. It’s almost as if they spend the summer craving denim jacket season and when the first inkling of fall arrives the jackets can all come out of hibernation. Whether you’re a denim jacket aficionado or not, one look I’m loving this fall is colored denim. Bring a chic fall take on this staple piece, like the burnt orange colored jacket in the picture. It’s the perfect way to transition the summer dress into a fall look, while also keeping you warm at the same time. I also love the fall contrast the slouchy velvet shoulder bag brings to the look as well. Plus, it’s large enough to hold a laptop and notebook, which is perfect for toting everything to and from class.

Layered Dresses
The layered dress, overall and jumpsuit look is going to be big again this fall. It’s the essential collegiate look for back to school, because it’s comfy and takes just a few seconds to curate from your closet. Whether you choose to go with a classic black and white look like in the photo, or you choose layers with pops of color, it just takes two steps to look really put together with an outfit like this one – which I know will come in handy for those with early class or work schedules! If you want to dress to impress without the hassle of coordinating an entire outfit, this should be your go-to look this fall, paired with slide-on loafers or low-heeled mules.

Photo of Chad Reynolds

Meet Chad 

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Chad Reynolds joined the Goodwill Building The Future Program in April, 2017. Later that month, he was hired by Goodwill in the Contracts Department to do maintenance. According to his supervisor, Chad “shows great overall knowledge in the maintenance field. He works well independently and requires minimum supervision.”

Chad has proven to be a reliable and efficient employee. He is truly a positive addition to the Goodwill family.

Close-up Of A Worker Cleaning Desk With Cloth

Contracts Division

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Goodwill has been providing custodial contract services for over 30 years. The custodial contract department creates a revenue stream to help support Goodwill’s programs and creates employment opportunities for individuals throughout Northwest Ohio.

During the third quarter, we have been diligently working on new custodial contracts to increase employment opportunities and to increase much-needed funding for programs and services.

We were recently awarded cleaning services for TARTA and TARPS buses. In addition, we will clean all TARTA bus shelters. The City of Toledo Department of Bridges and Harbors has contracted us to provide janitorial services for all three of their locations. Toledo Water Division, Erie Street location, has awarded Goodwill with a janitorial contract as well.

Lastly, we have been commissioned by the City of Toledo to assist with the Recycling Awareness Program, creating opportunities of employment for four more Goodwill staff members.

These new contracts will add approximately 25 new jobs at Goodwill providing income and a new beginning for individuals in our community.

“I am very excited about the growth within the contracts division,” said David Takats, Chief Mission Officer. He went on further to say, “To experience this scope of growth in such a short amount of time is a true testament to our high level of quality standards and to our outstanding team members under the direction of Karen Mayer, Director of Contract Services.”

To receive a free quote for custodial cleaning at your business, call 419-255-0070 and ask for Karen!

Ohio Means Jobs Logo

Goodwill Teams With Ohio Means Jobs To Assist Job Seekers

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Ohio Means Jobs LogoGoodwill has teamed up with Ohio Means Jobs (OMJ) in Lucas County to provide high quality assistance to job seekers. Goodwill’s role in this partnership is to assist returning citizens, veterans and individuals with disabilities with job seeking, soft skills, and employment placement opportunities.

In addition to the workforce de-velopment alliance, Goodwill collaborated with OMJ partners for a single day clothing donation drive. The public and partners from OMJ were asked to donate clothing at the Lucas County Goodwill locations and at the OMJ Center. Over 2,000 pounds of clothing was collected and Goodwill was able to provide OMJ partners with 51, $25.00 vouchers!

This partnership and the programs created are designed to streamline access to multiple training programs designed to assist individuals and businesses. Eric Slack, Job Developer for Goodwill, is teaching the first Reentry Career Readiness Training class at OMJ. The classes are based on the curriculum “Mastering Soft Skills for Workplace Success.” This eight week program is used in JSST training at Goodwill.

Photo of CEO Amy Wachob

Wachob Named New Goodwill President and CEO

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Photo of CEO Amy WachobGoodwill Industries of Northwest Ohio, Inc. announced that its Board of Directors has unanimously chosen Amy Wachob as the organization’s next Chief Executive Officer and President. Wachob, who currently serves as Goodwill’s Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, will succeed Bob Huber, the company’s current CEO, on November 1, 2016.

“After thorough succession planning and a comprehensive search process, the board is pleased to have found the best individual to assume leadership of this organization,” said Lisa Lay, Chair of the Goodwill Board of Directors. “The Board of Directors has complete confidence in its choice of Mrs. Wachob as Goodwill Industries of Northwest Ohio’s next President and CEO. We are excited to partner with her in driving the success of Goodwill’s mission.”

The selection of Wachob caps a national search process facilitated by Lay, and a committee assembled from the Goodwill Board of Directors. A large initial prospect pool was narrowed by stages to a group who interviewed with the board’s succession committee, and then to a final round who met with board leadership.

“I am very humbled and honored to be chosen as the next President/CEO for Goodwill Industries of Northwest Ohio,” said Wachob. “Helping people with disabilities and other disadvantages find employment is at the heart of this organization. I am grateful for the opportunity to lead such a dedicated team of committed professionals in expanding our mission services throughout our region.”

Bob Huber, who will exit the CEO post after 28 years at Goodwill, 16 of those as President, expressed confidence in the board’s choice. “I am very happy with the Board of Directors decision to name Amy Wachob as my successor,” said Huber. “Amy is a remarkable leader who has been responsible for a great portion of our success over the years. I will turn the reigns over to most capable hands. Amy will lead Goodwill with confidence and a wealth of experience, serving more individuals with barriers to employment in the future.”

Wachob holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Toledo. She joined Goodwill Industries of Northwest Ohio in 1991, and has held various management positions within the organization ever since. Mrs. Wachob also graduated from Goodwill Industries International’s award winning Executive Development Program, which serves to educate and prepare students for executive leadership positions. A lifelong resident of the Toledo area, Wachob has spent her adult life and career dedicated to helping individuals throughout Northwest Ohio overcome barriers to employment and growing the community. She and her husband Brian, have two children.

Additional Information: Goodwill Industries of Northwest Ohio is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization with over 80 years of experience helping Northwest Ohio residents every year. Last year, Goodwill Industries of Northwest Ohio served more than 1000 individuals in the community with over 9,000 hours of workplace training recorded. Revenues generated through Goodwill’s network of 15 retail stores helps support this vital mission of service.