A Mission Moment

Submitted by Brendan Hurley
Goodwill VP of Marketing & Communications

A couple of weeks ago, my staff and I were managing a trunk show at a location in Bethesda, MD.

The trunk show was going along great when we suddenly realized that we needed some additional change for the cash register.

Across the hall from us was a Cardinal Bank. I went into the bank and asked the young man behind the counter if he could give me change for a $20 bill. He kindly replied, “Yes sir, I’m happy to help you”. I took my change, thanked him and walked back to our trunk show.

A few minutes later during his break, this same young bank teller walked across the hall and introduced himself to the marketing team. He also informed us that he was a graduate of Goodwill’s Bank Skills Job Training Program and was doing very well at his new position with Cardinal Bank. Read More

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Goodwill of Greater Washington to Help Many More People through Major DOES Contract

Goodwill of Greater Washington’s Training & Employment department recently won a contract to provide transitional employment services to District residents who are 21 and older.

The DC Department of Employment Services awarded the contract through a competitive process to groups with experience providing successful employment services to District residents facing multiple barriers to employment.  Goodwill will provide pre-employment assessment, case management, job readiness, life skills and occupational instruction (Construction or Environmental Services), supportive service referrals, job search assistance, job retention and follow up services. 

This is a major contract for Goodwill of Greater Washington that may allow us to serve many more people facing barriers to employment.

Any inquiries should be directed to Martin Burks at 202-715-2627

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Goodwill Industries Week is May 4 – May 10

Help us celebrate Goodwill Industries Week every day.

Starting on the first Sunday of every May, Goodwill Industries International marks Goodwill Industries Week, a time for local Goodwill agencies to celebrate their successes and educate their communities about our mission; helping people with disabilities and disadvantages find good, sustainable work.  As Goodwill honors the people we have served who have moved on to meaningful work, and as we recognize more than 86,000 Goodwill employees around the world, Goodwill of Greater Washington also asks the public to lend a hand through:

• Donating
• Shopping
• Volunteering

In 2007, Goodwill of Greater Washington provided career-related services to more than 1685 people throughout the greater Washington, DC metropolitan area. Help us serve more in 2008 by donating and shopping at Goodwill.

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Travelin’ Trunk Show a Success!

Goodwill of Greater Washington launched its first Travelin’ Trunk Show of 2008 in the Air Rights Building courtesy of the Calvert Group, Ltd and Jones, Lang, Lasalle Property Management.

The trunk show was more successful than we could have hoped, introducing Goodwill’s quality retail store apparel to a whole new audience. The sale generated over $500 while educating hundreds of people on Goodwill’s mission.

The shoppers enjoyed looking through the quality of merchandise full of contemporary and vintage fashions. “Are you going to be here tomorrow?” The employees of Calvert asked while quickly looking through the clothes during their lunch break. Some even wore their purchases as they walked out the door.

In addition to the trunk show, Calvert employees and building tenants donated hundreds of quality donations to Goodwill which will be sold in our retail stores to continue funding our mission.

Calvert was so pleased with the trunk show that they’ve already invited Goodwill back again for another trunk show this fall.

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Green DC Week Coming April 21st!

On April 21st Goodwill of Greater Washington will be a part of the Green DC Week kickoff event along with 70 other vendors hosted by the District Department of the Environment (DDOE). We will have a booth set up at Freedom Plaza from 10AM to 4PM encouraging people to recycle their clothes by donating to Goodwill.

Goodwill is excited to be a part of this event which includes dozens of other organizations promoting environmental protection. There will be energy efficient products, educational materials, environmental exhibits and demonstrations, alternative fuel vehicles, Discovery Creek Rain Forest Bus, live entertainment, and an Eco Fashion Show, featuring items donated to Goodwill, that will be sold in our Ebay store, making Goodwill a great place to recycle!

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Greater Washington’s Best Jobs Up for Grabs at WORC's 3rd Annual Dream Job Auction

Workforce Organizations for Regional Collaboration’s (WORC) annual Dream Job Auction will be held on Thursday, May, 1, 2008. Now in its 3rd year, the Dream Job Auction offers a unique opportunity for bidders to live out their childhood dreams by bidding on some of the region’s most exciting, powerful, and influential jobs.

The Dream Job Auction, comprised of both live and silent auctions, hosts a wealth of bidding options, including shadowing DC Public Schools Chancellor Michelle Rhee, becoming a Kennedy Center stage star, training as a fighter pilot, managing the Washington Nationals, and many more.

All Dream Job Auction proceeds will go toward fulfilling WORC's mission - providing the chance for thousands of people in the Greater Washington region to have access to jobs, ultimately allowing them to create a better life for themselves and their families.

"The auction serves to remind the members of our community of the great need for sustainable jobs for Greater Washington’s diverse population," said David Remick, Executive Director of WORC. "Plus, there are so many more ways people can contribute beyond the auction itself."

DJA sponsorship packages are available at various levels, with respective benefits, for those interested in supporting through a monetary donation.

The event will take place at the Four Seasons Hotel in Washington D.C. on May 1 from 6 p.m. - 9 p.m. Ticket, sponsorship, and auction item donation information is available online at www.DreamJobAuction.org.

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Second Chance Act of 2007 Will Help Stop Criminal Recidivism

Goodwill Industries Congratulates President and Congress for Taking Action

Goodwill Industries International congratulates President George W. Bush and the U.S. Congress for taking an important first step toward slowing the rate of criminal recidivism. With the signing of the aptly named Second Chance Act of 2007, the nation will provide comprehensive and coordinated services to help ex-offenders reintegrate and become productive members of society.

“The Second Chance Act is a major move toward solving a national crisis and giving the thousands of Americans the second chance they deserve,” says Jim Gibbons, President and CEO of Goodwill Industries International. “This new law will help staunch the flow of people back into prisons by giving them both hope and help.” -- Read More

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