goodwill me
TRANSCRIPT
GOODWILL&ME 1
GOODWILL MEA quarterly publication of Goodwill Industries® of San Diego County
Feature: Annual Award Winners
GoodMove100 Challenge
Top WorksiteAward
EnvironmentalImpact
2 GOODWILL&ME
Volume 1 • Winter 2014
Goodwill & Me is a quarterly magazine published by Goodwill Industries of San Diego County (GISD),
providing readers with stories of events, activities and, most importantly, the people who make up our mission.
GOODMOVE 100 18
ANNUAL AWARD WINNERS
RETAIL SPOTLIGHTS
EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTH 14
TOP WORKSITE AWARD 03
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT 10
CEO OF THE YEAR 15
FOCUS
FEATURES
GOODWILL&ME 3
TOP WORKPLACE 2014
It has a great impact in my community, and has helped me develop as a leader, grow as a man, advance in my career, and do something positive
every day. - GISD Employee
Employee career development and incentivized training, leadership modules, Safety Days, GoodWillpower Wellness programs, Voices, and various recognition programs are part of what makes GISD a great place to work, but it’s our commitment to our mission integration; our values, diversity, and teamwork that create a culture where employees truly care about each other and look forward to coming to work.
The Top Workplaces program recognizes companies nationwide that foster a positive work environment for their employees.
The U-T Top Workplace Award, sponsored by the San Diego Union Tribune, nominates San Diego-based companies that fit the bill. GISD was one of the organizations that received this honor in San Diego.
How did we do it? Well, we did it together of course! GISD employees participated in an anonymous survey. Employees answered questions on a scale ranging from “strongly agree” to “strongly disagree,” on statements like, “I feel genuinely appreciated at this company” and “My manager helps me learn and grow.”
As icing on the cake, GISD’s Leadership team also received the “Clued-in Senior Management” recognition. Urban Dictionary® defines Clued-in as “Knowing, in the loop; in possession of the right information.” This honor is no surprise to the 1400 plus employees who get to visit with Mr. Rowan at Breakfast with our CEO, and Key Leaders who meet regularly to collaborate on various organizational functions and efficiencies, always keeping employee welfare as the focus.
Congratulations GISD! A San Diego Top Workplace for 2014!
4 GOODWILL&ME
DONNA BRADYEmPLOYEE OF ThE YEAR
The Employee of the Year Award is given to an individual who best exemplifies Goodwill’s Big 12 Core Characteristics. The winner is
chosen by his or her peers. This year, Donna Brady of the Centre City Parkway store was awarded this honor.
Customers at the Center City Parkway store in Escondido can usually find Donna Brady close to the register singing along with the background music. Normally shy and reserved, Donna has discovered how much she loves working with people, “I become a different person on the sales floor. I enjoy talking to people and helping them find what they are looking for.”
It all started one day almost nine years ago. Donna Brady was getting off the bus in Vista and saw a Goodwill Employment Center. She was out of work, and decided to take a chance. Her shy, sweet
personality was endearing, and Donna soon found herself in GISD’s On the Job Training program. Once she completed training, Donna was offered a permanent position.
“I’ve never really met someone like Donna before. She is patient, helpful, and has an amazing ability to remain calm in tough situations,” said Richelle Norman, Director of Retail, “Donna actually trained me as a cashier when I first came to GISD as an Assistant Manager.”
Donna has been nominated in every category of the Big 12 Core Characteristics, an employee generated recognition program at
GISD. Donna was named Employee of the Month in June, 2014 for being Proactive. She was chosen by her peers.
Customers and employees alike just seem to know that Donna won’t judge. She has an uncanny ability to put herself in someone else’s shoes to understand their thoughts and concerns, “I think it’s her great ability to really listen to people that makes her so special,” said Richelle, “she gets compliments everyday.” Congratulations Donna, Employee of the Year!
GOODWILL&ME 5
6 GOODWILL&ME
GOODWILL&ME 7
RETAIL SPOTLIGhTEL CAjON STORE OPENING
When opening any new location, our main goal is to provide jobs and support our mission. The new El Cajon
store has provided the community with 36 new jobs, six of which are a new team of Supported Employees. Additionally, we have opened our first drive-through attended donation center, a fast and efficient way for
donors to drop off items.
