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MARCH • 2015Welcome to the ClothesLine

- the monthly employee newsletter! In each edition we will be covering all corners of

the agency every month. Enjoy!

STORE OF THE MONTH CHANGES

The retail team has made some improvements to the Store of

the Month program. Check out this article to find out more!

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DONATE LIFE5K And WALK

Read the story of a strong employee who is here with us today because of support and

events such as the Donate Life 5k.

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Town Hall has come a long way over the years. Pictured here, Todd Milbrandt, Steve Hennessey and Cyndi Hartman-Splear in 2003.

Changes are a Coming!by Rita Crum

oodwill’s monthly Town Hall gatherings have been a long standing

tradition for our agency. It’s an opportunity to see workmates from outbound locations, learn about agency events, recognize fellow coworkers and get caught up on daily activities.

The concept of a town hall meeting has been around for centuries. It’s an American term given to an informal public meeting, derived from the traditional town meetings of New England. It’s a public meeting that gives the

members of a community an opportunity to get together to discuss emerging issues and to voice concerns and preferences for their community.

The idea of a Town Hall gathering at Goodwill was started by CEO Frank McGree nearly 30 years ago. Frank came on board back in 1986 and initiated the Town Hall concept immediately.

“I wanted to organize something that would allow us all to come together as...

CONTINUED ON PAGE 6

g

2 WeLCome

PUBLISHER: Frank McGreeEDITOR IN CHIEF: Rita CrumMANAGING EDITOR: Ann BaileySTAFF 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 full-issue digital downloads on the Goodwill Omaha website at http://www.goodwillomaha.org/category/publications/the-clothes-line/.

MARCH 2015Listening to the Mission - Goodwill

continues to be a featured guest on KFAB’s Community Matters radio program. Listen in on Sundays, 1110 on your AM radio dial. Most recently, Career Services Coordinator Megan Sharpe sat in to talk about her program Customer Connect.

Bigtime Anniversaries - Two Goodwill programs are celebrating significant anniversaries this year. YouthBuild is ten years old. That’s a pretty big milestone for a program that’s dealt with its fair share of transitions through the years. Different funders, different locations, different staff. But the program has grown and expanded through the years. Ten years would be especially impressive, if it wasn’t happening in the same year that Work Experience turns 50. Yes. That’s 50 years of high school students coming to Goodwill to learn work skills and practice the art of being a quality employee in our retail/admin locations. Work Experience is better than ever these days, with hundreds of students served each year throughout our service area. Be sure to high-five a Work Experience trainer this year! And be on the lookout for an array of celebratory activities starting in May.

Younkers Drive is Coming - Great news for Goodwill employees and donors! The Younkers Donation Drive starts On March 12, and runs through the 28 of the month. It works like this: Customers bring donations with them to Younkers for Goodwill and receive Younkers coupons in return. This program always results in high-quality donations for us, and helps draw people to Younkers. It’s a partnership that benefits both organizations, so mark your calendars!

by Brent KosterTHE RUndOWn

LOCATEd insidE BEnsOn PARK PLAzA - 4805 nORTH 72 sTREET

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Terrell Barnett Wearhouse Production Associate 72nd & F

Shantey Briggs Clothing Processor Hanger West Center

Patricia Chisholm Laundry Finisher Spin Linen

Cheryl Czerwinski Business Outreach Specialist Ames Plaza

Malgorzata Czyzewski Custodian Offutt

Florina Gonzalez Clothing Processor Hanger Ames Plaza

Michael Grass Donation Door Attendant Southwest

Ablavi Homawoo Clothing Processor Hanger South Papio

Loretta Johnson Cashier Madison

Vincent Jones Laundry Finisher Spin Linen

Isaac Kidder Custodian Offutt

Robert Leming Donation Door Attendant Gretna

Domonique Looney Retail Floor Care Specialist 72nd & F

Sierra Michel Cashier 72nd & F

Franshely Rodriguez-Rodriguez Clothing Processor Hanger Fremont

Shannon Sudman Clothing Processor Hanger Gretna

Sherri Tharp Clothing Processor Hanger Fremont

Justin Toliver Donation Door Attendant Southwest

Jenny Villhauer Cashier Gretna

Denise Vreeland-Bullard Clothing Processor Hanger Benson Park Store

Larreon White Cashier Fremont

April Witcofski Donation Door Attendant Southwest

Janice Woods Clothing Processor Hanger 156th & Maple

WELCOME! Below is a list of all new employees that joined Goodwill in January. Please say hello and make them feel welcome as they begin their new positions with Goodwill.

neW emPLoYees!

neW hires

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The past few weeks have been great for Jana Dye. She was given the January Goodwill Fitness Award, promoted to coordinator of our new ReStart program, and named Employee of the Month! All of the honors couldn’t have come to a more deserving individual.

As the employment specialist for Project Employment, Jana came to work every day ready to help current and former foster youth transition to employment. Jana is a dedicated worker who helped start the program that is now on pace to meet all goals in its first year.

Megan Sharpe, Jana’s former supervisor, says, “The best part about Jana is the that she has a natural speed and the hard work doesn’t ever slow her down.”

