Goodwill Industries of NNE

New Hampshire Swap Supporters: We Thank You!

Maureen Puia — Mon, 20 May 2013 20:45:06 +0000

Last weekend in New Hampshire the weather was magical, and the Goodwill swaps were too. In Concord bikes were the focus, in Portsmouth, clothing…

Click here to see the full album from the day

Our 4th Annual Women’s Clothing Swap at the Portsmouth Public Library was a-buzz with women ready to donate a bag (or more) of clothes and shop the swap. We started at 10 am with a line out the door, had 100 swappers by 11 am, and -amazingly- by 3 pm the Goodwill truck was packed with 1800 pounds of donations headed to the Portsmouth store. It was a busy, busy day. We truly could not have done any of it without our leader-in-swap Jennifer Moore, multiple shifts of amazing volunteers, and the Portsmouth Public Library. From Portland down to Portsmouth we cheer: thank you, thank you, thank you!

Meanwhile The 5th Annual Concord Bike Swap was chock full of swappers for a good cause too. Women working in our pilot program, Recycled Cycles, refurbished over 100 bikes for the swap. Proceeds from the sale of our Recycled Cycles that day go right back into the program. Read more on the story at WMUR Channel 9. Many thanks to the Concord community, Tim Farmer and S&W Sports, the Central New Hampshire Bicycling Coalition, and all of the staff and volunteers who made this swap happen. Your help makes such a difference; thank you for supporting our work.

Anne Eleanor Roosevelt Delivers Commencement Address, Saint Joseph’s College

Maureen Puia — Thu, 16 May 2013 16:10:04 +0000

For Immediate Release
May 11, 2013
Contact: David Svenson
207-893-7723
dsvenson@sjcme.edu

Anna Eleanor Roosevelt delivers Commencement address; Saint Joseph’s College confers 517 degrees

Anna Eleanor Roosevelt, President and CEO of Goodwill Industries of Northern New England, addressed the Class of 2013 at Saint Joseph’s College’s 100th Commencement.

With a backdrop of Sebago Lake and the White Mountains, Anna Eleanor Roosevelt, the granddaughter of former President Franklin Delano Roosevelt and first lady Eleanor Roosevelt, addressed Saint Joseph’s Class of 2013. “Your education through Saint Joseph’s College has not only prepared you for your chosen field, by design, it has prepared you for life,” she said. “It has prepared you to think – to discern among competing demands – so that you can make the world a better place.”

Roosevelt continued, “If you live your life in the context of others; if you deliberately consider the part you wish to play in the world; if you have declared first what you stand for, then how you will live your life to support your values, you will have the context needed to create achievable, meaningful goals. You will have a framework into which your work fits, in many different settings. Serendipity will be your friend; luck will be your companion.”

In her closing remarks, Roosevelt echoed the voice of her grandfather, Franklin Delano Roosevelt: “My charge to you this morning is the same charge my grandfather put forth when he addressed the Class of 1932 at Oglethorpe University, in the grip of The Great Depression: ‘We need enthusiasm, imagination, and the ability to face facts, even unpleasant ones, bravely …. We need the courage of the young. Yours is not the task of making your way in the world, but the task of remaking the world, which you will find before you. May every one of us be granted the courage, the faith, and the vision to give the best that is in us to that remaking.’

“Congratulations. You will have the best life, changing the world day by day.”

Roosevelt, president and CEO of Goodwill Industries of Northern New England, was presented with an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters at Saturday’s Commencement. Jim Killoran ’80, executive director of Habitat for Humanity of Westchester, N.Y., and Kevin McCarthy, president and CEO of Unum US and chief operating officer of Unum Group, each received an honorary Doctor of Public Service, as well.

Dr. James Dlugos, the College’s president, presided over the Commencement exercises. “Commencement is always a wonderful event,” said Dr. Dlugos. “We’re delighted to share in the accomplishments of all of our graduates with all of their families and friends.” This is Dr. Dlugos’ first Commencement at Saint Joseph’s, having joined the College in July of 2012.

In all, Saint Joseph’s celebrated the achievements of 179 on-campus students and 337 students from the online division. The College conferred 12 associate, 297 baccalaureate and 208 graduate degrees. The graduates come from 43 states, the Philippines, Canada and South Korea.