8 GOODWILL&ME
DIBELLA BAKING COmPANY, INC.
SUThERLAND AWARD WINNER
The Sutherland Community Service Award, named in honor of former Board Chair Alan Sutherland, honors an extraordinary local business that
has demonstrated a commitment to Goodwill’s mission and programs.
A not so timid Aron Pritchard approached Joyce Ragone, Executive Vice President of DiBella Baking Company, Inc., at a job fair in North County, and asked if she would consider putting GISD’s Supported Employment participants to work in her business. Her first thought was that she was trying to get a business up and running, and didn’t have time to be a social services agency, “I believed there
would be such limited capabilities.”In his typical manor, Aron didn’t
give up. Rather, he explained how our programs work, and how we employ job coaches to work along side our participants until they are ready for independent work.
Joyce finally gave in.On a recent tour of the DiBella
Baking Company, Inc., as we stood at the packaging area, where many Supported Employment groups
were working, Joyce mused about her earlier reluctance, “These groups work faster than my sister and I can work. We have filled in before; I’ll tell you I could not keep up with them and my legs were just aching. These folks here work faster than our non-disabled employees.” To date, DiBella has hired an unprecedented 48 Supported Employment Participants and eight job coaches. “Their support of our
GOODWILL&ME 9
programs is overwhelming, to say the least,” states Aron, “DiBella has also helped us place people from our Young Adults and Veteran’s programs as well as from our Community Employment Centers.”
DiBella Baking Company, Inc. opened it’s doors in Oceanside on May 19, 2014, but baking, and the family recipe, has been around for generations, “I grew up with this, the recipe has been improved on with each generation, but we all remember being in Grandma’s kitchen baking cookies.” Joyce’s sister Diana Branche, owned a small bakery in Fallbrook. One day, Joyce’s son suggested they market the biscotti they so lovingly made each morning. He put together a business model and the rest is history!
GISD’s Supported Employment Participants package approximately 2500 cookies a day. Joyce’s favorite part of the day is the end of a shift, “They all start cheering and clapping. These participants are just so happy!”
Thank you Joyce, and Diana, and everyone at DiBella Baking Company, Inc. for being such a great supporter of our mission: Getting People Jobs!
•
10 GOODWILL&ME
13,700Cubic yards
of landfill space saved.
31,444
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT 2014
In 2014, Goodwill recycled
of product, diverting the items from landfills.Your donations helped
us achieve the following:
trees saved.
9.53 mil.kWh of electricity saved through the recycling of donated goods.
Enough electricity to power the average household for
894years!
Top 5 Recycled Materials
(in pounds)
Source: “Environmental Impact Calculator.” Knoxville Recycling Coalition RSS. N.p., n.d. Web.
13,935,119 lbs
GOODWILL&ME 11
RECYCLERED
UC
E
REUSE
GOODWILL’SDIvERSION EFFORTS
In August 2014, Goodwill started a diversion program for materials including unopened toiletries (soap, shampoo, lotion, toothpaste, mouthwash, etc.) and art supplies (paint, paintbrushes, glue, markers, etc.). We currently work with the San Diego Rescue Mission and Rare Hare Art Studio to help divert these useful materials that would otherwise be sent to our Hazmat recyclers. The toiletries go to the Rescue Mission to help those in need, while the art supplies are used by Rare Hare to provide art lessons for children while teaching them about the usefulness of recycled goods.
Through this diversion program, Goodwill has diverted a total of 4,208 pounds of materials to be enjoyed by families in need.
12 GOODWILL&ME
Michael Schubert has been with Goodwill Industries of San Diego County since 2006. At that time, GISD had less than 400 employees. Michael’s passion for helping people was evident from the start, and he quickly became the cornerstone of the Workforce Development Department. Since Michael arrived on the Goodwill scene, several programs have come to fruition through his tireless efforts including Ticket to Work, Young Adults, and
Operation GoodJobs 2.0; GISD’s Veteran’s program.
“I was working in retail and property management,” said Michael, “I never found self-satisfaction or any real meaning to my work. Now I go to bed each night thinking, ‘I did a little good for the world today.’”
