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FALL 2020 – Volume 39 Number 3 GoodWORKS Ultimate Outlet Warehouse Sales A Big Hit Everyone loves a good sale and our shoppers flock to outlet stores as a popular way to find those extra special bargains. Goodwill has had great success with its Ultimate Outlet Warehouse Sales at the Monroeville pop-up Shoppers had the opportunity to search through 300 outlet store and plans to continue these special pallet-sized boxes at the first-ever Ultimate Outlet occasions. Warehouse Sale at the Goodwill Pop-Up Outlet Store With nowhere to go and little to do during in Monroeville. the early days of the pandemic crisis, many turned their attention to cleaning out their clos- hour. Shoppers can sort through the assortment ets, basements and attics. Much of the unwanted of merchandise to fill a bag for $10, shopping and unneeded items were donated to Goodwill. cart for $30, or full pallet-sized box for $40. Those who don’t want to wait in line or sort through boxes at the store can take advantage of an express “pallet-to-go” option. For the safety of everyone, merchandise is appropriately spaced to encourage social distancing, and shoppers must wear masks and socially distance during the sales. Plus, a self-serve cart sanitation station is available for shoppers wishing to wipe down carts. Check out the Goodwill Facebook page (www.facebook.com/goodwillswpa) for updates on and times for future Ultimate Outlet Warehouse Sales. l Campaign Provides Way Goodwill worked with The generosity of donors presented a to Support Goodwill Raphaela Esposito, a frequent unique opportunity for Goodwill to introduce Goodwill SWPA is in the final stages of its Goodwill outlet shopper and the Ultimate Outlet Warehouse Sale this year. Strengthening Lives, Building Communities local Instagram influencer The first event was so popular that Goodwill capital campaign and the need for support (@thebinsqueens), to promote the sale among a new has continued hosting these exclusive sales from friends, family, businesses and audience of thrift shoppers. where shoppers have a chance to dig through supporters has never been greater. Check out hundreds of pallet-sized boxes filled with the story on pages 6 and 7 for more details housewares, clothing, electronics and acces- on how to help Goodwill remain viably sories to find treasures at bargain prices. stable in these challenging times while plan- During all Ultimate Outlet Warehouse ning for a bright and successful future. Sales, staff roll out new merchandise every
very successful start in which we have raised Helping Goodwill Meet over $8 million from corporate and founda- Our Post COVID-19 Needs tion leaders and Goodwill Board Members. We are focusing the remaining cam- By Michael J. Smith President/CEO paign on the emerging needs of this unprec- edented time. Much of the new funds we It’s been a long and interesting seven months receive during the campaign’s final stages as we have all had to readjust our lives to deal will be for working with our clients and the with the challenges of living in a COVID-19 community to clarify and meet these excep- pandemic world. Although we are certainly tional needs, providing crucial services that not out of the woods yet, we have all learned will help constituents be successful in the to adapt, and in some cases, embrace our new future. These programmatic needs continue environment. For some, the road has not been within the scope of the original plan and easy as people have struggled with making campaign goal; we are now concentrating on ends meet after a loss of a job or reduced pay. where the greatest needs are in light of the The need is very real for many people, and crisis. we expect to see an increase in the number We are turning to each and every one of people seeking Goodwill’s workforce and of you to help us to meet our final goal and human services programs. reach or exceed $10 million in gifts. Goodwill is not sitting still and contin- Please take a look at the information ues its commitment to our community and to in this newsletter and consider making a those we serve. As you will see in this news- financial gift to help Goodwill to continue to letter, our staff continue to work diligently to innovate, grow and thrive. Your gift doesn’t ensure that everyone who needs help receives have to be large, but know that every gift is it – even if that help is provided virtually. important and will help us to serve the region Our stores remain open and ready to serve for the next 100 years and beyond. A fund- those who walk through our doors looking raising envelope is included to make it easy for a little respite through some “thrifting for you to commit to making this campaign a therapy.” success. Our ongoing commitment to the We look forward to hearing from you needs of our community is the basis for the and to serving those who have come to rely Strengthening Lives, Building