the PDF file

MAY • 2015
GOOD TIMES WITH
GOODWILL EMPLOYEES
by Rita Crum
Welcome to the ClothesLine
- the monthly employee
newsletter! In each edition we
will be covering all corners of
the agency every month. Enjoy!
SPRING IS HERE.
GO OUTSIDE!
There are really some fun and
exciting things to do outside
as the weather improves, learn
about the benefits!
Page 9
OMAHA GIVES! IS
ALMOST HERE
On May 20 Goodwill will be
participating again in the third
annual fundraising holiday
Omaha Gives!
Page 13
Employees at the Annual Dinner took turns dressing up and taking pictures in the photo booth.
Fun signs, glasses and crazy wigs were available to use.
G
oodwill hosted its annual
Employee Awards
Banquet on Saturday,
April 11, 2015. Nearly 500
employees, guests and board
members experienced an
evening of cool raffle prizes,
awesome video highlights
and compelling acceptance
speeches.
The night began with
a social hour followed by
dinner. Board Chairman
Mark Brasee kicked the night
off with agency highlights
and successes. The rest of
the evening was filled with a
plethora of raffle prizes and
recognitions.
Congratulations to our
award winners of the night.
AbilityOne Custodian Dorothy
Johnston was recognized as
the Marco/Meyer Achiever of
the Year. Dorothy started off in
our Work Experience program
15 years ago. She’s come a
long way since first coming
to Goodwill and this is why
she received this distinguished
award.
Benson Park Store
Manager Josh Meyer was
recognized as the Manager of
the Year.
CONTINUED ON PAGE 6
1
THE RUNDOWN
MAY 2015
PUBLISHER: Frank McGree
EDITOR IN CHIEF: Rita Crum
MANAGING EDITOR: Ann Bailey
STAFF WRITERS: Brent Koster, Elizabeth Donner,
Kris Pachunka, Rebecca Armstrong and Erin
Swanson Russell
THE CLOTHESLINE is published monthly and is
available at each Town Hall meeting. If you are
unable to attend Town Hall, you may also find
copies in the Marketing area at BPP, or request
to have a copy delivered to you by calling
402.231.1912.
You may also find ClothesLine articles and fullissue digital downloads on the Goodwill Omaha
website at http://www.goodwillomaha.org/
category/publications/the-clothes-line/.
by Brent Koster
YouthBuild North improving parks – The
young people of YouthBuild will be working for
the Nebraska Games and Parks Commission
this summer, doing masonry work at several
state parks. YouthBuild will be pouring new
concrete slabs for campgrounds. So, the next
time you camp at Two Rivers or Louisville State
Recreational Areas, there’s a good chance
you’ll see their handiwork.
Winner winner – Goodwill was awarded
a Business Excellence Award by the Greater
Omaha Chamber of Commerce. The chamber
recognized around 20 local businesses and
nonprofits with this distinction. It’s their first
time giving out this award, so it’s an honor to
be part of the inaugural class of recipients.
There is a reception in May where we will
receive the award. Congratulations everyone!
Earth unhappy about Earth Day; happy
with Goodwill – Based on the weather, we
can safely assume that the earth does not like
Omaha’s Earth Day celebration. It rained all
day last Saturday, as Goodwill staff struggled
to stay dry. Recycling Manager Ken Barker was
accepting used computers throughout the day,
and a host of other Goodwill employees were
showing attendees how to repurpose t-shirts
into bags. The soggy conditions put a damper
on attendance, but Barker and his crew were
still able to recycle more than 3,000 pounds
of E-waste. All that computer recycling surely
improved the earth’s mood by the end of the
day.
LOCATED INSIDE BENSON PARK PLAZA - 4805 NORTH 72 STREET
2 WELCOME
Recycling Manager Ken Barker and Recycling Tech II Kendrick Ransom
NEW EMPLOYEES!
WELCOME! Below is a list of all new employees that joined Goodwill in March. Please say hello and
make them feel welcome as they begin their new positions with Goodwill.
Aaron Kastl
Barry Sloan
Thomas Simodynes
Elaine Caughlin
Deven Brown
Andre Miller Jr.
Mariton Barber
Nathan Gunter
Makaela Peterson
Andrew Glenn
Lavanta Story
Erika Spencer
Jennifer Perry
Hoth Bol
Vonetta Phillip
Pakawan Williams
Kevin Lytle Jr.
Adelene Finney
Richard Strauss
Custodian
Laundry Finisher
YouthBuild Cons. Trainer
Cashier
Donation Door Attendant
Clothing Processor Hanger
Reserve99 Rep.
Lead Laundry Processor
Cashier
E-Commerce Associate
Wearhouse Associate Prod.
Cashier
Cashier
Cashier
Clothing Processor Hanger
Cashier
Business Outreach Specialist
Youthbuild Cons. Trainer
Accounting Specialist
AWARDS
Denney
Spin Linen
Benson Park
180th & Q
156th & Maple
Benson Park Store
Reserve99
Spin Linen
156th & Maple
72nd & F
72nd & F
78th & Dodge
Papillion
78th & Dodge
156th & Maple
South Papillion
Ames Plaza
Benson Park
Benson Park
MARCH 2015
Look around you... There are awesome people doing awesome things every day. Be the one
to brighten a co-worker or manager’s day with the Safety Smart, Lifesaver or Above & Beyond
Award. Go out and do awesome things and next month your name could be listed here.