Michael certainly has done good. “Changing people’s lives for the better is second nature to this man,” states Andy Trani, Director
of Workforce Development and Business Services, “Literally tens of thousands of San Diegans with disabilities and other barriers to employment have found work because of Michael Schubert.”
Michael credits the synergy and spirit of creative cooperation he feels at GISD for his successes over the past nine years. It is clear, watching him work, that Michael sees each individual who comes through the doors at our employment centers
mIChAEL SChUBERTNELSON AWARD WINNER
Named in honor of Richard Nelson, who served as the Board Chair from 1948-1960, the Nelson award recognizes an employee who exemplifies the
mission of Goodwill through his or her tireless devotion to our mission.
GOODWILL&ME 13
as someone with abilities and potential. “Employment changes lives. I believe it is a basic, spiritual need.”
Energy and passion for our mission is an important characteristic shared by Goodwill employees . Michael takes this passion and puts it together with a deep and compelling knowledge of each employment assistance program at GISD, and the surrounding issues and legislation involved. Michael was instrumental in obtaining the grant necessary to expand GISD’s services to veterans and their families through Operation GoodJobs 2.0.
When asked what he enjoys most about his job, Michael quickly replied, “When I get to talk to the people whose lives we’re changing. When I get to hear their stories, and celebrate their victories. I look around at my staff and see a group of people who would rather give than take, and I realize we’re doing this together. The whole community wins!”
Michael lives and breathes GISD’s mission every day, and inspires others to do the same. Congratulations Michael Schubert; GISD’s Nelson Award Winner for 2014!
Michael’s enthusiasm for making a difference encourages those around him to be kind, giving and sincere in the work they do. He lives and breathes GISD’s mission every. Congratulations Michael!
•
14 GOODWILL&ME
GRAND EXAmPLESOF ThE GOODWILL WAY
JUDY RAMIREZOctober: Communication
HENRY JACKSONNovember: Job Knowledge
CORBAN RIGGINSDecember: Adaptability
Judy is quick to let her supervisors know what they can do to support her and how she can help the store. She double checks the schedules and monitors breaks. She is always clear and concise in her conversations – she tells it like it is. In addition to having great verbal communication, her non-verbal language speaks in unison to her words and actions. Overall, Judy makes the team stronger through her excellent communication skills.
From day one, Henry has worked hard and has strived to be excellent in his current position. He often asks questions to better understand his tasks and gain the knowledge needed to improve upon what he already knows. Because of his keen observations and attention to detail, Henry is able to provide feedback and ideas to improve the procedures used to complete every day tasks. Whenever help is needed, Henry is the first to volunteer with a smile.
An eager learner, Corban is always absorbing as much knowledge as he can from his coworkers, and using what he learns to improve his job performance. In addition to his inquisitive nature, Corban is also very helpful as his professional and flexible personality are an immense help. Co-workers often rely on him for information about how to perform tasks and he is always enthusiastic about sharing he what he knows. His adaptability is truly appreciated.
Employee of the Month Recognition
GOODWILL&ME 15
What started as a GISD Big 12 nomination from a Supported Employment Participant, became a humbling recognition as Most Admired CEO for Large Nonprofits for Mike Rowan.
As he celebrates his 30th anniversary at the helm of Goodwill Industries of San Diego County, Mike Rowan has many great accomplishments to ponder. None, however, can rival the experience of knowing all the hard work and
dedication to GISD’s mission of Getting People Jobs has been noticed by employees and Board members alike.
“As I was standing on that stage, I thought, ‘They have the name wrong; it should be Most Admiring CEO,’” mused Mike as he stood before his proud staff the next morning, greeted by cheers and noisemakers which filled the room.
In 1984, when Mike accepted the position of CEO, there were
mOST ADmIRED CEO150 employees. Today, there are well over 1400 employees, 50 retail and donation sites, and mission services has increased by 150% in just the last seven years.
Mike credits his employees for these successes, but we all know it takes a great leader to develop a culture where people really want to come to work, achieve goals, and fulfill our mission. Congratulations Mike Rowan, Most Admired CEO for Large Nonprofits.
16 GOODWILL&ME
GOODWILL&ME 17
REBECCA ELLIOTTWILSON AWARD WINNER
Named in honor of McLean Wilson, the Wilson Award recognizes a staff person who was formerly enrolled in a Goodwill program, and is
now currently employed by Goodwill.