Saint Joseph’s College is Maine’s only Catholic liberal arts college, providing a supportive, personalized and career-focused education for more than 100 years. From its 350-acre campus on the shore of Sebago Lake, the College offers more than 40 undergraduate programs to a population of approximately 1,000 students. Saint Joseph’s College Online provides certificates, undergraduate and advanced degrees for working adults through an online learning program. For more, visit www.sjcme.edu.

Pressherald.com: Saint Joseph’s graduates are told their task is ‘remaking the world’

5th Annual Concord Bike Swap Supports Recycled Cycles, May 18/19

Maureen Puia — Wed, 15 May 2013 16:04:46 +0000

Are you bored with your current bike, or hoping to finally get a bike for the first time? Join us! Don’t miss out on the 5th Annual Concord Bike Swap this weekend. Women who are part of our pilot program, Recycled Cycles (click to learn more), have been busy refurbishing bicycles that will be sold at the swap. Look for the Recycled Cycles tag indicating the second chance behind the bicycle with a second life. Purchase one of those bikes, and you are giving the bike, as well as our program participants, a second chance.

“We are excited to partner with Goodwill on this project that not only gives skills to those in need, but also supplies quality used bicycles at very low costs,” Tim Farmer, Treasurer CNHBC and owner of S&W Sports.

All proceeds from the sale of the Recycled Cycles at the Fifth Annual Concord Area Bicycle Swap held on May 18 – 19 at S&W Sports will support the program. Can’t make the swap? Help us win $5,000 towards our program by voting for Goodwill in the Grappone Cares Challenge. Click here for the full details.

Anna Eleanor Roosevelt Receives Honorary Degree and Delivers Commencement, Saint Joseph’s College

Maureen Puia — Thu, 09 May 2013 18:23:56 +0000

Commencement speaker, honorary degree recipients celebrate professionalism and philanthropy

Saint Joseph’s College is proud to announce this year’s Commencement speaker and honorary degree recipients for the College’s May 11 ceremony.

—Anna Eleanor Roosevelt, Doctor of Humane Letters, Commencement speaker

—Jim Killoran ’80, Doctor of Public Service

—Kevin McCarthy, Doctor of Public Service

Anna Eleanor Roosevelt (known as Anne) is the president and CEO of Goodwill Industries of Northern New England, a social enterprise serving Maine, New Hampshire and northern Vermont. Roosevelt’s career encompasses leadership positions in philanthropy, public policy, politics, the arts and higher education.

In 2011, Roosevelt joined Goodwill from The Boeing Company in Chicago, where she served as vice president of Global Corporate Citizenship. Currently, Roosevelt chairs The Roosevelt Institute in New York. In 2013, she was presented with the Queen’s Commissioners Medal of Merit of the Province of Zeeland in the Netherlands, in recognition of her work carrying forward the legacy and values of her grandparents through the annual joint presentation of the Four Freedoms Awards.

Roosevelt serves on the boards of the Maine Community Foundation and Net Impact. She is a fellow at the Center for Corporate Citizenship at Boston College and serves as a trustee at Roosevelt University. She holds a Bachelor of Arts from Stanford University and a Master of Science from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Jim Killoran is a 1980 history and sociology graduate of Saint Joseph’s College. He also holds a Master of Divinity from Seton Hall University. Currently the executive director for Habitat for Humanity of Westchester in New York, Killoran has more than 20 years of experience with Habitat, serving on the board of directors in New York City, Paterson and Newark, N.J., Litchfield, Conn., Worcester, Mass., and in Westchester County, N.Y.

In the wake of Hurricane Sandy, Killoran organized more than 5,000 volunteers to provide relief, and he was named treasurer for the Long Term Recovery Committee for the Rockaways and Broad Channel. Following the floods of 2007 in Westchester, Killoran’s Habitat office led the reconstruction of 50 homes and 130 flood rehabilitations. Killoran has also taken Habitat groups to Northern Ireland, Mexico, El Salvador, New Orleans and South Central Los Angeles. Prior to Habitat, he led the organization of five mental health programs in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut.

Kevin McCarthy is the president and CEO of Unum US and Chief Operating Officer of Unum Group. He is responsible for the overall management of Unum’s insurance operations. He first joined Unum in 1976 after graduating summa cum laude from University of Southern Maine with a business degree.

McCarthy is currently a director and trustee of the University of Maine System, Maine & Company, the Davis Foundations, and AHIP (America’s Health Insurance Plans).