In addition to her work for Project Employment, Jana often takes on extra duties. In January, she taught a workshop on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day for Partnership participants at HWS when the Partnership team was short-staffed. She was previously a career specialist for Goodwill’s WIA contracts, and she continues to use the

skills learned in that position to help both the WIA program and Project Employment.

Says Linda Kizzier, Vice President of Employment and Training at Goodwill, “Jana is extremely resourceful in securing supportive services for her

participants. Her experience has given her good insight into how to set up new programing and anticipate things like tracking and reporting. She is also good at developing positive relationships with referral and funding agencies.”

All of this equates to better outcomes for Jana’s participants. It also demonstrates how strong Jana is at one of

Goodwill’s core values, being customer driven. She is always attentive with clients, partner organizations, and potential employers. Businesses working with Jana constantly compliment her attention to detail and dedication to her participants. In addition, Jana showed great customer service to a fellow Goodwill employee last month when she help Kris Pachunka for a media story that featured a Project Employment participant.

Jana was shocked and felt blessed to be honored as Employee of the Month.

“I’ve worked hard at Goodwill for the past three years and I’ve learned a lot. It feels good to be recognized,” said Jana.

When not working hard for her participants, Jana knows how to have some fun. She has won Goodwill’s costume contest two years in row (as Richard Simmons and Darla from Finding Nemo). She serves on the Team BLUE planning committee and played in Goodwill’s sand volleyball league this summer. Jana is also a stellar athlete, placing

in the Fall Fitness challenge and winning the first ever Goodwill Fitness Award. Personally, Jana is enjoying being a newlywed and raising her new bichon puppy, Olaf!

Jana doesn’t like to let anyone down, and that really shows in her work. Congrats, Jana, on your January Employee of the Month win!

January Employee of the Month Jana Dye and Director of Workforce Solutions Justin Dougherty

by Rebecca ArmstrongemPLoYee

monThOF THE

emPLoYee oF The monTh

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Coffee House Manager Josh Meyer and Barista Michelle Bartling pose with their winning candy for being Specialty Store of the Month.

sTore monThOF THE

Congratulations to Josh, Samantha and

their crew for achieving specialty store of the

month in January!

COFFEE HOUSE

Goodwill employees and Work Experience students at 156th and Maple gather to celebrate their Store of the Month achievement.

sTore monThOF THE

Congratulations to Janice, Jordon and their crew for achieving store of the month in January!

156TH & MAPLE

stores of the month

Specialty

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...an agency. I wanted to meet the people and see the faces that were running the organization,” said McGree. “Town Hall allowed me to interact with employees I didn’t see on a regular basis. It’s nice to see it continues to remain a strong event after all these years.”

As the years progressed, Town Hall was overseen by the Human Resources department, where employee recognitions continued to be the major focus. A variety of Goodwill employees would take turns emceeing the event. In 2010, the Marketing department took over hosting duties. Today’s Town Hall includes slide shows, quarterly participant recognition, updates from the wellness committee and of course employee awards.

According to Retail Operations Director Shirley Hall,

“In the beginning, all Town Hall meetings were emceed by Frank. We used to have trivia games and employees would receive prizes. And, there have always

been donuts. I don’t think a Town Hall would be complete without donuts!”

A lot has changed in 30 years. We’ve grown. We serve more

people. We have more programs. We employ more people. And, we have more stores. But the purpose of Town Hall has remained the same…an opportunity to update, recognize and reward Goodwill employees. We still provide donuts!

As our agency continues to grow, we have realized that attending Town Hall every month, especially at the same location, has become difficult for many employees. To better accommodate our growing Goodwill

cover story

by Rita Crum

CHANGES ARE A COMING CON’T.

Snacks are a Town Hall mainstay.

Town Hall at the old Pacific Street Headquarters building.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

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family, the Marketing department is making some changes.

Starting in February, Town Hall will be held the last Wednesday of every month starting at 10:00 a.m. And, as always, ALL Goodwill employees are welcome to attend. We do hope the change in time (10:00 a.m.), day (last Wednesday of the month) and location will accommodate schedules and more employees will be able to attend future Town Halls.

If you have an announcement or news you would like to share with your fellow employees, please contact me at 402.231.1911. I would be more than happy to include you on the monthly agenda for Town Hall.

Town Hall being held when the Benson Park Plaza Headquarters building first opened.

The grounds crew from the VA stand up in Town Hall to be recognized for a great season in 2014. The WIA programs both hit their goals in 2014 and were recognized by Frank McGree.

cover story

by Rita Crum

CHANGES ARE A COMING CON’T.

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eremy Dolezal came to our attention because of a picture. But not just any

picture. This was a photograph of a national championship football team. No, we’re not talking about the Nebraska Cornhuskers. We’re talking about the Papillion/LaVista Cougars, who just happen to be the flag football national champs in their division of the Special Olympics. And Jeremy just happens to play center for the Cougars.

So who is Jeremy Dolezal? Excellent question. Jeremy is a member of the custodial staff at Strategic Air Command (Stratcom) on Offutt Air Force Base. Stratcom is a high-security area of the base, and he’s been providing top-notch cleaning services there for eight years now. He was referred to AbilityOne after struggling with mental

health issues. In his time at Goodwill, he’s proven to be a great Stratcom team member, and he enjoys working with his fellow employees – but in particular his supervisor Pearl Wilder.