Communities on us to provide the necessary services to capital campaign outlined in this newsletter. our most vulnerable populations so they may This campaign is in its final stages after a thrive and succeed. l Deferred Giving for COMING SOON the Future Many people don’t know that their life insurance can be a deferred gift. Donors can Penn Hills either transfer the ownership of an existing policy to Goodwill or name Goodwill as the Goodwill Store beneficiary and/or owner of a policy. Making this type of contribution can be a 11660 Keleket Drive promise of future donations. For more information about how to invest in Pittsburgh Pa 15235 a life insurance policy with Goodwill or for additional deferred giving options, call Check goodwillswpa.org for details. 412-632-1941 or email goodwill.donations@ goodwillswpa.org. l 2
www.goodwillswpa.org the popular grocery chain as one of the top Giant Eagle and Goodwill places to send candidates for meaningful Share History work experiences. “Giant Eagle has a long-standing com- In 1918, the well-known Giant Eagle gro- mitment to be a part of the communities we cery store began offering delicious grocer- serve,” explains Nicole Zellie, Giant Eagle ies to the Pittsburgh community under the Director of Talent Acquisition. “We think a name Eagle Grocery. Within a year, the first lot about how we can help our neighbors and Goodwill workshop in Pittsburgh opened see ourselves as a family for the community in the Strip District in 1919. It is from these and for those who work for us.” humble beginnings that both Giant Eagle and Goodwill began serving families and the Not only has Giant Eagle provided Pittsburgh community. important training and job opportunities, More than 100 years later, this histori- but Zellie also joined cal commitment to the community lives on the Business Advisory today. Over the years, both organizations Council at Goodwill. This have teamed up to identify and serve indi- council shares best prac- viduals with special needs through employ- tices with employers in the ment and training opportunities. community, provides guid- For many years, Giant Eagle has ance in job search skills, hired people with disabilities, or “differ- and identifies open jobs for ently abled” employees as Giant Eagle staff Goodwill clients. identify them, to do everything from check- In the future, Zellie ing out shoppers, to cleaning and collecting sees the relationship with Goodwill grow- carts in the parking lots, to working in the ing as Giant Eagle seeks to continue to hire corporate offices. Several years ago, Giant people who are differently abled. She and Eagle teamed up with Goodwill to identify her colleagues are also studying ways to train and train individuals with barriers to enter- and develop more teams to work with appli- ing the workplace. Since that time, workers cants in a pre-apprentice program to prepare have been placed in Giant Eagle and Get Go them to enter the workforce upon hire. stores around the area from Goodwill’s dis- “It’s important for people to know we ability services, reintegration, YouthWorks care and that we give back quite a bit,” notes and workforce development programs. Zellie. “We are just really passionate about Giant Eagle has become one of the preferred bridging gaps and finding pathways for dif- employers for Goodwill, which turns to ferently abled individuals to find success.” l 3
Golf for Goodwill Goes Virtual Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the 20th annual Golf for Goodwill fundraiser was changed to a virtual event. Fundraising in lieu of the golf outing still took place. The 2020 Virtual Golf for Goodwill Fundraiser kicked off in early July with a video message featur- ing President/CEO Mike Smith, “expert” golfers from the Board of Directors, and past event emcee Chris Mueller from 93.7 The Fan. Throughout the month, virtual golfers were encouraged to donate and participate in activities such as voting for a favorite local golf course and viewing a photo slide- show from past golf outings. Everyone who donated was entered for a chance to win some fabulous prizes. Chris Parry, Chief Executive Thank you to the 30 golfers, sponsors Virtual golfers who made a donation were entered to Officer at enkompas Technology win valuable prizes. Donors who gave between $50 and friends who raised $26,200 to benefit Solutions, shows off the sports and $149 were eligible to win the “COVID-19 Relief” memorabilia he won after Goodwill programs and services. And a basket, while those who gave between $150 and participating in the 2020 golf special thank you to Highmark Health and $249 were eligible to receive the “Go Fore the Goal” fundraiser. UPMC for their contributions to the event. l basket. Special thanks to Lombardo Industries for supporting the 2020 Virtual Golf for Goodwill Fundraiser. Goodwill missed seeing golfers from Lombardo Industries on the green this year, but looks forward to seeing this foursome on the links again in 2021. From left to right, Denny Lombardo, Kevin Akans (Goodwill SWPA), Tracy Foster and Bob Stape (Goodwill SWPA). 4
