New Year Style Makeover - Lakeisha!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

With the New Year comes resolutions and dreaming big dreams...that's why we thought the best way to kick off a new Style Makeover season was with Lakeisha!

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Goodwill: Ability First program

WORK MATTERS

At Goodwill Industries of Michiana, we understand many times the first step to finding a job is understanding your skills, interests, and abilities. We also understand matching employer needs with your unique skills is one way we can help bring the value of employment to you and your family.

Ability First services allow Goodwill staff to walk alongside individuals and employers as they address the unique challenges of employment for persons with cognitive or physical barriers by providing any needed job coaching, job training, advocacy or assistance with situations that may arise in the new position. The length of personal assistance is dependent upon the needs of both the individual and the employer.


To find out how Ability First can meet the employment needs of people with disabilities, contact your local Vocational Rehabilitation Services office.

Every 38 seconds of each business day

someone earns a job with Goodwill’s help.

Every eight seconds another person accesses

Goodwill opportunities to build their career

and strengthen their family.

You can be next!

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Goodwill Industrial Services - what is it?

Goodwill’s Industrial Services Division provides a resource of equipment, facilities and labor that enable the manufacturer or marketer of a product to outsource specialized packaging and assembly projects, reworks, or an entire packaging or manufacturing process.
Outsourcing to Goodwill yields many benefits:

• Frees you to focus on your core business.

• Frees space in your facility for other uses.

• Frees capital by reducing your need for equipment.

• Provides shorter lead times via the use of a specialized facility.

• Reduces your in-house labor and benefit costs.

• Provides a resource of labor and space for specialized or non-recurring jobs.

• Delegating work to Goodwill Industrial Services can free space for more critical operations.

PACKAGING

Goodwill’s Industrial Services Department has the facilities, equipment and know-how to handle all of your packaging needs. Whether it is a short or long-run job, or if you need ongoing support for your packaging needs; we can provide it!

We offer bagging, bar-coding, and cartoning, as well as kit packaging, labeling, shrink wrapping, and more.

Please contact us with your specific packaging needs and let us show you how Goodwill’s Industrial Services Department can package a whole lot more than you expect.

MANUFACTURING
Goodwill’s Industrial Services Department provides you with custom manufacturing services including assembly, fabrication, inspection, and rework.

We can handle temporary, sporadic, or long-term projects yet remain a cost effective solution for your business. Stop hiring costly temporary labor and put our expertise to work.

Call today for your free, no obligation cost estimate. We are sure you will be surprised at just how beneficial it can be to work with Goodwill’s Industrial Services Department.

MAILING
We are prepared to support your communication needs with standard and automated mailing capabilities.  In many cases, our clients find that the cost of our services is offset by the postage savings.  A full complement of supplemental services is also available, from collating and catalog assembly to sorting and stapling.

WIPING CLOTHS
We stock a variety of cotton and cotton blend wipers for the needs of your application. Wiping Cloths from Goodwill Industrial Services are durable and affordable and delivery is available in select areas. Wiping cloths come in 50 lb boxes. Delivery or pickup from one of our Goodwill Stores may be available, call for more details.


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Goodwill Success Story Cynthia - Making the Most of Her Second Chance

We want to introduce you to Cynthia, who graduated from Goodwill's Second Chance Program.  One simple promise that she kept changed her life.

Here is Cynthia's success story, in her own words:  

Cynthia, a Goodwill Success Story

"I had a good childhood; some may even say I was spoiled.

As a teenager I started to rebel against my parents and would sneak out to experiment with alcohol. I started to spin downward and at age 15 I was expelled from school due to a chain of events from fighting to skipping school. After having 2 babies very young and years being in an abusive relationship, I found myself addicted to prescription drugs. It got to the point that I didn’t know who I was anymore. I hit rock bottom and was eventually arrested.

I had nowhere to go and had burnt all of my bridges with my family and friends.

On July 7, 2015, I made the first promise that I would keep in years. I told my mother I would get help. I went to a halfway house and was referred to Goodwill. When I started, I didn’t like myself and had no self-respect. I stayed at Goodwill until I had to face my past and was sentenced to prison.

While there, I entered a program called GRIP (Guiding Rage Into Power) and I did everything I could to work on myself with counselors. I was tired of running; and we dealt with issues from my past. 

When I was released, I came to Goodwill to start fresh and begin a new journey.