In the middle of a conversation about football and past jobs, Jeremy stopped me, and said, “I want to say that Pearl is great. She’s an incredible boss.”

Jeremy had jobs previous to Goodwill, but he’s found a home with Pearl on the Stratcom team.

But back to football. Jeremy played in high school and missed it after he graduated. Then he got word of a Special Olympics team being formed in Bellevue. He showed up for the first practice. But only three people showed. Not enough for a five-person

flag football team. But he heard about another team in Papillion. The rest is history.

Papillion knocked off two teams to win districts, two more for a state championship, and then bested Iowa and Wisconsin teams for the national championship.

As for Jeremy, football is his favorite, but he’s moved on to

basketball. He has districts coming up, and bowling and swimming will also be on the docket this year. He’s mulling over golf as well. He loves Special Olympics because of the people.

“They’re the best thing about it.”

In the meantime he’ll continue to be a key team member here at Goodwill. Congratulations to Jeremy for showing us what’s possible on the football field and at the workplace when you commit to overcoming your barriers.

ConTraCTs Corner

Jby Brent Koster

CONTRACTS CORNER

Jeremy Dolezal (bottom right) poses for a photo with his team, the Papillion/LaVista Cougars.

Jeremy Dolezal

9roUnD iT UP

$4,808.81to support Goodwill’s mission!

Excellent job retail! You have raised

January 1, 2015 - FEBRUARY 20, 2015

12,851TOTAL ROUND IT UP TRANSACTIONS

188,094TOTAL STORE TRANSACTIONSOUT

OF

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s the YouthBuild class of 2015 pursues pathways

to success, Peter Kiewit Building Group continues to provide an unparalleled commitment to the YouthBuild program. Kiewit is recognized by YouthBuild as a great place to work, providing opportunities for young adults to increase their knowledge, education and means to secure meaningful employment.

YouthBuilders got a first-hand look at what it’s like to work at a Kiewit construction site. YouthBuilders quickly found that when it comes to constructing the Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, a $323 million dollar facility, there are many considerations.

First and most important is Kiewit’s mission: Safety First! This is one thing YouthBuilders know before beginning work on any construction site.

As the YouthBuilders began the Kiewit Safety First orientation, a few YouthBuilders stated, “This is OSHA training.”

From Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) to construction site awareness, YouthBuilders showed their pride in relating to the information during the presentation on construction site

safety. As the YouthBuilders listened,

watched, and asked questions during the presentation they began to understand that a construction project of this scale is the ultimate exercise in human multitasking, and Kiewit is the choreographer.

YouthBuilders learned that this project will require an army of specialized experts, each with

a unique skill set and purpose.

It is anticipated more than 2,000 craftsmen will work on the project with a Workforce of 900 on site at construction peak. People will work day and night to make sure the new Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center is ready to open its doors by 2017.

Once YouthBuilders had been briefed safety, it was time to proceed to the construction site.

On the site at last, YouthBuilders gazed upwards at six stories of open concrete, steel, and wire construction. We were told that we would tour two floors, the third and the sixth.

One of the YouthBuilders asked, “Where are the elevators”? They were told that they were going

to walk up. This was a new experience for the YouthBuilders with a few

demonstrating some hesitation. Finally, everyone was on top of

the structure and looking down at the campus of UNMC.

YouthBuilders realized that you can conquer your fears with the help of a team and some encouragement.

Bring it on, Kiewit Building Group….and thanks for the experience.

YoUThBUiLD

aby Norman Barnes

YOUTHBUILD: SAFETY FIRST

Back Row: J’Mar McCowin, MarQuaice McCraney, Rickey Ramsey, Damien Hudson Middle Row: Jennifer Loftis, Nancy Ruiz, Donavan Shaw, Michael Graham, Donta Hampton, David Flott, Candice Brown, Norm, Rochelle MillerFront Row: Tevin Davis, Iesha Whiters

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e at Goodwill like to talk about The Power of Work. But the Goodwill Bellevue

store believes in something different - The Power of Food.

Food is a powerful thing. It keeps us all alive. It makes us grow. It sometimes tastes really good. But no other Goodwill location has harnessed this power the way the Bellevue team has. Here’s a rundown of their food-based work week.

Monday - Marco Mondays - The staff order’s Marco’s pizza as a team - and then proceed to eat it as a team.

Thursday - Vicki Garcia cooks food at home and brings it in for the whole crew. We’re talking meat, side, salad – the whole enchilada. In fact, sometimes she brings enchiladas. Vicki does this rain or shine, in sickness and in

health. That’s right. When she’s sick, she’ll send in her husband with the food.

Friday – Chinese Day. Because Chinese is just a nice way to prepare for the weekend.

While it seems like this is done to please their stomachs, all this communal eating seems to bring out the best in the Bellevue staff.

“They’ve hit their Round It Up goal twice so far, and they’re going to keep hitting it, because they enjoy eating together,” says District Manager Janelle Ellis. “Food is a big motivator for them.”