Quiet and unassuming, Rebecca Elliott goes about her favorite tasks at the Goodwill retail store in Escondido, hanging and sorting clothes and placing shoes perfectly by color so shoppers can easily find what they need.
Rebecca has been with Goodwill Industries of San Diego County for ten years. She began her career in the retail store on Grand Avenue in Escondido, lovingly referred to as “the little Escondido store.” When a larger site on Center City Parkway (CCP) was found, Rebecca was excited to make the move to a bigger place, “It’s much bigger here. There is more space to hang
clothes.”According to Rebecca’s job
coach, Rebecca’s sister tried to get her to retire several years ago, but she would do no such thing, “I like being at work. If I didn’t work, I would be bored,” states Rebecca. Not only does she enjoy her work, Rebecca’s attendance is exemplary.
“Rebecca is an outstanding example of what our mission is and is a great contributor to our success here at the Center City Parkway store” states Manager, Chris Owens.
Making the CCP store beautiful and ready for shoppers is not Rebecca’s only talent. If you need
to know anything about baseball, Rebecca’s your girl. “Everything I know about baseball, I learned from Rebecca!” said Director of Retail, Richelle Normand.
“She is smart, funny, and generous of spirit,” adds Richelle. When asked what she loves most about working at Goodwill, Rebecca smiles, “I love the people!” It is clear Rebecca is loved by all her colleagues at Center City Parkway, as cheers and tears were expressed at her being named Goodwill Industries of San Diego County’s Wilson Award winner for 2014. Congratulations Rebecca!
18 GOODWILL&ME
hEALTh & WELLNESS
GOODWILLPOWER
GOODWILL INDUSTRIES® OF SAN DIEGO COUNTY
Wellness Program
GOODWILL&ME 19
GOODmOvE100
198 2 23,628Employees Participated
Bikes Raffled to Participants
Total MilesWalked
GoodWillpower’s GOODMOVE100 program challenges employees throughout the organization to walk 100 miles in 100 days. The GOODMOVE 100 serves as an opportunity for employees to get motivated and take steps towards living a healthier lifestyle. Deborah Mena, a security officer at the Rosecrans location, was one such employee who signed up for the challenge. Deborah recently went through two knee replacements and two intense recoveries. As a result, she had to overcome a major challenge – learning to walk again. Returning to work just six weeks after her surgery, Deborah stayed focused on improving her mobility as she not only participated in the challenge, but she logged a total of 764 miles; an average of 7.6 miles per day. Deborah knew that walking would strengthen her knees and help her perform to the best of her abilities. She has since completely recovered from both knee surgeries, and has returned to doing the active recreational hobbies she loves.
I am more vigilant, I feel better, and do more in my job as I am able to get to areas more quickly. The GOODMOVE 100 challenge has helped
me a lot with my recovery process. Walking during work has increased my mobility, strength and posture. - Deborah Mena
20 GOODWILL&ME
UC SAN DIEGO’S CENTER FOR COmmUNITY hEALTh
GOOD NEIGhBOR AWARD
The Good Neighbor Award honors an extraordinary business or service that has demonstrated a commitment to our organization.
UC San Diego’s Center for Community Health is committed to promoting best health practices in San Diego County. Funded by several organizations, including the U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention and the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the Center for Community Health takes a multi-disciplinary approach to wellness. The Worksite Wellness Program is one approach, and Goodwill Industries of San Diego County is grateful for the tireless work of Senior Manager, Kelly Thompson, who has dedicated her time to help GISD launch and maintain a successful wellness program for our employees and their families.
Since our Good WillPower launch in 2013, GISD has sponsored free blood pressure screenings at several sites for employees, free wellness workshops, four wellness fairs, and two successful GoodMOVE 100 Challenges which encourage employees to walk 100 miles in 100 days.
“Kelly and the Center for Community Health provided the structure we needed to get our wellness program launched. Kelly continues to help with planning and connects us with community organizations and free resources to help our employees and their families lead a healthy lifestyle,” said Fabian Cervantes, GISD’s Benefits Specialist and Good
WillPower Coordinator.Kelly states she is most proud
of the Healthy Vending Policy, “We now have a minimum of 40% food and beverage choices that meet specific nutrition guidelines. This is a huge improvement over the choices provided in a typical vending machine.” These healthier choices are promoted at wellness workshops and in printed materials, and have received positive feedback throughout the organization.
