Blogs

Every year the Oscars generate plenty of buzz and news coverage. From predicting winners to red carpet fashion there’s a story to tell.  One feature that caught my attention was on the jobs that celebrities had before they made it big.  Do you know which Best Actor Nominee (Steve Carell, Michael Keaton, Bradley Cooper, Eddie Redmayne or Benedict Cumberbatch) worked as a New York City doorman?  Or which one started out as a cab and ice cream truck driver? 

Goodwill Manufacturing has been fortunate to forge many new customer relationships in the past year that have helped set the stage for a successful 2015. Recently we received an order from one of our newer customers that was five times larger than their average order in 2014. While the increase was expected, it was exciting to see it come through. They have been an amazing partner from the start.

It’s hard to believe next week is already Christmas. There’s no better place to get into the spirit than at the Goodwill James O Wright (JOW) Christmas party. This year, it was transformed into a magical winter wonderland... there’s even snow falling through the hallways that are filled with Christmas trees, snowmen and decorations aplenty.

Thanksgiving means family, friends, feasting and football.  It also inspires a spirit of generosity that makes the world a better place. Goodwill is fortunate to have a long list of amazing supporters to be grateful for everyday. 

Recently the Goodwill Supported Employment Team reached a significant milestone. They have helped more than 100 individuals with special needs find a meaningful job, in the community, that matched their skills and interests.

School is back in session and students have returned to the classroom. They are learning critical lessons to become independent thinkers and problem solvers. They are acquiring the skills needed to contribute to society. I am grateful for the wonderful teachers and mentors I’ve been lucky enough to have…both in and out of the classroom. Recently I saw a t-shirt that read “I teach. What’s your superpower?” Teachers truly are super heroes as they help make the world a better place for all of us.

Although formal classroom days are behind me, I continue to be surrounded by great ‘teachers' and 'mentors’ at Goodwill.

Goodwill has a rich heritage and one of the best ways to learn all about it is to take a stroll through the James O. Wright Center for Work and Training. You can’t help but come away with a strong sense of the Goodwill mission, history and culture.  Named after James O. Wright, who served 51 years on Goodwill’s Board of Directors, it was designed to meet the special needs of the population we serve.  The entire building is on one level and completely accessible.

The moment you step inside, you will see our core value “Believe in the Power of Work” prominently displayed on the main wall.