Bellevue is also a great supporter of the Work Experience program. Walking around the store with trainer Pete Bataillon, you can see how cohesively the students integrate with the staff. They can be found in all corners

of the store – taking donations, working the racks, cleaning bathrooms, and, of course, handing out popcorn. The food theme makes its way to the customers via the students.

That type of cohesion has proven valuable for Bellevue, as they’ve transitioned through two managers in the past several months. Because of the strength of the staff, the store keeps humming along while Janelle and the rest of the Retail team looks for the right fit.

“We’re going to take our time to find the right fit. There is a special group of people in Bellevue. We want a special manager there” says Janelle.

Whoever it is, they better like to eat.

marKeTing Liaison

Wby Brent Koster

FOOd BRinGs BELLEVUE CREW TOGETHER

Kim Priebe Vicki Garcia

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ntil your life depends on someone else, you may not understand the importance

of this year’s 4th Annual Donate Life Nebraska 5K Run and Heroes’ Walk.

Let’s just say I can Talk the Talk, and Walk the Walk.

I am here today because of two courageous individuals. One gave me a kidney, the other a pancreas. The kidney donor is alive and well. She is my personal hero – my Aunt Kim. The pancreas donor is no longer with us, but made sure to give someone like me a chance to live a regular life. They became an organ donor.

And that is why this event is so important to me and the reason I am sharing information today!

This year’s Donate Life Nebraska 5K Run and Heroes’ Walk will be held at Aksarben Village, Stinson Park in Omaha on Saturday, April 18, 2015. The

purpose of this event is to help inspire and motivate people to sign- up on the state donor registry and provide hope to the more than 400 people on the waiting list in just Nebraska. If you don’t want to run or walk in the 5k, you can participate in the one mile fun run.

One of my favorite things about this event is watching it grow. Brent Koster was the only Goodwill employee other than me in the 2nd annual Donate Life 5k. Last year a handful of co-workers joined my family, friends, and even my Aunt Kim in the run. We are hoping to see even more Goodwill employee’s join to learn the importance of organ donation (and swag bags are fun too)!

The Heroes’ Walk will honor both living donors who have elected to give the greatest gift of all – LIFE, and the families that have

graciously elected to donate organs, eyes and tissue of loved ones to benefit those in need. This is a fun family- friendly event with music, face painting and other activities for all involved.

Please join Team BLUE on April 18th in participating and supporting those who are waiting for a second chance at life.

DonaTe LiFe

Uby Megan Sharpe

DONATE LIFE

Donate Life Run 2014 included many supporters! In this photo you see Lolly, Megan’s mom and her niece Kayla, along with former Goodwill employees Tim and Shari Suelter and Angie Montgomery. Current employee Jen Hale also ran along side Megan.

Brent Koster, Director of Planning and Business Development is #1 in my heart for participating in the 2013 Donate Life Run and Heroes’ Walk. I heard there was bacon on his plate.

Megan Sharpe, Career Services Coordinator on the left, (a slow runner) and Jana Dye, ReStart Program Coordinator on the right, (not a slow runner) during the 2014 Donate Life run. The sign was a verse from a song from Wicked.

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ealth and wellness is a topic on the forefront of everyones mind and an

increasing number of employer minds as well. We are fortunate that we have a wellness program at Goodwill and a heckuva gym to use also!

More and more employers across the country are making room in the budget for wellness programs to promote mental and physical health. According to the U.S. Department of Labor (2013) 51 percent of all employers have wellness programs, and that percentage increases as the size of the company increases. 62 percent of employers with between 100-1000 employees have wellness programs and a whopping 85percent of employers with between 1001-10,000 employees have implemented a wellness program.

The Department of Labor study

also showed that for as many wellness programs that are out there, participation has been left some employers scratching their heads. Fitness programs are the most well-attended program, with an average uptake of 21 percent among targeted employees, but half of employers still report participation rates of 10 percent or less.

So why is there not a big turnout for the wellness activities offered by employers?

According to one study, “Employees do not always participate in company-sponsored wellness initiatives designed to help them. As the boundaries between their professional and personal lives are crossed, employees may feel ill at ease or even embarrassed, not wanting supervisors or coworkers to become aware of their personal health issues.”

This is a very valid point and it’s difficult to tell someone to not worry so much about what others think. While discretion can only cover so much, some details of the employee’s health will no doubt emerge. Everyone has to start somewhere and even the healthiest person in the room has, at one time or another had a struggle with their health. Encouragement from one employee to another is the way in which we increase participation and help lead each other to healthier lifestyles.

Look for some fun and exciting activities soon to come from your Goodwill Wellness Committee!

