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!

text 2017 all rights reserved

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 Ambush Makeover!

 Have you ever wanted to be on one of those Ambush Makeover shows?  

Well, we can't promise that, but we CAN get you excited about something we are doing at local Goodwill stores!

Our fashion guru, Kathy Friend, will be randomly showing up at one of our stores and offering a quick Ambush Makevoer to one of our deserving guests.

Think you should be our next Ambush Makeover recipient? Comment below (or email Goodwill@KathyFriend.com) why we should choose you, your contact info and what store you frequent.

YOU could be the next

Goodwill Ambush Makeover!

Watch the first Goodwill Ambush Makeover that took place in the Rochester, IN store. 

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.

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.

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.

50% Off Saturday January 24th!

 

That's right!  Saturday, January 24th 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.

GOODWILL SUCCESS STORY! Meet Jakelia Taylor

Jakelia Taylor is a 23 years old mother of 4. She is the Industrial Services Supervisor at Goodwill Industries of Michiana.

Jakelia got her start with Goodwill through a program called 2nd Chance @ Work.  This program is designed to help people with criminal backgrounds gain career skills with a goal of achieving full-time employment. In Jakelia's words, "Had it not been for the compassion of the caseworkers and staff running this program I really don’t know where I would be in life right now."

Through a string of events and bad decisions, Jakelia turned to a life of crime and drug abuse that led to a conviction and criminal record. As part of her conviction Jakelia found herself required to obtain employment to pay for court fees or face jail time. This is when she reached out to the 2nd Chance program. After 12 weeks in the program, she was ready for a work-place experience. This stepping stone of the program offers hands-on experience in a given field.

Jakelia was able to secure a full-time job and many other resources that aided her in her recovery. She explains the next phase of her journey:

I was released from Community Corrections for good behavior. After about 7 months of working I ran into child care problems and I was forced to stop working for about 2 months. I became very discouraged and I figured the odds were against me. I felt there was no way to get ahead in life with a criminal background. During those 2 months I reached out more than ever to different government assistance programs, again I was turned down because of my prior. I began to slip back into my old habits, doing the only thing I knew to make money. As time went on I began to just see life for what it was. I knew if I sat back and did nothing about the situation I was in, no one would help me. So again I began to ask around for help. Finally I was offered child care. I then was able to get back into the program and start where I left off.

She worked hard and was offered a position as the Industrial Services Coordinator at Goodwill Industries of Michiana. She has held this position for over a year.  Her current goals include starting school.  Jakelia sums up her story by saying, "Who would have thought me, a 22 year old ex-felon, could overcome the odds I overcame. This is really just the beginning of my story. I have not closed my book yet and I am ready for a new chapter in life and very thankful for the chapters leading up to this. I want to give Goodwill thanks for the amazing helping hand to not only me, but my family."

For more information about the 2nd Chance @ Work Program, please click HERE.

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.

Goodwill Success Story - meet Brent Biddle

Goodwill Industries of Michiana is a place where client successes are celebrated.  It is a place where the notion of turning lemons into lemonade is part of every-day operations. That mantra is exactly what Goodwill client Brent Biddle has done. 

 Brent was unemployed for 4 years after suffering a heart attack. In 2013 he decided it was time to return to work.  Despite significant physical limitations, he was determined to re-enter the work force. He applied to Vocational Rehabilitation and was referred to Goodwill for employment services.

Brent worked closely with the Goodwill staff and his Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor to develop a career goal that met his needs.  He knew he would thrive in a position that allowed him to work with people and accommodate his limitations.  Through career assessment, he determined a position in the customer service field would be perfect for him. 

After meeting weekly with his employment specialist, Brent developed a resume and began his job search.  He applied for a variety of positions in several industries.   During one of his weekly meetings, he learned of a floor supervisor opening at the Goodwill Store in Elkhart. He submitted an application and was interviewed a few days later. 

Brent began working at the Goodwill Store in Elkhart as a floor supervisor.  He has been a valued member of the team at that store for over 6-months. His current career goals include working hard and moving forward within the Goodwill family, perhaps applying for a management position. He is very happy to be working at Goodwill and proud to be a part of the Goodwill mission!

What's going on the the Goshen Goodwill Store?

We hope you enjoy this tour of the Goshen Goodwill store.  Be sure to check out our website for the location of all the great Goodwill stores in Michiana.

