Goodwill Tips: October 2016

Wednesday, October 5, 2016

Overcoming Hearing Loss - Annette's Success Story

Goodwill Industries of Michiana assists those with barriers to employment. You’ve all heard that statement a million times. The truth is we are all one “thing," one “tragedy” away from having a barrier in our lives that seems to make gainful employment impossible. Those road-blocks might be incarceration, job training or a disability. This month's Goodwill Success Story Spotlight tells that story in a powerful way.

Being born with Bilateral Hearing Loss forced Annette to face many challenges. One of those challenges was gaining employment. Although she has always been a hard worker with a stable work history, she had a hard time finding full time employment that allowed her to utilize her skills in customer service. She was also looking for a schedule that allowed her to care for her two young children with potential for advancement and benefits to support her family.

In July of 2013, Annette came to Goodwill Industries of Michiana through the Vocational Rehabilitation Program. Her goals were simple: a full time job with benefits. With the assistance of her Case Manager, Mary Ellen, and her Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor, Robert, a plan was developed to help her achieve her goals.

Weekly appointments with Elizabeth, her Employment Specialist, helped Annette begin to learn new skills and new ways to apply those things she had learned in previous jobs. She perfected her resume, enhanced her job interview skills and attended job fairs. During this time, her employment specialist suggested a job opportunity working with the South Bend School Corporation as a teacher’s assistant. This opportunity seemed to fit all of the things Annette dreamed of in her perfect job scenario.

Kathy Friend

Kathy is a nationally

known Wardrobe Stylist and Image Consultant and the President of the Style & Image Institute. She has styled looks for celebrities in Hollywood for Warner Brothers, amazing looks for red carpet events, for political campaigns, and most importantly...she has
upped the style-factor for moms, business owners and entrepreneurs.

She writes for several magazines and has appeared on numerous radio and television programs as a Fashion Expert. Through the Style & Image Institute, she trains and certifies others who want to be a personal stylist, wardrobe stylist, personal shopper and image consultant.

In her words: “I pride
myself as a "fashion therapist" and am convinced the right
pair of shoes CAN change your life.”

Debie Coble

Debie Coble is the President & CEO for Goodwill Industries of Michiana, Inc. She started with the organization in 1990 as a store manager. Later that year she started serving in the department that executes the mission of Goodwill.

In 1996 she became the Vice President of Workforce Development Services, and in November of 2013, she began serving as the President & CEO.

Debie has an undergraduate degree in business management from Anderson University and a Masters in Public and Environmental Affairs from Indiana University. She completed Goodwill Industries International’s Executive Training Program in 2007. She serves on the board of the Association for Fundraising Professionals, the St. Joseph County Re-Entry Task Force and the South Bend Violence Reduction Taskforce.

Goodwill Industries of Michiana, Inc.

VISION

We envision a community where all individuals with disabilities and disadvantages will have opportunities to enjoy the full benefits of competitive employment. To make this vision become reality, we will focus on being the leading provider of workforce development services in the communities we serve. The core of our programs and services will continue to empower each individual to be productive and independent based on his or her abilities.

MISSION

Our Mission is to strengthen communities by empowering individuals and families through education, training and job placement.

VALUES

Work - We believe in the inherent value of work; if there is work, there is hope. Work has a greater value than charity.

Respect - We treat all people with dignity and respect.

Stewardship - We honor our heritage by being socially, financially, and environmentally responsible.

Ethics - We commit to strive to meet the highest ethical standards.

Learning - We challenge each other to strive for excellence and to continually learn.

Innovation - We embrace continuous improvement, bold creativity and change.

Sunday, October 23, 2016

Nov. 3 - Little Black Dress Fashion Show and Boutique in Merrillville, IN

Wednesday, October 5, 2016

Overcoming Hearing Loss - Annette's Success Story