Mattke, S., Liu, H., Caloyeras, J.P., Huang, C.Y., Van Busum, K.R., Khodyakov, D., Shier, V., 2013. Workplace Wellness Programs Study pp. 38, 49

Farrell, A., Geist-Martin, P., 2005. Communicating Social Health, Perceptions of Wellness at Work pp. 44-45

WeLLness

hby John Rumbaugh

CORPORATE WELLnEss PROGRAMs GROW

Healthified Veggie-Ranch Turkey WrapsIngredients1 large red or green sweet pepper, cut into 1/2-inch-wide strips1 medium yellow summer squash, cut lengthwise into 1/4-inch-thick slices1 small red onion, cut into 1-inch-wide wedges2 teaspoons canola oil3 tablespoons bottled reduced-calorie ranch salad dressing3 10-inch spinach or whole grain tortillas6 ounces thinly sliced cooked turkey breast2 ounces reduced-fat Monterey Jack cheese or Monterey Jack cheese with jalapeño chilepeppers, cut into thin slices1/4 cup snipped fresh cilantroDirectionsBrush sweet pepper, squash, and onion with oil. Place vegetables in a greased grill wok. For a charcoal grill, place wok on the rack of an uncovered grill directly over medium-hot coals. Grill just until tender, turning occasionally; allow 6 to 8 minutes for sweet pepper and squash and 10 to 12 minutes for onion. Remove vegetables from grill; set aside and keep warm. To assemble wraps, spread ranch dressing on one side of each tortilla. Divide turkey among tortillas. Top with cheese. Spoon grilled vegetables over cheese just below center of each tortilla. Top vegetables with cilantro. Fold bottom third of each tortilla partially over the vegetables. Fold in sides and roll up tortillas. Cut wraps in half.

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his month we have ten questions for Chief Financial Officer Pauli

Bishop.1. In your own words, what do you do at Goodwill?

Well let’s see. As CFO (Chief Financial Officer) I’m responsible for protecting the financial health of the organization.

2. How did you come to Goodwill?

I actually worked with the daughter of the former Finance Director of Goodwill, and found out about the job that way.

3. You were promoted in 2013. What was the hardest part of the transition from Financial Director to CFO?

The biggest challenge has been managing things I didn’t have experience in. We completed a huge refinance of our debt this past year, and I had never gone through something like that before. So it was a big learning experience.

4. How did you find your way in this position?

Well I was fortunate. When I was Finance Director I touched on quite a few pieces that directly relate to this position, so I understood a lot going in. But when it came to insurance and other areas that were beyond the scope of my old job, it was just a matter of talking to providers becoming educated.

5. So as the CFO, what are two or three things that you look at to see where we’re at?

I look at cash every day. I look at how much money we owe and we’re owed. And then I look at what time of the month it is. Our balance fluctuates throughout the month, so keeping track of all of that is key.

6. If you weren’t in accounting, what would you do?

OK, so if I didn’t have to work. I would volunteer doing hospice and then something with animals. But the thing I think about doing if I wasn’t an accountant is being a personal trainer. Like a gym instructor.

7. How often do you work out?

Right now I work out every day except Monday and Friday.

8. What’s your favorite movie?

Breakfast at Tiffany’s. But then, and I’m ashamed to admit this, but I also really like the Mummy series for some reason.

9. What do you like about working at Goodwill?

I enjoy talking to employees and getting to know them. And I love the people in my department. They’re great to work with and they make me happy. Also I feel like there’s a really nice work/life balance at

Goodwill that I haven’t found with other employers.

10. How are we doing?I think we’re doing alright.

We’re focusing on things that are important and getting strong each year. The future is bright.

THE BIG 10 • PAULI BISHOP

by Brent KosterTHE BiG 10 WiTH PAULi BisHOP

Chief Financial Officer Pauli Bishop

Along with her fellow accounting employees, Pauli dressed up in an 80’s outfit for Halloween.

T

15YEARS OF SERVICE • AWARDS

MARCH 2015

JANUARY 2015

YEARS OF SERVICE

AWARds

27 Diana Roberts Postal26 Andy Bradley Benson Park Plaza22 Todd Milbrandt Benson Park Plaza21 David Lepert Offutt21 Kevin Supancic Offutt17 Lisa Salomon Southwest16 Anneliese Timmerman Southwest15 George Coleman, IV 72nd & F13 William Menrad Offutt13 Eric Rentschler Offutt9 Tracy Daly Lincoln9 Walter Farley, Jr. Stratcom9 Grindell Price, Jr. Offutt7 Adjovi Bakar 180th & Q7 Timothy Cech Zorinsky7 Kenneth Holloway, Sr. 72nd & F6 Linda Hajek Fremont6 Kristin Janett 156th & Maple5 Lisa Ayala Bellevue5 Jonathan Baker West Center5 Hal Perry VA

3 Carol Sondag Southwest2 Sheila Cavitt Benson Park Store2 Angel Diaz Offutt2 Debra Flores Harris Center2 Stephanie Folan 72nd & F2 Nathan Gulizia Madison2 Denise Heim 156th & Maple2 Nicholas Minor Benson Park Store1 Robbin Anderson Benson Park Plaza1 Cynthia Crouse 180th & Q1 Debi Farris Benson Park Plaza1 Tressa Hudson South Papio1 Samantha Jones Ames Plaza1 Lee Logan Stratcom1 Anita Nelson Harris Center1 Ronald Nelson Zorinsky1 Ryan Spitzer 156th & Maple1 Helene Syslo Southwest1 Blaine Villafuerte Ames Plaza1 Daniel Wilwerding Harris Center

CONGRATULATIONS! Thank you for your years of service, we look forward to many more!