www.goodwillswpa.org Northside Common Ministries (NCM), an affiliate of Goodwill SWPA, unveiled a memorial mosaic for Rev. Sheldon Stoudemire in July with support from Pennsylvania Lt. Gov. John Fetterman. The mosaic encourages an end to gun violence after Stoudemire was tragically shot and killed last year while working at the Pleasant Valley Men’s Shelter at NCM. The mosaic was created by local artist Amy Burke and generously funded by the Buhl Foundation’s ONE Northside initiative. l Goodwill Partnerships Goodwill was also named an administra- tor for the Urban Redevelopment Authority of Provide Housing Relief Pittsburgh’s Housing Stabilization Program Goodwill SWPA has always been a (HSP). This program provided short-term resource for individuals in need of spe- help for individuals who were struggling with cialized services. During the COVID-19 housing expenses including rent, mortgage and pandemic, Goodwill partnered with others utilities. Goodwill joined 10 other nonprofits in the community to provide even more to serve HSP program administrators to help services for those in financial distress who those in need access services, including renters needed assistance with housing issues and seeking eviction prevention aid. rent relief. Goodwill continues to work with Goodwill helped expedite rent households to determine HSP program eligi- assistance available through the Allegheny bility, coordinate inspections with the Urban County CARES Rent Relief Program Redevelopment Authority, make payments (CRRP) for County residents who to the landlords and/or lien holders, and experienced job loss or a reduction in perform follow-up visits to households to annual income, as well as landlords who ensure continuing housing stability. lost rental income from these renters as a Anyone within the City of Pittsburgh result of COVID-19. The emergency limits seeking rent, mortgage or utility assis- program expanded benefits for county tance should contact the PA 211 resource residents beyond the state-sponsored rent hotline by dialing 2-1-1. Language transla- relief program. tion is available. l 5
Strengthening Lives, B Final Phase of Capital Campaign Begins Goodwill is proud of its accomplishments over the past 100 years as the organization has evolved and progressed in more ways than its founders could have imagined. As Goodwill SWPA nears the end of its 101st year, there is a unique opportunity for donors and friends to build on these good works by expanding and enhancing Goodwill’s capacity to best serve the community for decades to come. Strengthening Lives, Building Communities is a $10 million capital campaign to fund services and support for the following: Support These • Individuals with developmental and/or intellectual disabilities “Faces of Work” • Individuals with limited work experience or education • Displaced workers and veterans Who benefits from • People who are experiencing homelessness donations and support • Youth and older workers of the Strengthening • People with criminal backgrounds Lives, Building Communities capital To date, Goodwill has secured a campaign? Check broad range of support, raising more out the smiling faces than $8 million for the purchase of the that appear on these Lawrenceville campus and to provide pages to see just a comprehensive integrated services to serve those who need access to few of the individuals crucial services. The final phase is who have counted currently underway and is designed to on Goodwill SWPA strengthen and enhance programming Dennis trained in Housekeeping at Goodwill to provide programs while eliminating gaps in needed and is now enjoying his job as a custodian and services that at a local restaurant. workforce development services. have allowed them to overcome barriers “Now that we have met our first goal and purchased the buildings on campus, it is and enjoy an improved essential that we seek out the support of the public as we move into the second and quality of life. final phase of this important campaign,” explains Mike Smith, President/CEO, See their full stories Goodwill SWPA. “We are counting on in the Goodwill Faces our neighbors and friends to financially of Work video on help us to accomplish our program Goodwill SWPA’s goals and continue to successfully fulfill YouTube channel our mission.” at youtube.com/ Part of this commitment is a new focus goodwillswpa. Erin received her GED through Goodwill and on emerging needs that have arisen now has a great job at the Goodwill Outlet from the COVID-19 pandemic, which store in Heidelberg. has negatively impacted operations 6