New Ways to Save in the New Year

There is something so renewing to know that a new year is beginning and that you have a whole new year ahead of you to start fresh. In February, our New Year's goals may have already been forgotten, but today I want to encourage you to dust those goals back off and start anew again with a goal that is very dear to my heart... being wise with our funds. The goal that I have each year is to continue to reduce our spending and find creative ways to live our beautiful life on a small budget.

Perhaps it is a goal of yours too? Let’s explore some new ways to save in this new year!

Get Your Finances Back on Track- Isn’t it funny that we have more ways than ever to be in touch with our money, yet many of us couldn’t be further from it? Consider investing in some financial planning software this year or utilizing a free financial planning service like Mint.com for tracking your spending. Start this year out right and begin analyzing where your money is going and find new ways that you can reduce your spending categories. Viewing your spending history is an eye-opening way to see simple switches you could make to begin saving and planning for your future.

Switch to a Cash System- In some regards, using an envelope system is an old-school method, but it has been the one method that has worked the very best for our family through the years. At the beginning of the week, withdraw the money that you need for your groceries and give an allowance to yourself, your spouse, and a family allowance for dining out/entertainment. This will not only keep you within your grocery budget, but it will also keep those incidental expenses for each family member within a budget too.

No one can shame you for buying a weekly latte and no one can be upset that a family member went out to dinner, provided that it is within your weekly allowance! A family allowance will also allow you to do something fun each week together and give you that much needed family time you deserve. 

Ditch the Membership Fees- Are you paying for a membership that you aren’t using anymore? Many times when I talk to people about memberships they have, they are usually not using them. Do you have a gym membership, but don’t ever go to the gym? Do you subscribe to a magazine that you don’t have time to read or is no longer applicable to that stage in your life? Do you have a movie club, but no one ever has time to watch the movies?

Ditching those memberships doesn’t mean that you can’t indulge in those activities; it just means you can be smarter about how you are doing them. A gym that offers a punch card where you only have to pay per class might be a better option if you can’t ever make it to the gym. Checking out those movies and magazines from the library might be a better way to indulge in those entertainment expenses without paying yearly on them. Rethink how you can approach those spending categories and you could easily save $30 or more off of your monthly expenses. 

Embrace a DIY Lifestyle- The best thing you can do for your finances this year is to invest in learning new skills that you will save you money. Take a class to learn how to make your own birthday cakes, learn a new craft that could save on gift expenses, visit a Saturday workshop at your local hardware store to complete a home improvement project, research on You Tube or check out books from the library on how to tackle projects that you normally have to outsource. Embracing a DIY lifestyle is what frugality, to me, is all about. Go out and learn a new skill today and see what it can do to improve those family finances. It just might surprise you!

When looking for materials for these DIY projects, be sure to stop at your Goodwill store to see what treasures you can use to tackle those home improvement projects. Goodwill is always my first stop when looking for materials for my favorite DIY projects. 

Get Rid of That Clutter- Clutter not only weighs us down physically, but clutter causes us to spend money when we don’t need to. One look at a cluttered pantry or bathroom closet and you know exactly what I am talking about. Duplicate purchases occur when we don’t have a strong grasp on our inventory in our home and clutter hides us from the real treasures that are in our lives. Stop allowing clutter to put a drain on your budget and your life.

The best part about our Goodwill stores is that not only can you get rid of clutter, but you can score savings at the store by stopping by and making that donation. An employee will happily hand you a tax receipt when you drop your items off at the Goodwill Drive-Thru Donation Center. The bonus, that makes the trip and decluttering your life entirely worth it, is that our Michiana Goodwill Stores attach a coupon to your tax deduction form that will save you a percentage on your next shopping trip.

When you visit Goodwill, ask about their Goodwill Loves Moms Reward Program.  It's amazing!  You can register in the store for $4.00 and you'll receive a re-useable Donation Bag and Reward Card.  When you donate with the bag, they'll validate your Reward Card.  When the card is full, they'll send you a gift valued at $25.00 - or a Shopping Certificate - you decide!  Find out more at:  www.GoodwillLovesMoms.com.

I call that a win-win situation when it comes to ways to save money and reward yourself in the new year!

WHAT IS THE ONE THING YOU WOULD LIKE TO CHANGE ABOUT YOUR SPENDING THIS YEAR?

Welcome to the Rochester Store!

Valentine's Day DIY Projects

Valentine's Day is just around the corner and today I wanted to showcase some fun ways to add a little Valentine's fun to your house using items you can often find at your local Goodwill. The best part about these  projects is that the are inexpensive and oh-so-easy to create!

