PITTSBURGH – April 11, 2024 – Goodwill of Southwestern Pennsylvania (Goodwill SWPA) has announced that applications are open for its Give Back Program. The Give Back Program is a transformative partnership that provides retail vouchers to help meet the needs of individuals and families across Southwestern Pennsylvania and parts of West Virginia. Applications must be submitted by May 15.

Since the program’s launch in July 2021, Goodwill of Southwestern Pennsylvania and regional nonprofits in SWPA and West Virginia have worked together to eliminate barriers to opportunities and strengthen their communities. To date, the program has allocated $785,000 to 114 organizations, resulting in a direct benefit to 25,706 individuals. The Give Back program’s goal is to facilitate participants’ journey toward self-reliance and empowerment.

“The Give Back Program fosters community support through Goodwill vouchers, enabling recipients to embrace new beginnings,” said Monique McIntosh, President and Chief Executive Officer of Goodwill of Southwestern Pennsylvania.  “The vouchers can be used for things like outfitting a child for school, dressing for success in job interviews, or creating a new living space after homelessness.  “By offering these vouchers, we bolster our nonprofit partners, enabling them to address the urgent needs of the people they serve. Together, we’re dismantling barriers and fostering a more resilient, interconnected community.”

“In Fayette County, the program has been successful in supporting nonprofits like the Fayette County Community Action Agency.  In this case, a single mother of three was having a difficult time getting much-needed household items after a recent move.  The program helped her get the items the family needed without straining the family’s limited budget,” said Amy Donaldson, FCCAA Community Based Care Manager. “FCCAA is thrilled to be partnered with Goodwill for the Give Back Program. Having the ability to offer these gift cards to our clients in need is a much-needed resource. We are so thankful for this program.”

FOR NONPROFITS: HOW TO GET INVOLVED

Nonprofit organizations interested in partnering with Goodwill through the Give Back Program are encouraged to apply by visiting this link and submitting their application by 5pm on Wednesday, May 15. The selected organizations will then be given Give Back Cards, pre-loaded with $25, to be distributed to individuals and families they serve. Upon selection, organizations receive two installments of Give Back Cards, each pre-loaded with $25, to be redeemed at any Goodwill thrift store within the service territory. Partners are then equipped to distribute Give Back Cards to their participants in amounts up to $100 per household, thereby enabling individuals and families to access essential items without additional financial strain.

Existing partners must submit a new application for the current program year to continue participation and further support their communities. For more information on the Give Back Program and to apply, visit www.goodwillswpa.org/give-back.

ABOUT GOODWILL OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA 

Goodwill of Southwestern Pennsylvania is a nonprofit organization that operates a network of donation centers and thrift stores to fund vocational rehabilitation and job placement services for people with disabilities and other barriers to employment. Goodwill of Southwestern Pennsylvania offers life and work skills to help individuals develop the abilities they need to obtain and maintain jobs in the community.

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PITTSBURGH, PA: October 11th, 2023 – Goodwill of Southwestern Pennsylvania today announced open enrollment for two innovative programs aimed at transforming the prospects of young adults aged 17-24 within the YouthWorks program. These initiatives, the IMPACT Retail Training Program and the IMPACT Job Search Program, are designed to address the critical need for job readiness, skills development, and employment opportunities for this dynamic age group.

The IMPACT Retail Training Program offers a 12-week journey to equip young adults with the skills and experience vital for thriving in the retail sector. Participants gain hands-on retail experience and access to comprehensive soft skills training. Notably, successful program completion guarantees job placement at a local Goodwill store. “Being a part of the IMPACT Retail Training Program was a game-changer for me,” added Skyler Clemens, a 2021 Program Graduate and current employee at the Lawrenceville Goodwill Retail Store. “The real-world experience, practical skills, and the assurance of a job placement have been instrumental in shaping my career. I owe much of my success today to this program; it’s been a true stepping stone.”

The Retail Training Program’s curriculum begins with JumpStart Success, a two-week intensive focusing on communication, resume building, customer service, and career goal setting. The subsequent ten weeks immerse participants in the daily operations of a Goodwill store, with rotations across various roles. This program not only opens doors to immediate employment but also offers a career path, with opportunities for advancement into entry-level management positions, complete with benefits. Extensive support, including transportation assistance, employment services, financial literacy guidance, and year-long follow-up, ensures participants’ success.