Goodwill gave me opportunities and helped me make the right decisions.  Through the Second Chance Program, I learned how to make sure I got to work on time and to manage my personal life so that it didn’t interfere with my job.  They also taught me how to budget my money.  I came to Goodwill to start fresh and begin a new journey.  I was tired of running and needed to deal with the issues of my past.

Today I can stand before everyone and say that I love myself." 

Cynthia, we are so proud of you and admire your hard work!  

Congratulations on your success!

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.

What Do You Want To Be When You Grow Up? Goodwill Success Story

For as long as we all can remember we’ve dreamed about what we would do “when we grew up”. This month’s Goodwill Success Story Spotlight has also been dreaming about this notion since she was a young girl. Her dreams were a little different than most of ours. She didn’t dream about being a nurse, teacher or actress; her dream seemed simple, to make the world a better place. This kind of a dream can lead someone down a very interesting path, as it did for Katie.


As unconventional as Katie’s path was, at 19 she decided to join the military. She left the South side of Chicago, her family and all she knew to be familiar. Her military career took her all over the world, and gave her experiences most only hear about in news reports. After an 8-year career, Katie’s dreams took another jog along her career path. She became an English teacher, and eventually a Disease Intervention Specialist for the state of Indiana.

Although these “jobs” were contributing to her dream of making the world a better place, she was feeling she hadn’t yet found that place where she belongs. Through her pursuits of finding that place she belongs - the proverbial path she was on took a dark turn.

In Katie’s words, “Perhaps my longing for fulfillment made me susceptible to suggestion. I was lost in the dark. I stumbled through the next few years suffering a greater loss with each tumble. I lost my spirit, my independence, my sanity, my family and, ultimately, my freedom.“ 

After a few short months of meeting a man who was disguised as a knight in shining armor, he convinced Katie her life was meaningless; that her family, children and society would be a better place if she was not a part of it. An unsuccessful suicide attempt took her back to a pseudo-life with this man that eventually ended with Katie outside of herself, looking in and seeing herself as someone with an addiction to meth.

Her addiction led to incarceration and again to questioning her life, her purpose and her dreams. In April of 2014, she was given a referral to Goodwill. She thought it was a referral for a job at a Goodwill store. She was unaware of the many programs Goodwill Industries of Michiana has to offer individuals just like her. Katie entered the 2nd Chance @ Work Program in September of 2014, and began working at the Mishawaka Community Career Center. A few months later, she became a facilitator for the Workforce Development Skills Training Program.

Katie’s Goodwill Case Manager, Omeria, was able to really listen to Katie’s story. She saw in her potential, her heart for wanting to make a difference, and her passion for bettering her life. According to Katie, “Sometimes you have to lose everything to find out what is really important. I feel I am where I belong right now. I am happy, and I have the good-will of Goodwill to thank for helping me get back on track.”

We are so proud of you, Katie...

you are fulfilling your dreams!

You are making an amazing difference in the world!

Ambush Style Makeover Winner - Joni!

Personal style is a funny thing. Once we think we have it all figured out, it changes. Why?

According to our Fashion Guru, Kathy Friend - wardrobe stylist and image consultant, it is because we (as women) are always changing! Our personal style is simply an outward look at who we are as individuals. Our clothes tell the story of who we are. As our lives change, our story changes. For so many of us, our story and the image of our story (our clothes) don't always match.

This is that fork-in-the road our first winner of the Goodwill Ambush Style Makeover found herself. See Joni's story below, and her amazing style transformation!

YOU aren't an MGB member?

 

Are you a regular shopper at Michiana area Goodwill Stores?

Are you an MGB Member?

Wait, WHAT?  You don't know what that is?


It seems everywhere we shop these days, we get enrolled in a new rewards program. These programs are amazing ways to save money... just by doing what we are already doing... SHOPPING! We at Goodwill love the idea of rewarding our regular customers for loyalty.

The Michiana Goodwill Boosters program does that and helps Goodwill employees too!  (tip: shopping insiders call this program MGB).  It was formed to help the community learn more about Goodwill's mission, programs and needs - and to show appreciation for Goodwill's employees.  Special holiday meals and employee awards are among the many things that MGB does throughout the year to encourage Goodwill staff.

Michiana Goodwill Boosters is a community based support organization that exists to assist in the work of Goodwill Industries of Michiana, Inc. The mission of Goodwill is to provide jobs, training, and placement services for people with barriers to employment.

The other goal of Michiana Goodwill Boosters is to thank loyal customers with exclusive Membership Benefits...