www.goodwillswpa.org Building Communities due to the closure of Goodwill’s 32 thrift stores and workforce development centers earlier in 2020. While stores have reopened, it will take a significant amount of time to ramp up stores and other sources of revenue to pre- COVID-19 levels. At the same time, the need for Goodwill’s workforce and John trained at a number of places and has human services programs are greater found a home cleaning federal buildings through a Goodwill Ability One contract. than ever — with an increased number of individuals needing services. Through the implementation of the Strengthening Lives, Building Communities campaign, Goodwill SWPA seeks financial support to ensure that it can provide necessary services to its most vulnerable populations so they have ready access to every service that they may need to thrive. The remaining campaign work will focus on clarifying and meeting the exceptional needs of this unprecedented time while providing crucial services that will help constituents be successful in the future. Rachel is working toward her GED at It is very important for Goodwill to have strong support Goodwill and is reaching toward the sky to throughout the community. Donors are welcome at all levels — fulfill her potential. even a small gift shows how important Goodwill is to the community and helps inspire larger donors to show support as well. Your support is essential to our continued success. Rob overcame his criminal history through the Goodwill Reignite Program where he has been able to find a job and stay on the right path. Please Consider Donating A giving envelope is included in this issue of GoodWorks as a quick and easy way to show support. For more information on the campaign or how to make a donation, call 412-632-1941 or visit goodwillswpa.org/donate-money 7
CARES Act Increases Tax Deductibility The CARES Act – the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act—is a $2.2 trillion stimulus plan that contains fund- ing opportunities for charities and enhanced charitable giving incentives. The following information provides an overview of the Temporary Universal Charitable Deduction, but it is not intended to provide legal or financial advice. Taxpayers who do not itemize their Emily deductions can take a one-time deduction of up to $300 for gifts made to charitable organizations. Married-filing-jointly taxpay- Emily Lands a Job ers will get an above-the-line deduction of with Virtual Support up to $600. The deduction is ONLY for gifts of cash made in the 2020 calendar year and Emily was living in the Midwest but had does not cover other types of gifts or con- dreamed of moving to Pittsburgh for some tributions made to donor-advised funds or time. Before making the big move, however, private foundations. This temporary deduc- she wanted to secure full-time employment. tion suspends the 60 percent adjusted gross Since Goodwill moved Career Services online income limitation for individuals’ charitable due to COVID-19, Emily was able to turn to contributions for the year 2020. Goodwill for support in her job search. Emily received expert advice and proof- For more detailed information, visit irs.gov. l reading for her resume and cover letter via email, and participated in a mock interview via Zoom. These free services prepared Emily to GED Classes Now interview for and accept her preferred posi- tion, which she successfully negotiated pay for Offered Online thanks to additional advice from Goodwill. Goodwill offers free GED classes for students Career Services equips job seekers like who want to get their GED or HiSET credential. Emily with best-in-class job search tools While in-person classes should re-open early informed by major local employers. Though next year, online classes are now available. in-person services are on hold, Goodwill has Goodwill staff can help introduced a wide selection of virtual services determine which class level is to help job seekers build the necessary skills best and answer questions about crucial to achieving career goals. technical requirements for online In addition to job search assistance and classes. Plus, daytime, evening support in creating a professional online pres- and Saturday classes are available to ence, Career Services now offers webinars and accommodate all schedules. self-directed workshops every week. Job seek- Whether the goal is to get a better ers can view live webinars on topics such as job or provide for a family, Goodwill resume writing, interviewing and virtual meet- offers the support needed for individu- ing etiquette. For those who prefer to work als to take the next step. In addition to at their own pace, there is a virtual classroom classes, students also receive a 25 percent available with modules on career planning, discount at Goodwill stores and access to LinkedIn, writing a cover letter and more. support services including Career Services. For more information about Career Services, For more information or to enroll, call call 1-877-499-3526 or email jobsearch@ 1-877-499-3526 or visit goodwillswpa.org/ged.l goodwillswpa.org. l 8
