Goodwill of Greater Washington to Launch Three New Training Programs in 2006!

Goodwill is planning to launch job training programs in Retail Operations, Business Administration and Hospitality Services this year. Students will learn the ins and outs of working in a retail store, an office or a hotel, respectively.

These new training programs will supplement Goodwill's existing programs in environment services, construction and bank skills. Goodwill will now be able to offer a broad array of career options for people with disabilities or disadvantages. These new programs are the result of your continued support and will forever change the lives of the people Goodwill serves.

	Desperation Turns to Hope
	Goodwill Board Member Receives Distinguished Honor
	AARP Selects Goodwill as Tax Preparation Site
	Goodwill Vehicle Donation Down in 2005
	Senate Release Tally of Hurricane Relief Spending
	Maryland Legislature Overrides Governor's Veto of Minimum Wage Increase
	WYCB's Paster Calendar Unveiling

Dear Friend,

One needs something to believe in, something for which one can have wholehearted enthusiasm. One needs to feel that one's life has meaning, that one is needed in this world.

-- Hannah Senesh

The ultimate goal of Goodwill of Greater Washington is to help build dignity for the people we serve by providing them with the tools they need to find employment and become independent and self sufficient members of our community. With the hope your support provides to people with disadvantages or disabilities, they will begin to believe their lives have meaning. Thank you for helping others recognize that they are needed in this world.

Catherine Meloy
President & CEO

Desperation Turns To Hope

When asked what brought him to Goodwill of Greater Washington, 35 year old Jerry Rogers' one-word answer told the story - “desperation.” After ten long months of unemployment, he had begun to lose hope... Read more about how your support impacted Jerry's life

Goodwill Board Member Receives Distinguished Honor

John D. Kemp, a Goodwill of Greater Washington board member and a partner at Powers Pyles Sutter & Verville, P.C. has been selected by a jury of his peers as the 2006 Henry B. Betts Award recipient, the most prestigious award within the national disability community... more

AARP has once again selected Goodwill of Greater Washington's headquarters as one of 81 metropolitan area sites to help prepare Federal and District tax returns for senior citizens 55 years or older and those with disabilities... Click here for complete detail.

Goodwill Vehicle Donations Down in 2005

Much like many other non-profit organizations throughout the country, Goodwill of Greater Washington saw a 40% decline in the number of vehicles donated to it in 2005 as compared to 2004. The primary variable is the change in the tax law... more

WYCB Paster's Calendar Unveiling

Goodwill of Greater Washington was honored to be a part of this year's WYCB Pastor's Calendar unveiling on Saturday January 14th at the Zealia Center in Capitol Heights, MD. Congregations from all over came to celebrate and support the honored pastors and their successes in the faith-based community. Congratulations to all the pastors!

Volunteers Needed

Goodwill of Greater Washington is always looking for some good volunteers to assist in our offices, retail stores and donation centers. It's a great way to earn some community service hours for school! For more information, please call 202-715-2625 or email NelissaO@DCGoodwill.org.

Committee for Purchase from People Who are Blind or severely Disabled Considering Regulation Revisions

The Committee for Purchase From People Who Are Blind or Severely Disabled (the Committee) is considering revising its regulations regarding: The qualifications required of both central nonprofit agencies and nonprofit agencies to participate in the Javits-Wagner-O'Day JWOD Program, and the guidelines under which executive compensation will be considered as either influencing or not influencing a fair market price... more

Senate Releases Tally of Hurricane-Relief Spending

The Senate Budget Committee recently released a current tally of congressional legislation related to Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Two supplemental spending bills that passed in September, shortly after Hurricane Katrina, provided the majority of the funding of $62.3 billion... more

Maryland Legislature Overrides Governor's Veto of Minimum Wage Increase

Maryland Gov. Robert Ehrlich (R) vetoed a minimum wage bill last May that would increase the state's minimum wage from $5.15 to $6.15 per hour, citing its adverse effects on small businesses. However, on Jan. 17 the Senate voted 30-17 to override the veto or H.B. 391. In an earlier vote, the House of Delegated voted 91-48 to override the veto. The measure will now go into effect... more

Goodwill of Greater Washington would like to recognize its Employees of the Month for December. This award is given to the Goodwill retail, contracts, or production division 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 Employees of the month for December 2005 are:

Contracts - Ronica Heyliger (OPO)
Retail - Irma Juarez
Production - Roberto Fuentes
Transportation - Howard Johnson

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.