McCarthy has previously been the chairman of the Insurance Subcommittee of the American Chamber of Commerce in Japan. He has also been a director of LIMRA International, International Insurance Council, Maine International Trade Center, World Affairs Council, Portland Museum of Art, United Way of Greater Portland, Maine Make-a-Wish Foundation, Gulf of Maine Research Institute, and the Maine Public Broadcasting Network.

Saint Joseph’s will celebrate the achievements of 490 graduates at the May 11 Commencement. The College will confer 12 associate, 278 baccalaureate and 200 graduate degrees to 164 on-campus students and 326 students from the online division. The ceremony takes place at 10 a.m. on Saint Joseph’s Standish campus.

For Immediate Release: April 25, 2013
Contact: David Svenson
dsvenson@sjcme.edu
207-893-7723
Saint Joseph’s College
278 Whites Bridge Road
Standish, Maine 04084-5236

Portsmouth Public Library & Goodwill Partner for 4th Annual Clothing Swap

Maureen Puia — Mon, 06 May 2013 20:30:46 +0000

Portsmouth Public Library & Goodwill Partner for 4th Annual Clothing Swap
Local Company Employees Provide Early Clothing Donations

For Immediate Release
May 6, 2013

Portsmouth, NH – Goodwill Industries of Northern New England and the Portsmouth Public Library continue their partnership and announce the Fourth Annual Women’s Clothing Swap. The swap will take place on Saturday, May 18, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. in the Levenson room of the Portsmouth Public Library (175 Parrott Avenue). Participants are asked to bring a bag of gently used, clean women’s clothing and accessories, and leave with a bag of “new-to-you” items. In the spirit of giving, participants are asked to give more than they get. Remaining clothing and accessories will be donated to Goodwill. Last year, more than 250 women participated in the swap, donating over 2,000 pounds of clothing.

Local Portsmouth women’s boutiques, Second Time Around and Wear House, are providing early donations again this year. In addition, employees of The Timberland Company and Bottomline Technologies are going through their own closets to help stock the event.

“True to the Portsmouth eco-municipality approach the swap has grown into a very popular event building community around sustainability. This event provides a means to re-use existing resources and through donations helps to meet the needs of others,” noted Peter L. Britz, Environmental Planner/Sustainability Coordinator for the City of Portsmouth.

The swap is a fun, social event helping women see how fashion can be an opportunity to give back to society. Women’s donations of unwanted clothing save garments and accessories from landfills, and can become an exciting addition to another’s wardrobe. How fashion fits into our history and culture will also be a focus and opportunity for pre-swap inspiration. On Thursday, May 16, at 6:30 p.m. join the Library for a free screening of Diana Vreeland: The Eye Has to Travel, a documentary of the life and work of the influential fashion editor of Harper’s Bazaar.

“We’re excited that this swap has become an annual community event centered around sustainable fashion and style that women can look forward to each year,” noted Jennifer Moore of the Portsmouth Public Library, co-organizer of the event.

The swap benefits Goodwill Industries of Northern New England, whose retail stores help to keep usable goods out of the landfill. The sales of all un-swapped donations help fund Goodwill programs in the Seacoast area and throughout New Hampshire.

About Portsmouth Public Library
The Portsmouth Public Library is a gateway to reading, information, culture, community activities, and self-directed learning. It serves those who want to read, to learn, or to connect with our community and our cultural heritage. The Library is located at 175 Parrott Avenue, next to the Middle School. Please call 603-427-1540 or visit our website www.cityofportsmouth.com/library for more information.

About Goodwill
Goodwill Industries of Northern New England enables individuals with diverse challenges to achieve personal stability and community engagement. A social enterprise for over 100 years, Goodwill reflects the integration of economic, social and environmental sustainability, with a focus on connecting people to marketplace employment. Our services are funded by revenue from retail and recycling operations, grants, fees, and philanthropic investments and gifts. Website: www.goodwillnne.org. Facebook & Twitter: goodwillnne

For more information please contact:

Portsmouth Public Library
Jennifer Moore
Tech Services, Program Committee
jamoore@cityofportsmouth.com
603-766-1731

Maureen Puia
Director, Communications
Goodwill Industries of Northern New England
maureen.puia@goodwillnne.org
207-699-0721

Vote For Recycled Cycles in the Grappone Cares Challenge

Maureen Puia — Fri, 03 May 2013 20:31:14 +0000

Please vote for Goodwill of Northern New England in the Grappone Cares Challenge to support our pilot project Recycled Cycles! New Hampshire’s family owned and operated auto group, Grappone Automotive, and the Toyota Dealer Match Program are giving away $20,000 to your favorite local charities and non-profit organizations. The best part is – it really is up to you! Your vote now helps decide which organization wins the first $5,000 for the month of May.