LIFESAVERSJerrell StapletonSherry MunkNoah Madrigal

ABOVE & BEYOndBrent JanzenSarah AlbaTierra WashingtonSherri KallonSamantha JonesJana DyeJennifer Hale

Bobbi Jo Howard (2)Joy HeadleeSally ArnoldJason ThompsonMark GreenJohn RumbaughKathryn Naughton (2)

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.

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pread the Word to End the Word is back. For the second year in a row,

the Work Experience Program has joined forces with Special Olympics of Nebraska and Iowa to educate our community and customers on the dangers of offensive language. The words retard and retarded humiliate and dehumanize individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities. This year we are working to “Change the R-word”.

Goodwill’s Marketing Department travelled to several Work Experience training locations to film participants in action. Together they created a PSA about Spread the Word to End the Word which will be airing in our stores. The Work Experience Program’s goal is to educate and prepare high school students with

intellectual or developmental disabilities for work in the community. Oftentimes these young people have the skills and attitude necessary to be successful but struggle to gain employment because of misinformation about people with intellectual or developmental disabilities.

The Spread the Word to End the Word campaign is a chance to educate our communities and provide greater opportunities for these talented young people to be employed. Participants demonstrate daily that they are responsible, reliable, respected, resourceful and resilient. Work Experience participants at seven

Goodwill locations will be practicing their customer service skills, asking members of the general public to take the pledge as well.

The Work Experience Program asks you to join us by signing a pledge card too. Your pledge to eliminate the negative use of the

r-word will work to create a stronger, more inclusive community. Help us change the conversation and eliminate the demeaning use of the r-word from today’s vernacular and

replace it with respect. Help in creating a more accepting world for people with intellectual or developmental disabilities. And all those people that may appear different but have unique gifts and talents to share with the world. Take the pledge on-line at http://www.r-word.org/r-word-pledge.aspx.

WorK eXPerienCe

sby Sam Comfort

PLEdGE TO sHOW REsPECT FOR EVERYOnE

Work Experience students and staff at 156th & Maple: (L-R) Cierra S., Nick S., Coordinator Holly S., Trainer Brett G., Dennisha B., and Katie G.

Council Bluffs student: (B-F) Travis H., Sarah M., James H., Carlie R., Tasha P.

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On May 20, Goodwill will be participating in the third annual fundraising holiday Omaha Gives! During this 24-hour online-giving event, we have the opportunity to obtain bonus dollars and prize money for each donation we receive.

Last year we had 117 donors who gave over $39,000! For Omaha Gives! overall, more than $6.3 million was given to 569 nonprofits by 34,275 people.

This year we have increased our fundraising goal for the day substantially to $50,000! These funds go to support Goodwill’s mission of changing lives and strengthening communities through education, training and work. We will also have a number of activities throughout the day to engage employees and supporters of Goodwill in this wonderful giving event. Stay tuned!

by Elizabeth DonnerOMAHA GIVES!

Goodwill’s headquarters at Benson Park Plaza is frequently complimented for being a spic and span building.

Our custodial crew can be thanked for keeping our building in such excellent condition. Jon Gregg is the newest member of this team.

Jon started at Goodwill in December, when he quickly became part of the Goodwill family. Jon is responsible for cleaning all areas of Benson Park, as well as helping to set up for room rentals and other events. He is willing to help without hesitation for whatever is needed.

Jon was first exposed to Goodwill as a young person in Boy Scouts, where he participated in the Good Turn Drive (a drive that still exists!). During the drives, Jon found out about Goodwill’s mission. It was this mission that enticed Jon to apply for a job at Goodwill years later. He is excited to work for a place that helps better his community.

When not at his day job, Jon enjoys doing handy work. He, along with some help, has built eight custom gazebos over the past two decades. In addition to other carpentry work, Jon likes to repair small engines, like lawnmowers, and resell them.

He also volunteers at his church and maintains a vegetable garden at his house.

Welcome to the Goodwill team, Jon. We’re glad to have you around!

by Rebecca ArmstrongmeeT Jon

Jon Gregg

MEET JON • DEVELOPMENT

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Team BLUE gathers for the first of many social hours. All employees are welcome to join in and get to know your coworkers. Details about the next event coming soon!

Gary May is the Lead Technician at GoodBytes. He spends his day working on computers for the store.

Offutt employees stop for a quick photo during a Marketing visit. Front row: (L-R) Dulce Espinoza, Christine Butler, David Lepert, Shante Smith, Chestrine Gibbs. Back row: (L-R) Dan Moore, Kevin Supancic, Ryan Bissell, Gary Lane, Michael Hennings, Phil Johnson, Benigno Mercado.

President and CEO Frank McGree stops to visit Denney employee Steve Hennessy.

A Goodwill employee at the Denney Federal Building uses this machine is called the “Gravely”. It is a gas powered salt spreader, to help clear ice on sidewalks and lots.

Every first Friday of the month the Breakfast Club meets at 7:30 a.m. All employees are welcome to join and a reminder email is sent out a few days ahead of time. Above (L-R) Brent Koster, Luis Lopez, Jillian Zappa, Bob Hadlik and Cheri Czerwinski

WhaT's haPPening

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Many of our employees working on contracts are the ones responsible for clearing snow at these locations which means long hours in cold weather. Special thanks to these employees for making the areas around our buildings safe!