www.goodwillswpa.org Transition WORKS! Provides Summer Jobs Summer came and went without a job for some young people due to the economic disruption of COVID-19. But, thanks to the Transition WORKS! Summer Extended School Year (ESY) Program, eight local students completed a five-week work experi- ence at the Workforce Development Center in Lawrenceville. A staff member or department job coach completed assessments to evaluate their workplace and independent living Veronica scans books for sale in Goodwill’s skills. Based on these assessments, some E-commerce department. students had a chance to work in the new Lawrenceville store, while others received serves high school youth with disabilities hands-on training with the e-commerce and between the ages of 16 and 21. The five- housekeeping departments. week program provides hands-on training Staff commended these students for in workforce areas such as food services, being flexible, adapting to new safety guide- housekeeping, customer service, and retail lines, and participating in virtual services as production and processing. Plus, a staff needed during their experience. This year’s member provides written progress reports program may have looked a little different, and evaluations to students throughout the but these students were not going to let a experience. difficult time keep them from showing up For more information about Transition and investing in their futures. WORKS!, contact Jennifer King McCoy at Joe keeps things clean in The Transition WORKS! Summer 412-670-9182 or jennifer.kingmccoy@ Goodwill’s Housekeeping Extended School Year (ESY) Program goodwillswpa.org. l department. Antonio pulls books to ship in Goodwill’s E-commerce department. 9
Arthur GROWS Thanks People to Re-Entry Program of Goodwill After completing a 20-year prison sentence at the Renewal Center Halfway House in Pittsburgh, Arthur was released from incar- ceration at the age of 63 with no work Shopper Sews Masks history and very for Store Staff little education. Knowing Seamstress Suzie Smith is a regular shopper at the North Huntingdon store. Knowing that he may need Goodwill continues to require face masks for support to obtain the safety of both staff and shoppers, Suzie full-time employ- donated masks she sewed in her free time ment and housing, so the entire North Huntingdon team could Arthur was be outfitted. Store Manager Mike Lachie referred to the recently presented Suzie with a certificate and Goodwill GROW Goodwill gift card as a show of appreciation. Re-Entry Program to help him reach his goals and gain stability. Thanks to job search assis- tance from his case manager and Career Services, Arthur Arthur secured a full-time job and was able to rent an apart- ment. He also worked with his case manager to submit online applications for additional support services and to keep up with bill payments. Congratulations to Albert Zelmore, Janitorial Even when Arthur struggled financially Supervisor, on winning a 2020 UniqueSource due to reduced work hours during the pan- Achievement Award. This reliable, dependable and demic, he continued to receive support in hard-working Goodwill team member was honored the form of food and rent assistance through for always doing his best, taking pride in his work, the program so he could maintain his and being willing to help in any way possible. Albert received $500 from UniqueSource, along with an apartment. additional $100 to celebrate the award with his The GROW Re-Entry Program helps janitorial crew. formerly incarcerated adults like Arthur to make successful transitions back into the community. The program offers customized Human Resources Team education, vocational training, and employ- Receives Award ment programs based on individual needs and assessments. A dedicated case manager Congratulations to Michelle Zajac, Human Resources Director, and the entire human is also assigned to provide support both resources team. The Pittsburgh Human during training and for the first year of Resources Association (PHRA) recently employment. presented the team with a 2020 Engaging For more information about the Pittsburgh Award for their Values project, GROW Re-Entry Program, call which focused on launching new organiza- 1-877-499-3526 or email tional values. l mila.eggers@goodwillswpa.org. l 10