Andrea Ray
Alicia Baldwin
Toni Simmons
Brett Gulbrandson
Natalie Dallman
Nathaniel Andrews
Tierra Washington
Patricia Oltman
Jeff Bloes
Jenny Salsbury
Debra Minor-Brown
Sam Comfort
Ryan Christensen
Pete Bataillon
Megan Sharpe
Steve Andrews
Kathryn Naughton
LIFESAVERS
ABOVE & BEYOND
SAFETY SMART
NEW HIRES • AWARDS 3
EMPLOYEE
MONTH
by Rita Crum
OF THE
A few months back there
and was turned down time and
was a story in the ClothesLine
time again. He felt discriminated
about Victor Hull and his success against due to his health history
running the donation trailer site
and age.
at 50th & Grover. You learned
To make matters a bit
about his dedication to his job,
more challenging, Victor was
his appreciation for our donors,
a recovering alcoholic. Even
and about his undying efforts to
though he had more than ten
promote our mission. It didn’t
years of sobriety, he was at risk
take long to realize just how
of falling back into his old habit
good Victor is at his job.
due to all the stress he was
Fast forward to now faced
enduring. Thankfully, Victor saw
with a challenge when I realized
an ad for a Goodwill program
Victor was our March Employee
called Projects with Industry.
of the Month. What
the heck was I going
to write about now?
We already said
a plethora of nice
things about him
in that last article.
What to do? So, I
figured it might be
interesting to learn
more about the man
behind the trailer.
In 2010, Victor
went into cardiac
arrest and underwent
emergency heart
surgery. His
Victor Hull is the attendant at 50th and Grover.
recovery was
long and difficult. Just a year
Even though the program no
prior, Victor was working at
longer exists, it did help many
a hotel managing the shuttle
people like Victor find jobs and
transportation program. He had get back on their feet.
lost his job due to his health
Upon completion of the
condition. Victor attempted
program, Victor applied for a
to receive unemployment and
trailer attendant position. That
disability but was denied for
was five years ago and since that
both. He would apply for jobs
time Victor has made a name
4 EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTH
for himself at the 50th & Grover
site. We credit him for building
up Goodwill’s awareness in
the neighborhood and among
the local businesses; he credits
Goodwill for giving him a
second chance.
“Finding a job with Goodwill
when I did helped me stay sober.
The temptation was definitely
there. I’ve lost a lot
of friends along the
way from drugs and
alcohol. Good things
happen to good
people who are
given the opportunity
to try hard, and
Goodwill gave me
that opportunity,”
said Victor.
According to
Retail Operations
Director Shirley Hall,
“Victor is customer
driven. He strives at
making sure donors
leave knowing that
they just helped support our
mission. He has a huge amount
of pride for his trailer site.”
A heartfelt thanks and
appreciation goes out to our
March Employee of the Month
Victor Hull!
STORE
OF THE
MONTH
156TH & MAPLE
Congratulations to
Janice, Jordon and their
crew for achieving store
of the month in March!
Goodwill employees and Work Experience students at 156th and Maple gather to
celebrate their third Store of the Month achievement.
Specialty
STORE
OF THE
MONTH
COFFEE HOUSE
Congratulations to Josh,
Sam, Chelle and Bobbi
for achieving Specialty
Store of the Month in
March!
Coffee House Assistant Manager Samantha Janousek stops for a photo with the
winning donuts for being Specialty Store of the Month.
StoreS of the month 5
GOOD TIMES CON’T.
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1
“I am honored to be
recognized for my hard work and
accomplishments throughout my
time with Goodwill. I am very
lucky to manage such great staff
who constantly make me shine
with their hard work, not just here
at Benson Park, but every store
I help at. Thank you again for
choosing me to be your MOY for
2014,” said Meyer.
Jenny Rohr received the
coveted Employee of the Year
Award.
“Being Employee of the
Year is an incredible honor. It is
very humbling to win this award
knowing that my fellow employees
voted for me. I love what I do and
love being able to help employees
succeed and it is wonderful to be
recognized for it,” said Rohr.
GoodBytes was the Store of
the Year for the second time in a
row.
According to GoodBytes
Manager James Coggins,
“Without the collaborative efforts
of the entire Goodwill staff, we
would not have been standing up
there speechless that evening. We
6 cover story
thank and applaud you, each and
every one of you. And regardless
of what is printed on the award
we want all of you to know in our
eyes it’s not just a store of the
year award for us, it’s a testimony
to all of our continued efforts to
leave our community and the
world in a slightly better place
than we found it.”
The night ended with several
employees winning the grand
prizes consisting of eight hours
vacation, four hours vacation,
and a Kindle Fire. Many thanks to
by Rita Crum
businesses like WOWT and Bob
Ervin Photography who provided
photo and video services.
However, I must give a big shout
out to Rebecca Armstrong and
Ann Bailey for creating a majority
of the videos including the
Employee, Manager and Store of
the Year.
We hope you will consider
joining us next year on April 30,
2016 at the Embassy Suites for this
continued tradition of honoring
employees.
cover story 7
MANAGER
QUARTER
OF THE
Last year, Goodwill’s
Employment and Training
Information Technology (IT)
Department through its transition
Department handled over 1,600 from a local Access-based
requests. There’s a good chance database, one that is stored on
that you submitted one of those
hard drives in server rooms, to
requests. And,
there’s a good
chance that our
Database Manager,
Jeff Bloes, dealt
with many of your
inquiries. Jeff is
always prompt,
courteous, and
efficient while
working with all
of his internal and
external customers.
This, among many
other reasons,
is why Jeff is our
Manager of the First
Quarter of 2015.
Here at
Goodwill, we’re all
about efficiency.