The Building Committee at HWS hosted a soup and salad potluck for employees to enjoy together.

Rebecca Armstrong and Frank McGree had fun showing their team spirit in the week leading up to the Super Bowl.

Goodwill hosted a networking event for the Sarpy County Chamber of Commerce at our South Papillion store

President and CEO Frank McGree spends some time speaking to the current YouthBuild students.

Achiever of the Year Maurissa Muchacha shows off her award with Career Specialist Bobbi Jo Howard.

WhaT's haPPening

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1 Raven Conley Benson Park Store

1 Crystal Wise 72nd & F

2 William Fenner Harris Center

3 Patricia Chisholm Spin Linen

5 Brent Janzen Ames Plaza

5 Lee Logan Stratcom

5 Rosita Lara 78th & Dodge

6 Clement Codjia Southwest

7 Makayla Davis Bellevue

9 Hal Perry VA

9 Kimberly Priebe Bellevue

10 Paul Kurtti Blair

10 Rebecca Thomas 78th & Dodge

10 Manuel Santiago Postal 2

11 Janelle Ellis 72nd & F

11 Sherri Kallon Ames Plaza

12 Carol Sondag Southwest

13 Audrey Marie Wright Bellevue

13 Nancy Gordon Ames Plaza

13 Kaitlyn Schutt Fremont

14 David Lepert Offutt

14 Puja Kandel West Center

15 Ablavi Homawoo South Papio

16 Cheryl Carter Gretna

17 Joan Des Jarlais Madison

18 Eric Syphers Ames Plaza

19 Nicholas Boyce Blair

20 Rose Bradley Zorinsky

21 Brooke Davis Southwest

21 Terry Mason Grand Island

22 Luis Lopez Ames Plaza

23 Eric Mears Offutt

23 Nancy Hellman Papillion

24 Christopher Vacanti Offutt

25 Drew Stoller Southwest

25 Sheri Hirsh West Center

28 Jessica Haro Harris Center

28 Jacqualyn Nord Gretna

28 Michael Slayden VA

29 Dave Pfeffer Benson Park Plaza

29 Joseph Carver, II Stratcom

30 Brian Kent Offutt

30 Kendra Smith 72nd & F

31 Megan Harr 156th & Maple

31 Daniel O'Leary Stratcom

31 John Dungan Spin Linen

haPPY BirThDaY!