The IMPACT Job Search Program empowers young adults to navigate the job market with confidence. This program provides personalized support to craft compelling resumes, master interview skills, and establish direct connections with local employers. With a focus on job readiness, participants receive guidance for successful job searches and maintain employment. The program offers transportation assistance, employment services, financial literacy guidance, and dedicated case workers. High school diploma or GED not required for eligibility.

“Through our IMPACT programs, we’re not just changing the lives of young adults; we’re reshaping the future workforce,” said Tiffanee Heywood, Director of YouthWorks at Goodwill of Southwestern Pennsylvania. “These initiatives offer the skills, experience, and opportunities needed for sustainable careers and self-reliance, unlocking a brighter tomorrow for our youth.”

These initiatives represent a significant investment in the future of our youth. Goodwill of Southwestern Pennsylvania remains steadfast in its commitment to equitable workforce development and prepares young adults for thriving careers and self-sufficiency.

Those interested in enrolling or learning more can visit IMPACT’s webpage at https://www.goodwillswpa.org/life-changing-services/employment-services/youth-workforce-development/impact/ or call 412-632-1742.

The IMPACT Programs are a follow up to the YouthWorks Initiative launched in 1994 by the Goodwill of Southwestern Pennsylvania. YouthWorks empowers Pittsburgh-area youth, particularly from disadvantaged communities, to unlock their full potential through career-building experiences and opportunities, fostering social and economic upward mobility for over 23,000 young individuals in southwestern Pennsylvania. Since its creation 8 years ago, both IMPACT programs have had significant growth and highlight the need for more career readiness programs catered to young adults.

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The new mission statement was created as part of the organization’s most recent strategic planning process and included input from the community and Goodwill Team and Board members.

The mission statement is supported by the eight key values which are the foundation of Goodwill SWPA – Belonging, Community, Excellence, Honesty, Caring, Responsibility, Connection, and Potential.

“Our new mission statement clearly defines our purpose to create positive social and environmental impact and will allow us to focus the efforts and resources of the organization,” said Monique McIntosh, President & CEO.  “It will inform our work as a leader in equitable workforce development and further align Goodwill SWPA’s mission impact work, including services and programs, as well as advocacy and public policy.”

Along with the new mission statement, the organization also rolled out a strategic rebrand of the organization. The focus of the strategic rebrand is to create a more unified message that creates greater awareness of Goodwill SWPA’s human services mission supported by the organization’s thrift stores.

Highlights of the rebrand include a new headline for the organization: “Where there’s a Goodwill, there’s a Way!,” and a new tagline, “Job Training, Life Changing.”

The rebranding messages will be reflected in the organization’s new website, visuals and collaterals throughout the organization, and at Goodwill SWPA’s 34 thrift stores.

To learn more about Goodwill SWPA, visit www.goodwillswpa.org.

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HIRE Category Winners

LaRosa Youth Club – LaRosa Youth Club (LYC) invests their time, treasure, and talent to provide first class enrichment opportunities to the youth of McKeesport, setting them on a successful path to adulthood. As an employer, LYC makes a conscience effort to recruit staff from the surrounding McKeesport community that is well diversified and is representative of their youth club membership. Responding to the McKeesport citizens who have fallen on hard times and are struggling financially, LYC has hired several single parents, providing training and career development while accommodating their work/life balance. The organization has created an environment that is productive and nurturing by enabling staff to bring their children to work and participate in the after-school program while they are working.

Sigal Development Services LLC – Sigal Development Services provides a range of consulting services focused on commercial development with a goal of providing a level of service and quality work product that results in efficient and attentive processes for every project they manage. Owner Jason Sigal of Sigal Development Services has worked with Goodwill staff to create a new paid work experience for an EARN program participant as they successfully transitioned into competitive employment. As the participant worked to secure housing and transportation, Sigal Development Services created a reliable and fluid schedule that consistently met the participant’s needs. When transportation was a major barrier, Sigal Development Services addressed the need by allowing the independence to work from home with employer-supplied technology and paying for Uber transportation to the office as needed. By supporting the participant and steadily increasing their scheduled hours to allow for her increasing responsibilities, Sigal Development Services has committed to providing a work environment that embraces participants with barriers and working with them as they navigate the challenges.