In this quarter, Jeff
developed a new
Manager of the Quarter Jeff Bloes.
method to setup
new computers that come into
a SQL web-based system, one
the agency. This process cuts
that is stored on the cloud and
load time by 75 percent.
more easily assessable. This is a
Additionally, he completed
large undertaking. It will involve
the IT section of the Annual
migrating 11 databases to the
Statistical Report, ensuring
cloud and coordinating the
the accuracy of all numbers
training of all Employment and
reported to Goodwill Industries
Training and Quality Assurance
International and making
staff to operate in this new
Goodwill Omaha look really
database system.
good.
“Jeff has worked diligently
Now, Jeff is guiding the
to develop a calendar for the
8 MANAGER OF THE QUARTER
by Rebecca Armstrong
entire Employment and Training
Department detailing this entire
process,” said Gordon Scheet,
Jeff’s manager.
He has made the agency
ahead of the curve, and this
new system will be standard
for programmatic databases at
Goodwill for the foreseeable
future. Jeff has worked through
this whole process while keeping
agency costs at a minimum.
On top of all the database
work, Jeff handled hundreds
of customer inquiries during
tax season.
Each year,
Jeff becomes
inundated
with requests
from donors
to find
their lost
donations
receipts. He
treats each
customer
with respect
and always
ensures
they are
completely
satisfied.
When not
at Goodwill,
Jeff is busy
with his
family. He
has a wife,
Tina, and two children. His son,
Dane, is almost five years old
and his daughter, Laci, is three.
Jeff’s favorite part about working
at Goodwill is the challenging
atmosphere.
“Honestly, there is always
something new to work on. No
day is the same,” says Jeff.
Congratulations, Jeff on your
Manager of the Quarter win!
GO OUTSIDE!
I
t is spring time in Nebraska
and that means nice
weather…well, kind of anyway.
The warmer temperatures
bring with them a number of
outdoor activities. Those outdoor
activities don’t have to be the
typical running or biking if you’re
not into that sort of thing. If
you are a home owner there is
typically a good amount of yard
work to be done this time of year
and that is a workout in itself. I
asked a couple of Goodwill
employees what they like to do
outside when the weather gets
nice and their activities range
from card games to running. Eric
Syphers wants to buy a soft-top
Jeep and roll around with the top
down and enjoy the outdoors that
way!
From a wellness perspective
by John Rumbaugh
there are really some fun and
exciting things to do outside as the
weather improves.
If you drive by Memorial
Park you can typically see some
coeds enjoying a friendly game of
ultimate Frisbee; don’t be shy, go
join them!
Take your dogs for a walk
around Lake Zorinsky or just
around the block, it’s good for
both you and your furry friend.
Even lying around outside can
have health benefits, the vitamin
D we get from sun exposure can
lower blood pressure and fight
cancer causing cells! So even if
you are not doing any rigorous
physical activity outside, just being
outside can be beneficial to your
health, so go outside!
Photo credit: Google Images
Brunch Parfaits
1/3 cup apricot preserves
3 cups sliced strawberries
2 cups low-fat vanilla yogurt
1/2 cup low-fat granola without raisins (such as Kellogg’s)
2 tablespoons slivered almonds, toasted
To prepare: Place apricot preserves in a medium microwave-safe
bowl, and microwave at high for 10 to 15 seconds or until preserves
melt. Add strawberries, and toss gently to coat.
Spoon 1/4 cup yogurt into each of 4 parfait glasses; top each serving
with 1/3 cup strawberry mixture. Repeat the layers with the remaining
yogurt and strawberry mixture. Top each serving with 2 tablespoons
granola and 1 1/2 teaspoons almonds. Serve immediately.
Make Ahead Tip: Assemble everything but the granola and almonds
ahead of time, and store in the refrigerator for up to an hour. Sprinkle
with granola and almonds just before serving for the optimum crunch.
WELLNESS 9
THE BIG 10 WITH LARONDA BIRCH
T
by Brent Koster
his month we have ten
8. What are you most
needed, and Frank relied on Dave
questions for Senior Human and I to use our best judgement
proud of about your time
Resources (HR) and Quality and do what was best for the
at Goodwill? For 17 years, I
Assurance (QA) Director LaRonda organization.
managed the programmatic side
Birch BS, MHR, PHR.
of AbilityOne while running HR at
5. Why do you work in
1. What do you do here
Human Resources? I absolutely the same time. These days those
at Goodwill? I assist [Human
are two separate divisions. It was
love Human Resources. I love the
Resources Vice President] Dave
a huge challenge, but I take a
people component. Being in a
[Pfeffer] in the oversight of all
great deal of pride in the fact that
position where I can help people.
aspects of Human Resources here I don’t know what I would do if I
I did that.
at Goodwill.
9. Your staff is fairly
didn’t have a job where I could
2. You came to Goodwill
young… Yeah, and that’s
help people.
in 1995, how has it changed
refreshing, and I love working in
6. What do you do on your
in your tenure? Well, we were
an intergenerational environment.
days off? Well I would really
just a team of two, Dave and
have to be on vacation for that to They have a lot to teach us, and
me. And we were overhauling
happen. I’m very involved in a lot we have all the history to share
the HR department. I had
with them.
of things outside of Goodwill. I
experience in affirmative action,
10. What’s your favorite
like down time. I just don’t have
EEO and benefits. Dave had the
Goodwill program? I love
much of it.
workers comp and compensation
ReStart, our new ex-offenders
7. Do you like to read? I
expertise. So we had a mix in
program. It says a lot about this
love to read. One of my favorite
specialties.
organization that we’re stepping
books is “When Good People
3. What brought you to
up to serve that population. And
Make Bad Choices”. It’s a book
Goodwill back then? I saw an
the community is noticing.
about integrity. Great book.
ad in the paper
for Goodwill. I
didn’t know
anything about
Goodwill at that
time. But after
my first interview
I knew that was
the job for me. I
was amazed at
everything they
did.