BirThDaYs

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DiVersiTY CaLenDar

DiVersiTY CaLenDar10Hanging employment barriers out to dry. 10

March 2010 Multicultural Calendar Highlights  

Irish American Heritage Month First proclaimed by Congress in 1995, Irish American Heritage Month celebrates the many contributions made to American culture by persons of Irish heritage. National Women’s History Month This was established by presidential proclamation to draw attention to the limited focus on women in historical studies.   March 1 ‐ Independence Movement Day: South Korea Known also as Three‐One Day, or Samil‐Jol, this day commemorates the March 1, 1919 movement of massive demonstrations against Japanese rule.  Japan, which had annexed Korea in 1910, suppressed the movement, and it was not until the end of World War II that Korea became independent, and then only as the two separate states of North and South Korea, divided at the 38th parallel. March 2 ‐ Granting of citizenship to Puerto Ricans (1917): United States On this date the United States Congress passed the Jones Act, which conferred U.S. citizenship on Puerto Ricans and gave them the right to elect representatives to both houses of the territorial legislature.   March 3 ‐ Doll Festival (Hina Matsuri): Japan This is one of the major social festivals in traditional Japan.  There is much visiting among family members and friends, and visitors bring gifts of dolls.  The traditional holiday foods are red‐bean‐flavored rice, rice dumplings wrapped in cherry leaves, and a special cake. March 5 – Crispus Attucks Day: United States In 1858, Boston‐area Abolitionists established Crispus Attucks Day to honor Crispus Attucks, a man of African‐American Indian descent who was one of five Americans killed by British troops in the Boston Massacre of 1770. The Boston Massacre sparked the rebellion in the American colonies that culminated in the American Revolution. This day commemorates all African Americans who served in the American Revolutionary War. March 6 ‐ Independence Day: Ghana On this date in 1957, the British territories of the Gold Coast and Togoland became the independent nation of Ghana. March 8 – Commonwealth Day: Canada This day celebrates Canada’s membership in the Commonwealth of Nations, a union of countries that were formerly part of the British Empire. On this day the Royal Union Flag, or Union Jack, is flown alongside the national flag of Canada. This is a time when Canadians celebrate their commonalities despite diverse languages, heritages, and customs that bind them together.  International Women’s Day ‐ The movement to create an International Women’s Day began as part of the socialist movement for greater women’s rights, particularly the right to vote.  First designated as the last Sunday in February by the Conference of Socialist Women in Copenhagen, Denmark, in 1910, it was later changed to be uniformly celebrated on March 8 to honor women’s role in the Russian Revolution.   March 11 ‐ Restoration of Statehood Day: Lithuania With the dissolution of the Soviet Union, Lithuania regained its previous independence and on  March 11, 1990 proclaimed its restoration of statehood. March 12 ‐ Sun Yat‐sen’s Death: People’s Republic of China This commemorates the death of China’s revolutionary leader Sun Yat‐sen (1866‐1925), founder of the Republic of China.  Sun Yat‐sen was the leader of China’s 1911 revolution, which overthrew the Ch’ing Dynasty that had ruled China since 1644.  The Republic of China (Taiwan) celebrates the anniversary of his birth on November 12. March 14 ‐ New Year: Sikh This begins the new year 542 of the Nanakshahi Era for the Sikhs, one of the largest religious groups in India.  The first year of the Nanakshahi Era is 1469, the year of birth of the founder of Sikhism, Guru Nanak. March 15 ‐ National Day: Hungary This marks the beginning of the 1848‐49 Hungarian revolt against Austrian rule. March 17 ‐ St. Patrick’s Day: Ireland Tradition holds that Ireland’s patron  saint died on this date in A.D. 493 at the age of 106.  The anniversary of his death is celebrated in Ireland as a national holiday, with green, the color of the day, signifying undying gratitude to the memory of St. Patrick, who brought Christianity to Ireland.   March 20 ‐ Chichen Itza Festival: Mexico This festival is celebrated on the vernal and autumnal equinoxes at the ancient Mayan Pyramid of Kukulkan.  When the mid‐afternoon sunlight hits the stairway on these days, it creates shadows that look like the body of a serpent creeping downward until it joins the serpent’s head carved in stone at the bottom. Now Rouz (New Year): Afghanistan and Iran This is the traditional new year, coming at the time of the spring equinox and marking year 1389.  The two days before Now Rouz are celebrated as holidays, as are the thirteen days following Now Rouz.  Fireworks are set off on New Year’s Eve, symbolizing the victory of fire over darkness, a reenactment of the moment of Creation.  On New Year’s morning, children are given gold coins, cakes, and decorated hard‐boiled eggs, symbolizing fruitfulness and the renewal of the world.  The number seven is considered a sacred number, linked to the idea of Creation.  Afghans celebrate with specials dishes, including miwa naurozee, a compote made of seven fruits.  In Iran, families gather around a table set with seven symbolic foods – sprouted seeds, hyacinth, sweet wheat pudding, vinegar, sumac, apples, and olives, the names for all of these beginning with sen, the Iranian letter s. Independence Day: Tunisia This holiday commemorates the treaty of March 20, 1956, by which France recognized Tunisia as a sovereign nation. March 21 – International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination: United Nations The UN General Assembly proclaimed this international day in 1966 in commemoration of the Sharpeville Massacre. On this day in 1960, at least sixty‐nine people were killed by police in a peaceful demonstration against the apartheid “pass laws” in the township of Sharpeville, South Africa. This day is commemorated in South Africa as Human Rights Day. Benito Pablo Juárez’s Birthday: Mexico This public holiday honors one of Mexico’s national heroes, Benito Pablo Juárez (1806‐1872), who served his country as minister of justice, vice president, and president during the turbulent period from 1855 until his death.   March 22 ‐ Emancipation Day: Puerto Rico On this day in 1873 the Spanish colonial government of Puerto Rico abolished slavery, fulfilling the commitment made after the Lares uprising of 1868. Human Rights Day observed: South Africa This day commemorates those Blacks who were killed at Sharpeville in 1960 and those who lost their lives in the struggle against apartheid. Vernal Equinox Day (Shumbum No Hi) observed: Japan This celebrates the beginning of spring and is a public holiday in Japan.  It is a day to appreciate nature and pay respects to one’s ancestors by visiting their graves.  The Japanese celebrate the start of spring with “nightingale cake,” made from sticky rice filled with sweet white bean paste.  Other springtime foods include raw squid and a special freshwater fish, ayu, grilled and eaten with green vegetables.   March 23 ‐ Republic Day: Pakistan In its struggle for independence from Great Britain, India had an internal conflict as well between its Hindu and Muslim populations, each wanting a separate area over which it could rule.  On this day in 1940, the All Indian Muslim League passed the Lehore Resolution, which called for a separate state for the Muslims of British India.   March 25 ‐ Independence Day: Greece During the early 19th century, Greeks throughout the world joined a secret society, the Philikê Hetairia (Friendly Association), whose purpose was to collect money and arms for a revolution to free Greece from Turkish rule.  In March of 1821 the head of the organization, Alexander Ypsilanti, entered Turkish territory with a group of armed followers and declared the independence of Greece.   March 26 ‐ National Day: Bangladesh Formerly the eastern part of Pakistan, Bangladesh is the world’s 139th independent nation, having emerged as a sovereign, independent state on December 16, 1971.  March 26, 1971 marks the day the newly formed Bangladesh government declared independence from Pakistan. March 31 ‐ Respect for Ancestors Day (Thanh Minh): Vietnam This is similar to the holiday in all other Asian cultures for paying respects to one’s ancestors by visiting and decorating their graves.

2011 March Diversity Calendar Dates

diversity calendarMarch

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