Click here to go to the Grappone Cares Facebook page to learn how to vote. Voting takes place now through May 16th. Click here to learn more about Recycled Cycles, and please join us May 18 – 19 at the Fifth Annual Concord Area Bike Swap.

Legislative Testimony in Support of Employment First Maine

Anne Nadzo — Fri, 03 May 2013 13:08:58 +0000

Testimony from Richard Cantz before the Joint Standing Committee on Labor, Commerce, Research and Economic Development in support of LD1352, An Act To Provide Integrated Community-based Employment and Customized Employment for Persons with Disabilities

Senator Patrick, Representative Herbig and members of the Joint Standing Committee on Labor, Commerce, Research and Economic Development, my name is Richard Cantz and I am Vice President of Strategic Development and Public Policy for Goodwill Industries of Northern New England. I am here today to testify in support of LD1352, a bill which highlights the significance of promoting employment for all people.

At Goodwill of Northern New England, we believe all people should have the opportunity to achieve their fullest potential and participate in and contribute to all aspects of life. We believe meaningful employment in an integrated and community-based workplace is paramount for all people to achieve their full potential.

For you, for me, for everyone in this room, one of the first questions we are asked when we meet someone is “What do you do?” We don’t answer this question by sharing our hobbies and interests. We answer by listing our occupation and our employer. Our job helps define us. It’s what we do. It gives us purpose. It’s where we meet many of our friends. It is how we contribute to society.

From 2008 to 2010, individuals with disabilities equaled about 16% of Maine’s population and more than half of that population were people of working age, between 18 and 64. However the average unemployment of Mainers with disabilities was 17% compared to 6% of Mainers with no disabilities.

There are countless reasons why this unemployment number is so high for those with disabilities. Some of the reasons are simply perceived problems that can be minimized with open and honest discussions. Such as employers who believe people with disabilities would not be good workers. Or individuals with disabilities who are concerned that if they work they will lose their entire Social Security income supports needed to pay their medical bills. Neither of which is true. Other reasons will require more technical assistance such as how will these workers find a good job and how will they be trained? How will they be safely transported to their jobs?

I will not tell this committee that this will be easy work. However, overcoming these barriers is worth the challenge. and the structure that LD1352 provides will make it possible. The Employment First Maine Coalition established in Part B of the legislation is an inclusive and thoughtfully constructed group which represents all of major interests for employment from government and business to advocacy and support services. Much like Maine’s Acquired Brain Injury Council, which we are proud to be a part of, this Coalition will have the means to review policies, practices and programs and provide unique analysis to the state on best practices for accomplishing the goals of this legislation. Instituting this avenue for high-quality and constant feedback from well-informed members on the front lines of this issue will set the stage for success for the Employment First Initiative in Maine.

At Goodwill, we have seen first-hand how integrated community based employment enriches the lives not only of the employed but the employers and the community as a whole. We strongly support this legislation because it will create a framework for all Mainers to reach their fullest potential and improve the quality of life in all of our communities. Maine is after all, the way life should be, for all people.

Thank you for your consideration of this important legislation which will go a long way to eliminating barriers to opportunity and independence for individuals with disabilities. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Senator Alfond for his leadership with this initiative. Working together, we will continue to identify opportunities for all people to achieve their fullest potential.

Goodwill Industries Week: Goodwill Hosts Free Workshops and Virtual Career Fair

Maureen Puia — Mon, 29 Apr 2013 21:09:02 +0000

For Immediate Release
April 29, 2013
Contact: Maureen Puia
maureen.puia@goodwillnne.org
(207) 699-0721

Goodwill to Host Free Workshops and Virtual Career Fair for Goodwill Industries Week

Workshops will be held May 6 – 10 at Goodwill’s Job Connection in Lewiston

To celebrate Goodwill Industries Week, May 6-10, Goodwill of Northern New England is hosting job-related workshops all week long at the newly transformed Job Connection center within the Lewiston store (1035 Lisbon Street). All workshops are free to the public and will be presented by Goodwill employees. A range of topics will be covered including: Managing your money online, digital job search resources, resume writing, cover letter fundamentals, interview strategies, online reputation and more. Click here for the full workshop list and registration information.