 

1. As a Michiana Goodwill Booster, you will receive a $5.00 off purchase of $10.00 or more Member Coupon for each month. 
2. Exclusive special promotions are also available to MGB members only like special 50% off sale dates.

So I bet you are wondering, HOW DO I SIGN UP?

Well, all you need to do is fill out the application (click here to download), and take it to the Goodwill Industries of Michiana store closest to you! 

..and, of course, START SHOPPING!

Black Friday and Giving Tuesday...all year 'round!

It's interesting, isn't it.

Black Friday and Giving Tuesday only come around once a year.

Why is it that only one time a year we are able to find great deals when shopping for the things our family wants and needs, and why is it that only once a year we are encouraged to do good in our community and give-back? 

In a perfect world, these things would happen all year around.

In a perfect world, these things would happen together...wait...THEY DO!

What's this all about?
We’re glad you asked!  

At Goodwill, we appreciate your donations.  We know many of you are moms who are clearing out the clutter at home and donating it to us.  Your donations help Goodwill fulfill its mission so others in our community can learn how to get and keep jobs.  

The Goodwill Loves Moms Reward Program gives us a chance to say: “Thank You” to those who donate on a regular basis.

How does it work?
It’s simple, really.  For just $5 you can sign-up at any Goodwill Industries of Michiana Retail Store.  You’ll receive a re-useable Donation Bag and a Reward Card.  

As you sort through things at home, fill your Donation Bag.  Then, take it to any Goodwill Industries of Michiana Drive-thru Donation Center.  Each time you fill the bag and donate, we’ll validate your Reward Card with a stamp.

When your card is full, mail us the card and we’ll send you a $25.00 Goodwill Shopping Certificate that you can use in any of our stores.  It’s just that easy!

More details about the program can be found HERE.
 

Goodwill Success Story - Scott found employment with Lowe's!

We would like to introduce you to Scott.
He is another one of our many Goodwill Success Stories. 

Scott came to the Goodwill Community Career Center for a job fair in October, 2014. Initially, Scott used the Career Center’s computer lab to search for jobs online. He was struggling to get an interview, and asked the career counselor for help. After some edits and suggestions on format, Scott’s resume was ready to be passed along to potential employers.

Scott attended the Job Club at the Mishawaka Career Center. This group helps, encourages and supports those who are in the process of a job search. Joining this group allows participants to build confidence talking about their skills, wants and needs in a career.

In February of 2015, Scott attended a job fair and was able to get an interview with Lowe’s. He was well prepared for the interview. He spent time practicing interview questions with his career coach and attended workshops that helped him understand proper attire, etiquette and protocol. Scott’s hard work and dedication to finding employment paid off. He was offered a job at Lowe’s.

Today, Scott continues to build his skills and hopes his position as a seasonal-employee becomes permanent. He is living proof that dedication and hard work will pay off. He overcame insecurity and stepped outside of his comfort zone in order to achieve his goals. WAY TO GO SCOTT! We are all so proud of what you have accomplished!

50% Off Sale THIS Saturday May 30

That's right!  Saturday, May 30th is a 50% off Saturday at  

Michiana Goodwill Stores. 

All Goodwill Industries of Michiana Retail Store Locations.

8:00 am to 7:00 pm

Sale Excludes New Goods Merchandise. No Other Discounts Apply.

50% off sale THIS Saturday, May 16

That's right!  Saturday, May 16th is a 50% off Saturday at  

Michiana Goodwill Stores. 

All Goodwill Industries of Michiana Retail Store Locations.

8:00 am to 7:00 pm

Sale Excludes New Goods Merchandise. No Other Discounts Apply.

Models Needed for Mother's Day Fashion Show!

We are looking for a few mother/kid teams to be a part of our in-store fashion show! The show will take place on Saturday, May 9th in the Merrillville Goodwill Store. The fashion show will begin at 11:30am CST, however we would like the models to be there at 10:30am. 

If you are interested, please let us know (email: Goodwill@KathyFriend.com) so we can count you in!  Details for the show are below.

50% off sale THIS Saturday, April 25

That's right!  Saturday, April 25th is a 50% off Saturday at  

Michiana Goodwill Stores. 

All Goodwill Industries of Michiana Retail Store Locations.

8:00 am to 7:00 pm

Sale Excludes New Goods Merchandise. No Other Discounts Apply.

50% off sale THIS Saturday, April 11

That's right!  Saturday, April 11th is a 50% off Saturday at  

Michiana Goodwill Stores. 

All Goodwill Industries of Michiana Retail Store Locations.