Valentine's Day Mason Jars- Mason jars are an item that you will often find in the housewares section of the store and can be used for a variety of projects. Decorate a side table or mantle with these cleverly decorated mason jars for Valentine's Day. Hearts can be created from any red shirt or sweater you might spy and then wrapped sweetly with jute or twine. Finish this project off by adorning it with a lacy paper doily. (@ crescendoh).

If snow globes are more your thing, I adore these sweet little Snow Globe Jars that you can create for Valentine's Day. I also love that they are inspired by one of my favorite out-of-my-budget shops, Anthropolgie (@ whiperberry)

Tunnel Of Love Art- Free printables abound and can be a fun way to dress up a wall, table, or mantle without spending a lot of money for holiday occasions. Spray paint a Goodwill frame a bold red and insert this adorable free printable in your frame for a fun nod to the holiday that sits perfectly in your budget!  (@ Flamingo Toes)

Candy Cane Valentine's Day Treats- At Goodwill, we are all about finding new ways to repurpose items around the house and that is why I love this candy treat project so much. Don't throw out those leftover mini candy canes just yet!  Upcycle your Christmas treats into super sweet Valentine's Day treat pops for your kids to give out for Valentine's Day. Have your children decorate and create their own Valentine's this year and tuck these sweet candy cane pops in for a finishing touch. (@ Pleasant Home)

Crochet Heart Garland- If you have the talent for crochet, this adorable Crochet Heart Garland is a fun project to create to decorate a mantle or to drape over a window. Check Goodwill for items like yarn and crochet needles in the craft supplies section of your store. (@ design sponge)

Valentine's Day Wreath- Donated wreaths are often donated at the store and can easily be updated with a few homemade additions. This tutorial for loopy felt flowers and rosettes are the perfect way to dress up a wreath in bright Valentine's Day colors with just a few dollars in felt (@ The Motherload)

Yarn Wrapped Letters- Yarn projects are one of my favorites because they are so inexpensive to create and, frankly, I've got a lot of yarn in this house of mine! These yarn wrapped letters are a fun way to repurpose a ball of yarn in your home and can be created with a variety of sweet phrases for the holiday. (@ Family Chic)

Valentine's Day Bunting- Buntings can be created from a variety of items available at Goodwill. I love to use large pieces like a sheet, tablecloth, or curtain material to create my fabric projects because they offer so much fabric for your money. Hunt for fun prints in pinks & reds to create a simple fabric bunting to dress up your mantle. (@ It's My Story)

Fabric Painted Hearts- Fabric painting is a fun way to spice up a shirt or a bag for the Valentine's Day season. This sweet and easy tutorial for a fabric painted heart would be a fun craft project to try on a white t-shirt for yourself or for your kids (@ V and Co.)

What are some of your favorite Valentine's Day projects to do with your family? 

GOODWILL - did you know?

This year, we thought we would periodically share some "did you know" facts about our local Goodwill stores.

For example, did you know you can get information about stores and hours HERE?

Also did you know you can get details about news and cool Goodwill events here?

Finally, I am sure you are all friends with the Goodwill of Michiana Facebook page...but maybe not?

Creatively Wrapping Gifts With Goodwill Items

Christmas is quickly approaching and this is the holiday where the crafter in me rejoices not only for the Christmas crafts I get the opportunity to create, but the opportunity to package those gifts beautifully under our tree. Goodwill can be a great place to check for, not only your gifts, but also items to creatively package those gifts in a unique way.

Yarn Embellishments- It is rare to stop at Goodwill and not see craft supplies that have been donated. Yarn is one of those inexpensive craft supplies that I love to use when packaging my gifts. Whether it is a yarn pom pom in lieu of a bow, multiple colors of yarn that have been woven together to create a unique packaging detail, or even knitted or crocheted embellishments can make beautiful gift toppers. (Image Source: Persia Lou)

Gift Card Snow Globes- Gift cards can often feel impersonal, but are often just what the recipient has asked for or needs. Package those gift cards creatively by vising the Housewares section at Goodwill and hunting for jars that can be used to create your very own gift card snow globes. Little ones can participate in the fun in creating these adorable craft. Look for small items to decorate the inside of your snow globe and spray paint those thrift store lids with a festive green or red spray paint to spruce it up. (Source: The Creative Mama)

