A Goodwill Success Story

When asked if he could have imagined the life that he is living now at 56, Clifford Fowler replied, “No, I imagined myself dead.” Until he discovered Goodwill, this native Washingtonian's future looked bleak. He did not graduate from high school after fathering a child in 1967, which began a destructive downward spiral of substance abuse. Clifford was incarcerated in 1995 with a 10 year sentence, which instilled in him a renewed desire to turn his life around. However, upon his release for parole in 2002, he faced significant obstacles to his goals. With his checkered track record, Clifford struggled to find and maintain employment. He knew that he needed more training if he wanted to find a job that paid more than minimum wage.

In January of 2005, Clifford's parole officer directed him to Goodwill's Environmental Services training class. While he learned valuable hard skills, Clifford acknowledged, “It was the social side of the class that hit me the hardest.” The course provided him with the life skills needed to function effectively in the workplace.

Goodwill's Workforce Development team assisted Clifford in his job search after graduation, which landed him a $15 per hour job as a Utility Worker with full benefits, including a 401k. In fact, after only 5 months on the job, he is under consideration for a promotion.

Presently, Clifford imagines holding his job for a full year, which he has never done in the past. It looks like this dream is poised to become a reality.

 

The Fashion of Goodwill, 2nd Annual Runway Show & Gal
Goodwill Hires New VP of Contract Operations
2006 Marks the 10th Anniversary of the Welfare Reform
Did you know Goodwill provides Social Security Benefits Planning
You can now make a contribution to Goodwill right from your IRA
Join Us for Upcoming Graduation Ceremonies
   

Dear Supporter,

If I can stop one heart from breaking,
I shall not live in vain;
If I can ease one life the aching,
Or cool one pain,
Or help one fainting robin
Unto his nest again,
I shall not live in vain.

-- Emily Dickinson

As we reflect on the fifth Anniversary of 9/11, I am reminded of the freedom in opportunities we have here in the United States.  With that freedom comes responsibility to extend a helping hand to those who are disadvantaged in some way or disabled.  Thank you for giving "life opportunities" to the people we serve at Goodwill of Greater Washington.  Thank you for "easing one life from aching".


Catherine Meloy
President & CEO
       
 

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The Fashion of Goodwill, 2nd Annual Runway Show & Gala

The second week of September may be “Fashion Week” in New York City, but here in the nation's capitol, we're building on our own new trend in fashion! Goodwill of Greater Washington announces its second annual fashion show and gala, appropriately titled The Fashion of Goodwill, 2nd Annual Runway Show & Gala. The black tie affair will be held at the Ronald Reagan International Trade Center on September 9, 2006.

The Fashion of Goodwill is an entertaining and unique celebration of the mission of Goodwill of Greater Washington through a classic presentation of one of Goodwill's most high profile lines of business: Clothing and fashion!

The evening will feature a fast paced and distinctive runway show, highlighting the quality apparel available at Goodwill Retail Stores. In addition to this exclusive program, the evening will be filled with live music, a unique silent auction featuring amazing vacations, rare antiquities and memorabilia.

After the cocktail reception, unsurpassed four course dinner and one-of-a-kind fashion show, guests will retire to the main ballroom inside the International Trade Center for a Saturday night filled with smiles, laughter and dancing to the fantastic sounds of live entertainment featuring Nightsong!

For the second year in a row, Deloitte will be the gala's presenting sponsor, with additional support from Capitol File Magazine, Sage Communications, Absolute Printing and others!

For tickets and sponsorships, please visit Goodwill of Greater Washington's website at www.dcgoodwill.org. For any questions, please contact Stephanie Martin at (202) 715-2647, via email at stephaniem@dcgoodwill.org.

Visit Our Sponsors

Squire, Sanders & Dempsey LLP | Geppetto Catering | Calvert Group | Cooley Godward
Washington Hospital Center | Washington Post | PriceWaterhouseCoopers | OPX

 
 

Goodwill Hires New VP of Contract Operations

Sheri Wetekam recently joined Goodwill of Greater Washington as Vice President of Contract Services. Sheri is a retired Lieutenant Colonel in the United States Air Force where she was responsible for overseeing logistics management, aircraft maintenance, contract management and unit administration with up to 325 people under her command at any given time... more

   

2006 Marks the 10th Anniversary of Welfare Reform

Ten years ago when welfare reform was enacted with a mandate that recipients get to work, at Goodwill Industries we knew all too well the challenges that lay ahead for those trying to make it out of poverty.  For well over 100 years, Goodwill has helped people with disabilities, those who lack job skills, live in poverty or face other challenges find a path to self-sufficiency and financial independence through work... more

Did you Know Goodwill Provides Social Security Benefits Planning?

Goodwill of Greater Washington currently provides benefits planning, assistance and outreach to Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) recipients with disabilities within the District of Columbia (DC). SII and SSDI beneficiaries planning on returning to the workforce are encouraged to come talk with Goodwill's Benefits Planning Specialist, Jacqueline Jarrett , to make sure they are aware of possible changes to their benefits from the Social Security Administration (SSA)... more

You Can Now Make a Contribution to Goodwill right from your IRA!

The Pension Protection Act of 2006 (PPA) passed the House and Senate last week. The President has indicated he will sign it soon. In addition to a number of measures affecting pension plans, the Bill also includes a variety of provisions relating to exempt organizations.

Of special interest to charitable gift planners is the provision that allows tax-free distributions from Traditional and Roth Individual Retirement Account (IRA) assets to certain qualified charitable organizations.

Up to $100,000 per donor per year may be given. The provision applies to gifts completed by December 31, 2007. To qualify, the owner of the IRA account must be age 70 ½ or older and the gift must be made in a way that it would otherwise be fully deductible. Gifts to fund gift annuities and other planned gifts are not allowed.

For an analysis of the legislation and its impact on major, capital, annual, direct mail and planned gift development efforts depending on the age and wealth of donors, visit www.sharpenet.com/irarollover

Join Us for Our Upcoming Graduation Ceremonies

Laurel, MD dates & programs:
Environmental Services: September 15, 2006 @ 1pm

Visit here for more information.

Goodwill of Greater Washington would like to recognize its Employee of the Month for July. This award is given to the Goodwill employee who has demonstrated his or her ability to provide the best in customer care and dedication to the Goodwill mission.

Goodwill of Greater Washington's Employee of the month for July 2006 are:

Contracts - Malinda Jackson
Retail - Christine Campbell
Transportation - John Fullard

GOODWILL OF GREATER WASHINGTON'S MISSION

Goodwill of Greater Washington's mission is to educate, train, employ and place people with disadvantages and disabilities, creating a stronger workforce and a more vital community while building dignity for the people we serve through the removal of barriers to personal success.
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