4. Was it fun
overhauling the
HR department?
It was interesting.
We had to
see where the
organization
was, what they
Senior Human Resources & QA Director LaRonda Birch (top left) joins a few friends and coworkers for a fun photo.
10 THE BIG 10 • LARONDA BIRCH
PARTICIPANT
by Holly Schwietz
OF THE
QUARTER
We want to introduce you
to someone special: Duoth
Chuol was selected as the E&T
Department’s Participant of the
1st Quarter for 2015.
Duoth and his family
immigrated to Nebraska from
the Sudan. In their household,
English is a second language.
This school year Duoth was
referred to Goodwill’s Work
Experience Program to help him
learn work skills and practice soft
skills such as communication and
working independently.
Duoth has come a long
way since starting at Goodwill
in August. Initially, he was shy
and nervous. Duoth has worked
in four different areas in and
around Benson Park Plaza.
After learning the jobs and
interacting with staff every day,
his confidence has flourished.
Duoth said that his favorite
rotation is at the donation
door where he gets to meet
people and help them with
their donations. He also likes
working in the store where there
are other opportunities to help
people. Duoth always has a
beaming smile on his face when
greeting people. He is proud of
his efforts and enjoys coming to
Goodwill each day.
According to his WE Trainer,
Steve Andrews, Duoth takes
Duoth Chuol stands proud in front of a tree
before it is decorated for the holidays.
on projects without question
and proudly completes tasks as
instructed. Steve said that Duoth
demonstrates what a good
employee does – stays on task,
listens, and follows directions.
Duoth displays a positive attitude
about his work duties and is
friendly with co-workers and
staff. He has an awesome work
ethic.
In his down time Duoth
enjoys watching basketball and
playing basketball at the YMCA.
In fact he has challenged his
trainer to a game of one-on-one
this summer.
Duoth is going through
the application process for OPS’
Project Search at Embassy Suites
for next school year to learn
more about hotel jobs. He has
a goal of working in a job where
he uses his hands and fixes
things. “Being a mechanic would
be my dream job,” he said.
Please congratulate Duoth
Chuol as E&T’s Participant of the
1st Quarter for 2015!
Particpant of the First Quarter Duolth Chuol with Work Experience Trainer Steve Andrews.
PARTICIPANT OF THE QUARTER 11
TOTAL ROUND IT UP TRANSACTIONS
49,676
OUT
OF
TOTAL STORE TRANSACTIONS
449,535
Excellent job retail! You have raised
$18,584.17
January 1, 2015 APRIL 24, 2015
to support Goodwill’s mission!
CONGRATULATIONS
Congratulations to Gretna, Bellevue, Southwest and the Harris Center for more than doubling
their RIU store goals since February 1st, 2015! Also a BIG congratulations to 180th & Q, 156th
& Maple, Fremont and Reserve99 for hitting their initial Round It Up goal!
Overall in 2015, the efforts of the retail staff through the Round It Up program has helped
Goodwill raise over $18,000 in four short months. We are easily a third of the way to our goal
of $50,000 for 2015.
Thank you again for your continued support or Goodwill’s mission and programs.
12 ROUND IT UP
STEPPING INTO TOMORROW
A
s policy makers and
workforce leaders seek to
connect people to jobs in
our current economy, one industry
that continually attracts attention is
construction.
While construction workers
have experienced repeated
layoffs in the current downturn,
demand for construction skills
is expected to rebound as the
economy picks up. In addition,
new policies designed to promote
energy efficiency and support the
development or re-development
of critical infrastructure have the
potential to create significant
demand for construction trade
skills.
Moreover, the construction
industry is experiencing an aging
labor force, particularly among
highly skilled craftspeople, which
will also contribute to an increased
demand for construction trades
skills in the near future.
YouthBuild South is providing
opportunities for young adults
to improve their discipline skills
to a level requisite for effective
citizenship and productive
employment in the construction
industry.
How do we ensure that
a variety of individuals are
prepared to take advantage
of these emerging career
opportunities in construction? In
particular, construction careers
have generated interest among
organizations and institutions
working to help low-income
individuals access jobs. In many
ways, construction careers are
viewed as accessible to lowincome groups, since formal
education credentials beyond
a high school degree are
generally not required to begin a
construction career. South High
students enrolled in the YouthBuild
South program, become employee
prospects by learning construction
skills through participation in
Kiewit, Habitat for Humanity, and
Rebuilding Together trainings.
We found that these
partnerships play a significant
role in developing a skilled and
diverse construction workforce.
As a result, a ready pipeline
of skilled and diverse workers
would be established for the
construction sector to tap into,
and more career and high-wage
opportunities would be created for
low-income adults, minorities and
women.
While introducing students
to the range of skills and abilities
they will need in their future,
career industry safety standards
mean apprentices and new hires
must be drug free. The entire
program requires participants to
be drug free, and some require
participants to pass a drug test
prior to entry and/or at various
points in the training.
Nearing the end of senior
year is pretty bitter sweet. On
one hand, students are excited
to finally be done and able to
move on to the next chapter
of life. But on the other hand,
there is nervousness that soon
everyone will be out on their
own and having to support
by Norman Barnes
themselves. Participants in the
YouthBuild South program have
learned and experienced many life
lessons, such as being you, taking
responsibility, making decisions,
and planning for the future.