GISD’s partnership with UCSD’s Center for Community Health has led to GISD being recognized with the American Heart Associations Fit Friendly Worksite Gold Award in 2013, and the Platinum Award in 2014. Congratulations UCSD!
GOODWILL&ME 21
22 GOODWILL&ME
GOODWILL&ME 23
AILEEN LIUINSKO AWARD WINNER
Named in honor of Dr. Myron Insko, CEO from 1930-1959, the Insko Award honors an outstanding graduate of Goodwill’s supported
employment program who has obtained outside employment.
You might find Aileen Liu carefully bagging groceries for the grateful customers at Sprouts on North Second Street in El Cajon, wrangling carts in the parking lot and returning them to their rightful place inside of the store, or helping a customer carry their recent purchases to their car. Whatever task she takes on, you can be assured it is being done right.
Aileen joined Goodwill’s Supported Employment program in May of 2013. She joined the new Supported Employment group at the Santee Storefront. Being a new site, the participants and coaches learn together along the way. “We immediately identified Aileen as
a hard worker,” said Deb Furlong, Workforce Development Programs Manager.
Nine months ago, with support from her coach and case manager, Aileen made the decision to take the next step. She entered into job development, learned how to create a resume, and practiced interview skills. When Aileen discovered a job opening at Sprouts, she immediately talked to her case manager and applied for the position. Aileen started her job at Sprouts in May, 2014.
“My favorite thing about working at Sprouts is helping customers take groceries to the car,” said Aileen, “everyone is really nice.” Aileen’s
job coach told us Aileen is called on to fill shifts if someone calls in sick, “They know she’ll show up, and do the job.” Aileen takes home the weekly ads and works to memorize them, so she can help customers. “It is impressive just how well she learns the weekly sales,” states Aileen’s job coach, “most of the employees here reach for an ad if someone asks a question. Aileen just knows the answer, and can even direct customers to the item!”
“Aileen is well liked,” stated Deb, “It has been an honor to support her and we are so proud of all that she has accomplished!” Congratulations Aileen Liu!
24 GOODWILL&ME
RETAIL SPOTLIGhTKEARNY mESA BOOKSTORE
Bookstores give us the opportunity to create jobs, provide a specialized shopping experience, and help our environment by reusing donated goods. Since opening the new Kearny Mesa bookstore on December 11, 2014, we have not only been able to hire approximately ten individuals to work the store, but the donations we have received at this location
have allowed us to hire more people across the organization.
GOODWILL&ME 25
26 GOODWILL&ME
mIChAEL mCCONNELLTOLLESON AWARD WINNER
The Tolleson Dedicated Service Award is named in honor of Tom Tolleson’s devotion to Goodwill. This award recognizes a Goodwill
employee who has overcome challenges of obtaining employment and has exemplified a strong work ethic.
It’s not easy catching up with Michael McConnell. In the twelve years since he started at GISD, Michael has worked as a truck helper, including two years on a semi; a dispatcher, dock master, and store janitor. One thing is sure, Michael is always working, “My main job now is to keep the production area clean and safe for the people sorting back there.” It is clear when talking with Michael he is committed to the safety of his colleagues. He knows many of GISD’s 1400 plus employees through his work as a
truck helper, and many friendships have developed over the years, “two of them are my roommates.”
Michael’s favorite position at GISD has been dock master. A medical disability made it impossible for Michael to continue this position. However, Michael chose to continue working, and when the position of store janitor opened up at the Rosecrans store, Michael said yes, “I feel lucky to have a job and I’m going to be good at whatever I do.”
“His work ethic is unrivaled,” states Mia Reed, Director of
Transportation and Donations, “he does whatever it takes to get the job done, and then some.”
Michael’s positive attitude does not go unnoticed. His commitment to GISD’s mission is contagious, “He has proven himself to be reliable, dependable and a true asset to his department, and to our organization.”
Congratulations Michael, GISD’s Tolleson Award Winner for 2015. You exemplify the tenacity, demeanor, and heart we all strive for.
GOODWILL&ME 27