www.goodwillswpa.org Young Adults Go from Free Job Search Help Jail to a Job Available Landing a job has always been a challenge Young adults who need help with starting for people with criminal backgrounds, a job search are encouraged to give the but never more so than now. Given the Goodwill IMPACT program a call. This tough job market due to COVID-19, young free program offers a premier job readi- adults in the Pittsburgh community look- ness curriculum, mobile case management, ing for a second chance will benefit greatly and assistance with resumes, mock inter- from the new LifeLaunch: Ignite Reentry views, and job search planning. Program. Those who are looking to start a Pittsburgh is just one of four cities career in retail and need work experience nationwide to participate in the re-entry pro- may choose the retail track that offers gram that will help young adults with crimi- paid training to prepare for a job in retail. nal backgrounds transition to in-demand Individuals who successfully complete jobs in local industries. Funded by the U.S. the 12-week program will be eligible for Department of Labor, the program will serve a Retail Associate position at a Goodwill approximately 100 local youth with criminal store, with a possible career path to a backgrounds between the ages of 18 and 24 Team Lead position. The program is also for 24 months, with a 12-month period for able to assist participants with transporta- follow-up services. tion needs by providing bus passes and For more information about the gas cards. LifeLaunch: Ignite Reentry Program, call Out of school students 17 to 24 years 1-877-499-3526 or email welcome@ of age are eligible to participate in the goodwillswpa.org. l Goodwill IMPACT program; a GED or high school diploma is not required. The program features rolling admission with Goodwill Collaborates start dates through December. on Digital Work Initiative For more information, visit goodwillswpa.org/impact or contact Goodwill is proud to join forces with Tiffanee Heywood, Director of Partner4Work, IBM and other local partners YouthWorks at Goodwill, at 412-632-1742 to bring the Service Corps Reignite Initiative or tiffanee.heywood@goodwillswpa.org. l to the Pittsburgh region. This digital plat- form is designed to help businesses, job seekers and nonprofit organizations recover from the economic impact of the COVID-19 crisis. Pittsburgh is the first city in the nation to launch this career readiness platform for those in need. By providing participants access to no-cost accredited learning con- tent, hands-on projects, and one-on-one career development coaching, the Service Corps Reignite Initiative will provide indi- viduals the opportunity to find new careers, while helping businesses train and source local talent. For more information about the Service Corps Reignite initiative, visit partner4work.org/ programs/ibm-service-corps-reignite/. l 11
Non-Profit Organization U.S. POSTAGE PAID PITTSBURGH, PA Goodwill of Southwestern Pennsylvania PERMIT NO. 2972 Robert S. Foltz Building 118 52nd Street Pittsburgh, PA 15201 goodwillswpa.org DONATE TODAY Monetary donors to Goodwill are investing in the region’s workforce development growth. The return on investment is a thriving community where people can find meaningful jobs. Donate today at goodwillswpa.org/ donate-money. Give to Goodwill at goodwillswpa.org/donate-money Goodwill of Southwestern Pennsylvania Find a Halloween Whether looking for basic apparel for a Robert S. Foltz Building classic witch costume or leopard-print 118 52nd Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15201 412-481-9005 goodwillswpa.org Costume at Goodwill accessories for a trendy Tiger King inspired Affiliates Goodwill of North Central West Virginia Halloween may look a little different this costume, shoppers can mix and match 1-888-4GW-NCWV (1-888-449-6298) year, but one thing remains the same: from various departments to make a spook- Goodwill stores are still Halloween head- tacular look. Goodwill Commercial Services, Inc. 412-913-1982 Goodwill Housing 412-257-4844 quarters, carrying everything shoppers need It’s not too late to find a Halloween Northside Common Ministries to build a one-of-a-kind costume at scary costume or accessories. Stop by a good prices. Goodwill store today for unique items at a 412-323-1163 Our Mission At Goodwill, shoppers are not lim- fraction of the cost of a store-bought ited to the typical pre-packaged costumes. costume. l We help people improve their quality of life through work and related services. Goodwill’s Code of Conduct Goodwill SWPA is committed to conducting its business in accordance with the highest standards of ethical behavior and regulatory compliance and to treating everyone with dignity and respect. The agency’s full Code of Conduct document – “Ethics at Work” – may be viewed at www.goodwillswpa.org. Non-discrimination Statement Goodwill SWPA and its affiliates prohibit discrimi- nation on the basis of race, color, religious creed, disability, ancestry, national origin, age, sex, or sexual orientation. Equal Opportunity Employer Goodwill SWPA is an Equal Opportunity Employer/ Program. Auxiliary aides and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities. For more information, call 412-632-1809 or email accommodations.request@goodwillswpa.org Goodwill SWPA is CARF accredited. Alternative formats are available upon request. Your comments and suggestions are welcome. facebook.com/goodwillswpa @gwswpa youtube.com/goodwillswpa instagram.com/goodwillswpa
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