YOUTHBUILD 13
TRANSITION = TEAMWORK!
F
by Kris Pachunka
or half a century, thousands
Here are just a few examples
are former Work Experience
of students with special
of how students “learn and
students. Past students at Blair
needs have gained real job
earn” in two of Goodwill’s retail
include Joy, who won Achiever of
experiences and guidance on how locations, Fremont & Blair:
the Year last year, and Paul, who
to take the next step after high
• Goodwill’s Fremont facility
was our former Marketing intern.
school through Goodwill’s Work
has ten Work Experience students Both have worked with Jenny
Experience program.
and Blair has eight students.
Salsbury, the Work Experience
What started out with
trainer in Blair, to
a few students working in
determine their strengths
one Goodwill location in
and future plans.
1965, has grown to serving
• Current students
nearly 100 participants in
include Nate, who is a
seven Goodwill facilities
rock star at Fremont –
throughout the metro this
Andrea Ray, the trainer
year alone!
in Fremont, uses an iPad
Over the years,
and sign language to help
a strong partnership
facilitate communication;
between Goodwill’s Work
and also Danielle, who
Experience (WE) and
has increased her hours at
Retail staff has been a key
Blair store to include 2 full
component to the success
days.
of the students transitioning
• During the 2013Left to right: Matt Love, Teri Points, Danielle Parr, Kitty Matzen, Yana Vonheim
from school to the working and James Peterson (Blair Work Experience).
2014 school year,
world.
Fremont’s Retail store paid
“The stores are
$27,556.96 in wages and
instrumental in giving the
Blair’s Retail store paid
students responsibilities
$10,244.36 in wages to
throughout the store,” says
WE students.
Holly Schwietz, Goodwill’s
• Before opening the
WE Coordinator.
new Goodwill in Blair, the
“Managers are huge
students spent part of their
supporters. They give the
valuable learning time on
students special projects
a bus commuting to the
and rely on them to help in
Fremont location. They
all facets of the store.”
are overjoyed to have the
When you walk
program in their backyard
into any of our retail/
now. Blair has students
training facilities, you see Andrea Nuding, Josie Fischer, Nate Kubicek (Fremont Work Experience) signing from Blair High School,
the word “rad” for Spread the Word to End the Word.
a cohesive team. The
Ft. Calhoun’s PLC, and
students are working alongside
• The students work in the
Council Bluffs’ Heartland School
Goodwill’s Retail staff … and they following areas: retail (salvage,
attending Work Experience.
wouldn’t have it any other way!
straighten, distribute wares);
• Fremont has students
“I don’t know what we’d do
custodial (cleaning in and around from North Bend High School,
without the students,” says Kay
the store); production (donation
Fremont’s Young Adult Program,
Hilgenkamp, Goodwill’s Retail
door, price new goods, sort &
and Fremont’s Pathfinder Program
Operations Director. “They help
hang clothes); and clerical (typing attending Work Experience.
round out our staff and provide
skills, money math skills, data
Working as a team to better
valuable skills that make our stores entry).
the community … that’s Goodwill!
run smoothly.”
• Several Goodwill employees
14 MARKETING LIAISON
TRAINING CORNER: A MORNING WITH BOAZ
O
by Miriam Blair
then some! In the three hours he
left with several pages of hand
n Tuesday, April 21, in
written notes, a Five Questions
collaboration with Nebraska spent with us he shared tips on:
• How to have powerful
Card (questions to get to know
Orthopaedic Hospital we hosted
meetings;
people better) and a CD of
Boaz Rauchwerger. Boaz is a
• How to make people feel
inspirational affirmations to start
nationally renowned speaker
important;
every morning.
who has helped thousands of
• How to relieve pain;
Without a doubt everyone got
professionals, executives and
• How to read an answer; and something from the training, my
employees to enhance and
• The Tiberias Transformation
favorite part was getting to know
supercharge their careers and
formula
my colleagues better by hearing
their lives.
what they wanted to be
Over a 30-year
when they were growing
span, Boaz, author
up. Linda Kizzier wanted
of “The Tiberias
to be a cowgirl, Brent
Transformation – How
Koster wanted to be a
To Change Your Life In
garbage man, Tashana
Less Than 8 Minutes A
Barrios wanted to be
Day”, has conducted
a doctor and Frank
thousands of seminars
McGree wanted to be
internationally on
truck driver, bet you
goal setting and high
didn’t see that coming!
achievement. When
Special thanks to
preparing for the session
Andy, and all of the
Boaz guaranteed the
Goodwill employees
morning would be
Director of Federal Contracts Tobi Mathouser particpates with Boaz Rauchwerger.
who were in attendance and
fun, interactive, insightful – and
Those who were there could
memorable, it was all that and
probably add to this list. Everyone who helped to make this event
TRAINING CORNER 15
YEARS OF SERVICE
MAY 2015
CONGRATULATIONS! Thank you for your years of service, we look forward to many more!