8:00 am to 7:00 pm

Sale Excludes New Goods Merchandise. No Other Discounts Apply.

Employment Success!

Meet our Employee of the Month: David

David has been climbing the ladder to success and continues to evaluate himself as he re-directs himself from poor choices made in the past.

David was in the Work Experience Program through Goodwill Industries of Michiana.  When he began the program, he wanted to give up.  After turning 18, he started to utilize the skills he learned from Goodwill.  These skills translated into giving David confidence in interviews and offered a variety of opportunities for full-time employment.

We are proud to say David has been employed for over 90-days at Hoosier Tank & Manufacturing, Inc. His new job has taught him the welding trade and how to operate heavy machinery.

David's new goals are much different than they were before he was a part of the Goodwill program. Currently he wants to reach out to troubled youth and motivate them to make good choices.  He believes his story will serve as an example of what not to do, and he hopes he can lead them in the right direction.

online MODEL CALL for the LITTLE BLACK DRESS FASHION SHOW!

Yes, you read that title right! 

For the FIRST TIME EVER

we are allowing those interested to

submit their interest ONLINE!

We are looking for models for the Little Black Dress fashion show.  All of the details you need to know can be found HERE.

HOW TO SUBMIT AN ONLINE APPLICATION

Reply to this message or email the following information to Goodwill@KathyFriend.com

•  Name
•  Email address
•  Phone number (cell number?)
•  Height
•  Clothing size
•  Shoe size
•  Do you have modeling experience?
•  Why do you think you would be a perfect model for this year's Little        Black Dress fashion show?

 

KEY TO YOUR ENTRY!
We need you to come to one of the open calls to sign a release form detailing all the dates and times and get a photograph of you for the committee.  




We won't need to interview you, just snap a picture and sign a form! The dates can be found HERE.

Models Wanted for the Little Black Dress Fashion Show!

Yes, it's that time of year again when we search Michiana for an amazing group of ladies willing to be our models for the Little Black Dress fashion show and luncheon.

I know you have questions!  Here are some FAQs:

WHAT KIND OF MODELS ARE YOU LOOKING FOR?
We are looking for ladies between the ages of 18-100.  We ask that those who wish to be a model NOT be a high school student, be able to provide their own transportation and have an email address and a telephone number that they check daily.

I AM NOT A MODEL SIZE, IS THAT OK?
That's great!  We don't want real models for this show.  That is what makes this fashion show so great and fun for everyone!  We search for a variety of ladies from size 0-24+! 


WHAT IS MY COMMITMENT IF I AM CHOSEN TO BE A MODEL?
You will be asked to attend one of the open model calls in person (sorry, no exceptions to this!).  This interview will take about 10- minutes.

After the open calls, you will be notified if you have been chosen to be a model in this year's show.  If you are chosen you will be scheduled for a fitting.  The fittings will take place at the Goodwill store on Western Ave. in South Bend.  The times for the fittings are typically on Tuesday / Wednesday between 10am and 3pm.  The fittings are a week before the event. The fitting will take about 30 minutes. We do our best to accommodate everyone's schedule, however we ask that all models do their best to make the prearranged time for their fitting work into their calendar.

HOW ARE THE MODELS FOR THE FASHION SHOW CHOSEN?
After the open calls, a committee from the Style and Image Institute will consider each lady interested in being a model.  Models are chosen based on availability for the fitting and event and overall personality.  Our goal is to have models that represent the largest variety possible of sizes and ages on the runway.

WHO CHOOSES THE OUTFITS FOR THE MODELS?
All of the looks on the runway are completely managed and styled by the Style and Image Institute stylists, under the direction of Kathy Friend, the producer of the show and stylist. On the day of the show, the Style and Image Institute's hair and makeup team will be on hand to glam up the models and make them superstars!

Goodwill Success Story - Joseph Johnson

Goodwill Industries of Michiana's 2nd Chance @ Work Program provides individuals with barriers to employment with an opportunity to re-purpose their lives. 


Those involved in the program include ex-offenders.  These individuals need tools to achieve their employment and life goals. The intense classroom and hands-on training have been helpful to the success of our clients.



Recently a client, Joseph Johnson, received job placement in the community at MTI (Manufacturing Technology Incorporated). His goal upon entry to his present job was to apply his knowledge of welding. Since his start date (over 2 months ago) he has quickly risen from a position of general laborer to machine operator.



Thank you MTI and congratulations, Joseph!


If you would like to help those in our community by donating to Goodwill, visit our Donation Page to make your contribution.