On Wednesday May 8, 3-5 pm, join Goodwill for an Open House to celebrate the transformation of the Lewiston retail store to include a Job Connection center. This is the first store in the region to have workforce programs co-located within a retail store.

“At Goodwill it is our mission to remove barriers and get people back to work. These free workshops will empower job-seekers with the tools available to navigate today’s job market.” - Beth Campbell, Director, Workforce Solutions

Those unable to join a workshop in person can participate in the Goodwill Virtual Career Fair May 6-8. This free online opportunity will help participants find ways to explore available jobs, get to know employers and apply for open positions — all from their computer.

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About Goodwill

Goodwill Industries of Northern New England provides community resources that eliminate barriers to opportunity and help people reach their fullest potential through the power of work. A social enterprise for over 100 years, Goodwill reflects economic, social and environmental sustainability, with a focus on connecting people to marketplace employment. Our services are funded by revenue from retail and recycling operations, grants, fees, and philanthropic gifts.

Please visit www.goodwillnne.org for more information.

Facebook and Twitter: goodwillnne

The LBD and Goodwill – Sustainable Classics

Maureen Puia — Mon, 22 Apr 2013 20:40:20 +0000

When summer hits I just want to be oceanside as much as possible. Here I am a few years back in my favorite little black dress. This dress was a staple that summer. I could slide off the beach, throw on this dress, add a favorite scarf and meet a friend for a sunset cocktail without missing a minute of sunshine. I gave this dress to Goodwill, and I miss it, but I feel so much better knowing my dress could be making someone else equally as happy.

This got me thinking. The little black dress (LBD) and Goodwill really do have a lot in common…

LBD: A classic that never goes out of style.

Goodwill: Has been around over 100 years and isn’t going anywhere – Goodwill is a classic too.

LBD: Offers a clean slate so I can go wild with whichever accessories are striking my mood in the moment.

Goodwill: By shopping at Goodwill my purchases help someone start anew – giving them a fresh start, a clean slate.

LBD: A staple item in my closet helping me go from day to night. A simple, sustainable piece to the puzzle that is my wardrobe.

Goodwill: A staple in our communities directing our donation to help reduce landfills and create jobs. A sustainable solution.

Find us on Instagram: @goodwillnne

Please join me and the Goodwill family this Thursday evening at the Second Annual Little Black Dress Event and let’s find out what we have in common. Mingle over live music and a fashion show, shop our curated thrift boutique, bid on live and silent auctions – all for a great cause. Together we will create sustainable support for the objectives of Goodwill’s Veteran Emergency Response Fund that will address veterans’ immediate needs and connect them to community resources.

Put on your favorite LBD, or come as you are, and help us fill the gap and meet the needs of Maine’s veterans and their families.

Public Policy Update – April 17, 2013

Anne Nadzo — Wed, 17 Apr 2013 19:17:58 +0000

Little Black Dress Event

This year the proceeds of Goodwill’s Evening of the Little Black Dress will help GoodwillNNE meet the needs of veterans and their families. Through our portfolio of services, GoodwillNNE is committed to working with families to meet their immediate needs and assist veterans in finding their new place in the community.

April is Autism Awareness Month

Autism now affects 1 in 88 children and is considered the fastest-growing serious developmental disability in the U.S. Last year, GoodwillNNE provided services to approximately 81 clients diagnosed with autism. Of the many things being learned about autism every day, GoodwillNNE knows that early, comprehensive intervention is critical. GoodwillNNE strives to provide the highest quality services for all people with autism so they have the opportunity to live with limited barriers.

Did You Know?

162 people with intellectual disabilities participated in GoodwillNNE’s LifeWorks community-based day services, with 93% of their key goals achieved and 100% satisfaction with their services.

Employment First

Maine Senate President Justin Alfond has introduced LD 1352, a bill which would establish the national initiative, Employment First in Maine. Employment First would establish community-based, integrated employment as the first and preferred service or support option for youth and adults with significant disabilities. The bill does not just advocate for employment but helps facilitate the acquisition of employment. GoodwillNNE supports this bill and the Public Policy Team will keep you updated on its progress.

For more information or any questions about GoodwillNNE’s public policy and advocacy efforts, please contact Rich Cantz or Anne Nadzo.