27
Craig Wilson
72nd & F
2
Steven Hembree
Madison
20
Brian Kent
Offutt
2
Philip Higgins
72nd & F
20
Dave Pfeffer
Benson Park Plaza
2
Matthew Hilario
Offutt
19
LeeAnn Graham
Stratcom
2
Bobbie Jones
Offutt
13
Randy Parks
Benson Park Plaza
2
Erin Main
Benson Park Plaza
10
Cecilia Marroquin
Bellevue
2
Mark Mumaugh
Offutt
9
Ronald Marion
72nd & F
2
Kevin Ratliff
72nd & F
7
Janice Head
156th & Maple
2
Tyler Sell
Madison
6
Jeremy Dolezal
Stratcom
2
Edward Spitalnick
Offutt
6
Leonor Gonzalez Garcia
Southwest
2
Sherri Stewart
Ames Plaza
6
Tierra Washington
Ames Plaza
1
Michael Basilil
Bellevue
5
Michael Anderson
Benson Park Plaza
1
Cheryl Berry
78th & Dodge
5
James Coggins II
72nd & F
1
Billie Brooks
Benson Park Plaza
5
Marion Jackson
72nd & F
1
Makayla Davis
Bellevue
5
Adam Whittington
Madison
1
Kyle Fountain
Southwest
4
Dale Cherek
72nd & F
1
Cherish Fox
Southwest
4
Renee Jensen
Postal 2
1
Bob Hladik
Benson Park Plaza
4
Kyrie Lynch
72nd & F
1
Rondolon Manuel
Bellevue
3
Justin Dougherty
Ames Plaza
1
Marjorie Mathiesen
Blair
3
John Hurley
72nd & F
1
Sherry Munk
South Papio
3
Abe Jessop
Grand Island
1
Jakob Parks
180th & Q
3
Garrett Peterson
Fremont
1
Dakota Pierce
72nd & F
3
Tanya Zollicoffer
78th & Dodge
1
Irma Rosas de Ojeda
South Papio
2
Susan Darnold
Bellevue
1
Akpene Sika
156th & Maple
2
Kermit Doolan
South Papio
1
Rebecca Thoman
78th & Dodge
2
Ariel Falcon
180th & Q
1
Lice Vannoy
Southwest
2
Gabrielle Hallberg
Harris Center
1
Ciara Watson
Reserve99
2
Jacqueline Hawkins
78th & Dodge
16 YEARS OF SERVICE
DEVELOPMENT CORNER: OMAHA GIVES!
O
n May 20, Goodwill will
be participating in the
third annual fundraising holiday
Omaha Gives! During
this 24-hour online-giving
event, Goodwill has the
chance to obtain bonus
dollars and prize money for
each donation we receive.
All the funds raised by
Goodwill go to support
our mission of changing
lives and strengthening
communities through
education, training and work.
Last year the community
raised $6.3 million dollars
through Omaha Gives!
and Goodwill raised over
by Elizabeth Donner
$40,000.
We are excited that this
year there are a number of
ways for Goodwill employees
to get involved in the fun. First,
townhall will be held on the 20th
at 11:15am at Benson Park
Plaza. A free lunch for all
employees will directly follow
townhall. On top of pizza
we will have samples of
e-creamery ice cream where
you can vote on your favorite
Goodwill flavor. For the
afternoon, we are partnering
with Phenomblue to host
an event at LIV Lounge in
Aksarben starting at 3pm.
Be sure to participate in
all the fun activities that will
be taking place May 20 for
Omaha Gives!
WHAT’S HAPPENING AT GOODWILL
The 30th Anniversary of the Good Turn for Goodwill Donation Drive is from April 13-26.
During this drive, local girl scouts collect donation for Goodwill. After completing this
projects, the girls receivce a patch.
Another successful Team BLUE social hour happened on April 24 in Blair. The social hours
are open to all employees and are hosted by an executive staff member. The even in Blair
was hosted by COO Randy Parks. Join us next month for some after work fun!
DEVELOPMENT • WHATS HAPPENING 17
Shout out to George Coleman and his floor crew: B&B Classic Dogs in Bellevue is thrilled with
their shiny floor that George and company shined last week. Not only did the crew do a great job,
George taught the customer some new tips on upkeep which made the customer even happier.
Some of the Goodwill truck drivers along with Retail Operations Director Shirly Hall stand proudly in
front of their newest truck. Special thanks to Brent Koster for the help in writing the grant.
Goodwill’s HR team and Job READY Specialist conducted mock interviews for Project Search
students. The current group of nine students includes five former Work Experience participants. A big
thank you to Jenny, Erin, Derek, Bradie and Toni for helping them on their way!
Employment Life Skills Trainer/Ready Specialist Toni Simmons helps a participant during a free
computer class at Benson Park Plaza. Classes are held every Friday at HWS and Goodwill
Headquarters.
Harris Center employees Debra Flores, Sonia Galarza and Barbara Hatch stop for a
group photo at the 2014 Annual Employee Dinner, now named GoodwillFest.
Girl Scout Troop 50155 poses for a photo at the Fremont store as they bring in
donations for the Good Turn for Goodwill donation drive. This is the 30th year that
Goodwill and Girl Scouts have partnered.
18 WHAT' S HAPPENING
Goodwill staff who work at Heartland Workforce Solutions all gathered together and wore bright
neon colors to show their support for World Down Syndrome Day which occured on March 21,
2015.
Employee Chad Kookier glady gives VA Grounds Maintenance Manager Kevin Brown a
big hug as they met at the 2014 Goodwill Annual Dinner.
On April 21, 2015, special guest speaker Boaz Rauchwerger visited Benson Park Plaza
for an inspirational session.
Team BLUE gathered for their monthly social hour at Sinful Burger in March. All
employees are welcome to join. Please look out for the monthly emails!
Goodwill was invited to participate at Head Start’s 50th Anniversary celebration. Sam
Jones (above) & Holly McEllhatton had a booth and spoke to families about Goodwill
services and networked with many.