HELP Category Winner

Children and Adults Developmental Agency Programs, Inc. (CADAprograms) — The mission of CADAprograms is to provide meaningful educational, environmental, family sustainability, and food security opportunities to children, adults and families in a safe environment while revitalizing the community. The nonprofit works with the Office for Vocational Rehabilitation to recruit potential staff members and offer a supportive environment for all those with disabilities. All potential staff members with disabilities are given a support person, ongoing training to enhance comprehension, and competitive pay. They provide training and instruction that is repetitive to retain information and skills as needed and competitive pay is offered as well. Upon completing the 90-day program, eligible individuals are brought on as official staff members. CADAprograms is a safe haven for people of all abilities, identities and cultural backgrounds.

The winners of the 2023 Power of Work Awards will be honored at luncheon ceremony on April 21, 2023 at 12:00 pm. at the Sheraton Station Square hotel. Participating in the event, along with Goodwill clients and representatives of the winning organizations, will be honorary chairperson of the 2023 Power of Work Awards Kelly McCormick, Vice President, Global Talent Curation & Community Partnerships, Giant Eagle, Inc, and, and master of ceremonies Bill Flanagan, Special Advisor for the Allegheny Conference on Community Development and host of “Our Region’s Business.”

This year’s Power of Work Awards ceremony marks the 26^th anniversary of the recognition program. Goodwill created the Power of Work Awards program in 1997 to acknowledge employers and organizations that make a major, positive impact on the lives of people with barriers to employment by providing employment opportunities and support programs. Over 60 different employers and organizations have won the award throughout its history.

Those interested sponsoring or attending the event can visit www.goodwillswpa.org/powerofwork. Sponsors are also welcome through March 31. For questions about the Power of Work Awards contact Elaine Malcolm at 412-632-1931 or powerofwork@goodwillswpa.org.

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2019 marks Goodwill of Southwestern Pennsylvania’s 100th year of providing services to those in need in the Pittsburgh area. To celebrate this special birthday, the organization will conduct various activities and events to commemorate their 100^th Birthday.

“Goodwill has done so much to help our region throughout its 100 year history,” said Michael J. Smith, President/CEO of Goodwill SWPA.  “We are planning a big year to celebrate!”

• The agency will kick off the celebration at Goodwill SWPA’s annual Power of Work Awards on March 22 at 11:30 am at the Sheraton Station Square, with the public debut of a special new video featuring thoughts from local celebrities and VIP’s regarding the agency’s long-time impact in southwestern Pennsylvania. The video can also be found at youtube.com/goodwillswpa.  The Power of Work Awards recognize the outstanding workforce development efforts of local businesses, thus resulting in a better quality of life for individuals with personal challenges and their families.
• On June 23 through June 26 at the Wyndham Grand Pittsburgh Downtown, Goodwill SWPA will host Goodwill Industries International’s Delegate Assembly.  At this event, executives and high-ranking officers representing 162 Goodwill organizations throughout North America will convene for their annual meeting.  Sponsorship opportunities are available now at: https://one.bidpal.net/delegateassembly2019/welcome.
• Goodwill SWPA will hold its official “Birthday Party” on Sunday, September 15 at the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium.  This is a family-friendly event, complete with cake and ice cream, is open to families, community partners, neighbors and friends. The event will also feature a picnic lunch, live entertainment, Goodwill trivia, and much more! Help us celebrate our 100th birthday by coming out and snapping some fun pics in our Gif Booth provided by DigiBooths, they’re the go-to source when it comes to Photo Booth Rental in Pittsburgh PA!   Information about the event can be found at: https://one.bidpal.net/100thbirthdayparty/welcome

The official by-laws of Goodwill of Southwestern Pennsylvania (then Goodwill Industries of Pittsburgh) were adopted on August 6, 1919, with the headquarters located at 25^th and Smallman Street in Pittsburgh’s Strip District.  The organization was founded to help those in society considered to be unemployable, including thousands of soldiers returning from World War I. In the years to come, the organization expanded its role by focusing on helping people with disabilities through job training.  In 1967, the agency moved its headquarters to Carson Street in Pittsburgh’s South Side, and in 2010, they moved to their current location in Lawrenceville.

“In addition to celebrating our 100th year, we are also focusing our attention on the next 100 years as an important part of the workforce development in our communities.  On a more personal note, I couldn’t be more proud to have spent the last 30 years of my career at Goodwill of Southwestern Pennsylvania,” Smith said.

A complete “timeline history” of Goodwill SWPA can be found at www.goodwillswpa.org/history.

MEDIA CONTACT: David J. Tobiczyk, Vice President, Marketing & Development
412-632-1942 or david.tobiczyk@goodwillswpa.org

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