Fabric Flowers- Visit Goodwill on the half off days or select items that are on sale that week to find material from clothing items that can be used to creatively embellish your gifts. Cut scraps of fabric to create homespun bows or cut the fabric into easy circles and create a fabric flower that can be personalized with unique buttons or costume jewelry for creatively topping them. Even items like t-shirts can be used to make elegant flowers for a unique addition to boxes or kraft paper gift bags. (Source: MomAdvice)

Book Page Rosettes- Book pages are the ultimate in frugal craft materials and are a fantastic resource for creating your very own gift toppers. With a simple pair of scissors and a little glue, you can top your gifts beautifully and inexpensively with rosettes made from book pages. (Source: Under the Table & Dreaming)

Beauty Gift Additions- Gifts of beauty items like sugar scrubs or bath salts can be a fun and thoughtful gift to give and made with materials in your pantry. I love to add a simple addition of a vintage spoon and package these items in a mason jar found at my Goodwill store. Find a jar you love, but can't find a lid? Simple bands and jar lids can be found at your local discount store and freshen up a jar with a tired lid or be the perfect topper for a jar that might be missing one. (Source: MomAdvice)

Salt & Cinnamon Dough Toppers- Remember making simple salt dough ornaments or cinnamon-filled dough ornaments for the holidays? These are still a fun way to top gifts and can be made from some simple ingredients in your pantry. Grab a salt dough recipe here or look for the cinnamon dough recipe over here. Tie these on with scraps of fabric from Goodwill items. The best part about these toppers is that they later can be used as an ornament to adorn your tree. (Source: Simply Savannah Events)

What are some creative ways you love to package your gifts? I would love to hear from you! 

Easy DIY Halloween Costumes

It's only a couple of short weeks until Halloween, but if you haven't found a costume yet, have no fear! Today I want to showcase eight easy DIY Halloween Costumes you can create using items found at Goodwill. This list of easy DIY Halloween Costumes will hopefully help you gather some great ideas for throwing together a great last minute costume and save you money in the process, thanks to Goodwill!

Baby Aerobics Instructor Costume

Holy cuteness! This easy baby aerobics instructer outfit looks like an easy DIY to put together and I promise, it will be a memorable costume. Create a baby headband from a goodwill t-shirt, cut the bottoms off of a pair of socks to create baby leggings, and use your baby's onsie and leggings to complete the look. This mom created an adorable boombox out of felt to complete the look.  (via Homemade By Jill)

Book Fairy Costume 

A couple of hardback books from Goodwill can create a unique and adorable book fairy costume. Using a hot glue gun, book pages, and the covers of the books to create your fairy wings you can create an entire costume from simply rolling paper for an adorable skirt! You will love this one (via Lilliedale)

Paper Doll Costume

Short on funds for Halloween costumes this year? This paper doll costume can be created using the free template provided, poster board, and a little foam core. Add your daughter's laciest socks and a pair of Mary Jane shoes from Goodwill and you have a real-life paper doll to trick-or-treat with. What little girl wouldn't love that?  (via Family Fun)

Mary Poppins & Bert Couple Costume

Couple costumes can be challenging, but with few things from your closet and a little help from Goodwill, it can be easy to create your look for less. My husband & I created this costume for less than $20 and absolutely had a blast putting it together. (via MomAdvice)

Homemade Redbox Costume

I had to laugh at this adorable Redbox costume that this family created! The Redbox costume was created using spray paint, a box, and snagging some of the Redbox images from Google. I absolutely love this idea and it cost the family less than $5 to create. The best part is that the whole family can jump in on the creating (Coolest Homemade Costumes)

Baby Cabbage Patch Doll

Looking for a costume that can work around pushing your baby in a stroller? This Cabbage Patch Doll costume is simply genius and wouldn't cost a lot to create. Head to Goodwill to grab a green fitted sheet to cover your stroller, create the Cabbage Patch box, and then cover your baby in yarn pigtails. (Via Costume Works)

Will Work 4 Candy Costume

The best part about the, "Will Work 4 Candy Costume," is that you need not buy any supplies at all to create this look. Paint a beard on your child's face, dress them in their most tired looking play clothes, mismatch their shoes,  and add a cardboard sign from your recycle bin. (via Coolest Homemade Costumes)

Child's Superman Costume

Leading a double life can be tough, but it doesn't need to be expensive. Head to Goodwill to pick up a tie, shirt, and heavy glasses for Clark Kent, and dress him in a Superman shirt underneath. This costume is adorable and affordable! (Via Think Geek)

What is the best DIY Halloween costume you have created? Feel free to share your links and ideas below!