Rebecca Armstrong, Marketing & Development Coordinator, Myles Grefe, Goodwill
AbilityOne employee, Sen. Ben Sasse, US Senate, Tammy Slater, COO, Goodwill of Greater
Nebraska, Frank McGree, CEO, Goodwill Omaha and Annette Grefe, Myles’s mother
WHAT' S HAPPENING 19
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
1
Donte Packett
180th & Q
13
Wayne Van Eperen
Lincoln
1
Florina Gonzalez
Harris Center
14
Rondolon Manuel
Bellevue
2
Mitchell Parks
South Papio
15
Tobi Mathouser
Benson Park Plaza
2
Angelo Massey
72nd & F
17
Christin Graff
Fremont
2
Jennifer Hale
Ames Plaza
17
Staci Burk Leibert
Papillion
3
Zakia Ayubi
Southwest
19
Rubi Franco
Southwest
3
Tessa Lundgren
Harris Center
19
Rosemary Barry
Southwest
3
Amanda Thomas
Gretna
20
Miriam Blair
Benson Park Plaza
3
Cherish Fox
Southwest
20
Azure Koziomkowski
Gretna
5
Lawrence Smith
West Center
21
Jeffrey Bloes
Benson Park Plaza
6
George Coleman, IV
72nd & F
21
Michael Hardiman
Harris Center
6
Bobbie Jones
Offutt
21
Tressa Hudson
South Papio
7
Michael Hennings
Offutt
22
Shannon McGree
72nd & F
7
Eric Carlson
Zorinsky
22
Robert Catrair
72nd & F
7
Sara Hancock
Fremont
22
Sally Arnold
South Papio
7
Casi Milton
Harris Center
23
Samuel Comfort
Madison
8
Kermit Doolan
South Papio
23
Mae Maclennan
West Center
8
Dakota Pierce
72nd & F
23
Sarah Jenkins
180th & Q
9
Consuelo Orozco
Bellevue
25
Julie Chandler
72nd & F
9
Chestrina Wilson-Gibbs Offutt
26
Laura Gerber
Papillion
10
Garry Kern
Ames Plaza
26
Vincent Jones
Spin Linen
10
Gage Clark
Fremont
27
LeTrinh Tran
72nd & F
11
Christel Hurley
Stratcom
27
Bobbi Walls
Coffee House
11
Sandra Romero
Fremont
28
Gail Barger
Offutt
11
Karen Kiser
Blair
29
Hope Tarrant
156th & Maple
11
Tonya Sweeney
Bellevue
30
Patricia Sullivan
Blair
13
Janet Johnson
Zorinsky
30
Maximilienne Agonzan Benson Park Store
13
Bradie Benjamin
Benson Park Plaza
20 BIRTHDAYS
diversity calendar
DIVERSITY CALENDARMay
April
2010
2011 May Diversity
May 2009 Calendar Dates
Multicultural Calendar Highlights
Asian/Pacific Heritage Month Starting in 1979 as Asian/Pacific American Heritage Week, this was expanded to a month-long celebration after President
George H. W. Bush signed legislation on October 23, 1992 making May of each year Asian/Pacific Heritage Month.
Jewish American Heritage Month On April 20, 2006 George W. Bush first issued a presidential proclamation designing the month of May as Jewish
American Heritage Month.
Older Americans Month Old Americans Month was established by presidential proclamation to honor the contributions of older Americans to society.
May 1 – May Day (Labor Day): International In many countries the first day of May is celebrated as a spring festival, a time to celebrate the rebirth of life
after winter. May Day later became associated with the trade union movement and now many countries celebrate May Day, sometimes called Labor Day, as an
official holiday honoring working people. The United States and Canada, however, celebrate Labor Day in September.
May 3 – Constitution Day: Poland This holiday commemorates the passage in 1791 of Poland’s first constitution, which was the second written constitution
in the world after that of the United States and the first in Europe. It provided for the separation of powers between the executive (the king and his ministers),
the legislative, (the Sejm), and the judicial branches of government. Although the constitution was hailed throughout the West as a triumph for progressive
forces, it was suppressed in 1792 by the invading army of Catherine II of Russia, who saw the movement toward democracy across her western border as a
threat to her own absolute rule.
May 4 – Greenery Day (Midori No Hi): Japan This day is dedicated to the environment and is celebrated as a day to appreciate nature.
May 5 – Liberation Day: Netherlands This day marks the end of the World War II Nazi occupation of the Netherlands in 1945.
Children’s Day (Kodomo No Hi): Japan Formerly known as Tango No Sekku or Boy’s Day, Children’s Day is celebrated by attaching wind socks in the
shape of carp to poles. The cap symbolizes perseverance, power, and strength. A special meal including a rice dumpling wrapped in bamboo leaves is served.
Children’s Day (Tano): South Korea This holiday is celebrated as a day of rest and work. Wrestling matches are held, as are swinging contests in which girls
use swings hung from high tree branches to see who can swing with the widest arc.
Cinco de Mayo (sinkô-dì-myô): México The French attempted to occupy Mexico and make it part of its empire under Napoleon III, probably in an attempt to
offset the growing power of the United States. On the morning of May 5, 1862, under General Ignacio Zaragoza, five thousand ill-equipped Mestizo and
Zapotec Indians defeated the French army which in what came to be known as the Batalla de Puebla, which later was called Cinco de Mayo. The holiday tends
to be celebrated more among Chicanos than in Mexico.
Coronation Day: Thailand On May 5, 1950, His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej was crowned as Rama IX, the ninth king of the Chakri Dynasty. Every
year, the Thai people rejoice and express their affection and loyalty to him by organizing a celebration on his coronation day.
May 6 – Constitution Day (Kempo Kinen Bi) observed: Japan This holiday celebrates the establishment of the current constitution in 1947.
May 7 – National Day of Prayer: United States The U.S Congress has declared that “[t]he President shall issue each year a proclamation designating the first
Thursday in May as a National Day of Prayer on which people of the United States may turn to God in prayer and meditation at churches, in groups, and as
individuals.” Even before this official declaration, there had been days of prayer in 1775 as a “time for prayer in forming in a new nation.” On April 17, 1952 a
National Day of Prayer was officially signed into law by President Truman, and in 1988 President Regan signed a bill into law decreeing that the National Day
of Prayer should be held on the first Thursday in May. (m)
May 8 – Victory Day: France This holiday commemorates the defeat if the German Army in Europe in 1945.
May 11 – Victory Day observed: Russia and the Ukraine This day, observed by most of the countries of the former Soviet Union, commemorates the
victory of the Allies over Nazi Germany ending World War II in Europe in 1945. This day also honors the 20 million Soviet people who died during the war.
May 17 – Brown vs. Board of Education of Topeka (1954): African American On this date the Supreme Court unanimously issued its historic decision
holding that segregation in public education was a denial of the right to equal protection under the law and directing the lower courts to oversee the
desegregation of the nation’s schools “with all deliberate speed.” This decision, which established the principle that segregation is unconstitutional, formed the
legal basis for the civil rights movement of the late 1950’s and 1960’s.
National Day: Norway On this date, Norwegians celebrate the 1814 signing of the Norwegian Constitution, signifying Norway’s breaking away from its 434year union with Denmark. The focus of the celebration is on the children and family. Virtually every community has a parade that features students and
teachers marching, often in national costumes, singing patriotic songs, and carrying the Norwegian flag. Many midwestern communities in the United States
with large numbers of people of Scandinavian ancestry, such as in Wisconsin and Minnesota, have their own celebrations of Syttende Mai.
May 18 – Victoria Day observed: Canada This holiday in Canada commemorates the birth of Queen Victoria, who lived from 1819 to 1901 and ruled Britain
from 1837 to 1901, during which the time England became the world’s leading industrial power and the center of the British Empire. (m)
May 19 – Atatürk and youth Day: Turkey Kemal Atatürk was the first president of the Turkish Republic, which he founded in 1923. (See entry for Republic
Day on October 29)
May 20 – Independence Day” Cuba This day commemorates the proclamation of the Cuban Republic in 1902, whereby Cuba declared its independence from
the United States, which had occupied the country since the Spanish-American War of 1898. In 1902 the Cuban people elected Tomás Estrada Palma as the
first president of the Republic of Cuba.
May 21 – Battle of Iquique: Chile This marks one of the major naval battles on 1879 in the war between Chile and Peru.
May 23 – National Day (Amendment of the Constitution): Morocco This commemorates the May 23, 1980 referendum on the amendment of the
Constitution.
May 24 – Battle of Pichincha: Ecuador This was a key victory in 1822, when Royalist forces loyal to Spain were defeated by an army under General Antonio
José de Sucre, liberating Quito and securing the future independence of Ecuador.
May 25 – Africa Day: Zambia and Zimbabwe In these and some other African states, this is a holiday commemorating independence from colonial rule.
Anniversary of the May Revolution: Argentina This commemorates the beginning of the war of independence from Spain in 1810 led by José de San
Martín.
Independence Day: Jordan This marks the day in 1946 that Jordan under the Hashemite Monarchy gained independence from Britain.
Memorial Day observed: United States Originally a day of remembrance for those who died for the Union in the Civil War, this national holiday, observed
on the last Monday in May, now honors those who gave their lives in all wars. (A number of Southern states also have designated days for honoring the
Confederate dead.) Many American families observe Memorial Day as a time for paying respect for deceased family members. (m)
Dragon Boat Festival (Tuan-wu): China This public holiday honors Ch′ü Yuan, China’s first major poet, who drowned himself in 278 B.C.E. to protest the
injustice and corruption of his prince’s government. In the traditional dragon boat races, teams from different towns compete in long boats with bows shaped
like dragon heads. The customary holiday food is a dumpling made of rice with a sweet filling wrapped in a bamboo leaf. (m)
Restoration of Statehood Day: Armenian On this day, Armenians celebrate the establishment in 1918 of the first republic following the genocide of
Armenians under the Ottoman Empire and the collapse of the Russian Empire under the Czars.
10 Hanging
10
Hanging employment barriers out to dry. 10
employment barriers out to dry.
DIVERSITY CALENDAR 21
3
SUNDAY
10
17
24
31
4
11
18
25
MONDAY
Memorial Day
Goodwill Closed
5
TUESDAY
12
19
12:00 Board
Meeting
26
MAY 2015
WEDNESDAY
6
8:30 Leadership
Group Meeting
13
7:30 Fraser Stryker
Event
9:30 Executive Staff
Meeting
20
Omaha Gives!
*Mid-level Managers
/Townhall/ Employee
Luncheon
*see story for details
27
8:30 Executive Staff
Meeting
7
THURSDAY
14
12:00 Toastmasters
21
9:00 Retail Monthly
Manager’s Meeting
3:00 Customer
Connect Graduation
28
12:00 Toastmasters
1
FRIDAY
First Friday
Breakfast
SATURDAY
2
South
Papillion
Anniversary!
16
9
15
23
8
22
30
8:00 Internal
Affairs
Committee
29
4:00 Team BLUE
Social Hour
22