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Horizon Goodwill Industries

Craig Foster

Earth Day is Everyday

Unless you’ve been under a rock for a year, you’ve probably noticed everything is getting expensive these days. We’re all paying more for food, gas, rent, and utilities– inflation is rearing its ugly head again and hitting us where it hurts. The one good thing about these tight times is that it often makes us rethink our priorities.

Do we really need that certain brand of hummus that only the fancy organic grocery store carries? Maybe it’s time to try and make it ourselves.

Do we really need to fill the SUV with a full tank? Maybe it’s time to carpool with a neighbor or walk a bit more where you can.

The same rethinking goes for the items we need for everyday living– things like clothes, housewares, entertainment, and decor. And saving money on lightly used items to help the earth is where Goodwill has been excelling for years.

If you want to find some good summer reads, I guarantee it’ll be cheaper to find a paperback copy at Goodwill than ordering online, or downloading the audio version. That way you can get your beach day books without breaking the bank.

Find yourself ready for a spring home refresh? Goodwill’s got you– for a fraction of those online housewares websites. You’ll help the earth, too by preventing all the plastic packaging, supply-chain delays, and the fuel it would’ve taken to transport it to you.  And I promise you, you’ll be surprised by what you find at your local Goodwill since I promise you, you’re not the only one in spring-refresh mode. And if you’re up for a little paint or reupholstery work, a little elbow grease goes a long way!

Still not convinced?

Well, some of you might be going back to offices soon, as things start to pivot back to normal, but I’ve got $10 that says most of your old career wear isn’t too comfy anymore. Goodwill to the rescue – with lots of great office lewks with prices that won’t make you miss the days of working in your pajamas.  (Pssst! Carpool into work for that extra Earth Day bonus – and save money and the Earth – twice!)

Let’s hope that the inflation rates go down soon, but in the meantime, pick up some Earth Day-friendly habits that can continue to save you –and the Earth, no matter what the stock market does.

by: Jenna Pfueller 

 

Shopping At Goodwill Can Help You Do Your Part for the Planet

Municipal solid waste landfills, aka landfills that accept household trash, are the third-largest source of human-related methane emissions in the United States. In 2019, the United States alone accounted for more than 15% of these emissions – which have been proven to have a detrimental impact on warming temperatures across the globe. This Earth Week, it’s important to understand the truth in these statements, which can sometimes start to feel blanketed instead of something that directly influences our everyday lives. It’s also important to re-learn, or for many, learn for the first time how you can incorporate the ‘5 Rs’ reducing, reusing, recycling, repurposing, and reinvesting, into your life in a way that benefits both you and the environment.

Goodwill’s connection to a more equal, sustainable world has always been concrete. Goodwill is an environmental pioneer and social innovator when it comes to the ‘5 Rs’. When you think about it, that’s exactly what Goodwill’s stores are encouraging – a more sustainable, not to mention affordable, method of shopping that extends the life of usable items while diverting them from landfills. Not only does Goodwill make a direct impact on the community – where the stores provide jobs and job training to those in need, but it also makes a positive impact on the planet.

Shopping at Goodwill is always a win-win for me for these reasons. I know I’ll be able to walk away with some awesome pieces for a fraction of retail prices, and that by buying them second hand, I’m signaling to big fast fashion companies (who I haven’t shopped at now in years) that I’m one less person here for that demand. The importance of shopping smarter and more sustainably was something that really hit home for me this spring, as the truth of our environmental crisis really started to sink in.

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For me – it was knowing it was time to revamp my springtime wardrobe, which would need to include at least one more pair of wide-leg jeans. We all know they’re the new style now, and totally different than the skinny jean and even jegging era which we’ve been in for so long. I knew it might be easier for me to go onto a department store website and filter for exactly what I was looking for. I also knew that not only would it cost more, but the carbon footprint I would be creating via emissions from shipping (and likely returning whatever didn’t fit) wouldn’t be worth it. Especially not when I knew I had a good chance of finding what I needed at my local Goodwill.

So, I picked a warm spring-like day to walk about a mile away to my closest Goodwill store and started searching through the racks for what would become one of the most important staples in my closet. It wasn’t long before I made the ultimate score – a pair of high-waisted Mother denim wide-leg jeans in my size! What are the chances?! Not only were the jeans exactly what I was looking for, but they were a steal for $14.99. At retail price, they’re listed as $248… plus tax, plus shipping.

There’s always another way to do something. Becoming a more conscious citizen of this beautiful planet we live on is one step that will help you start to see these opportunities as they appear in your life. Whether you choose to eat less meat, shop more sustainably, or take something on that might be a little bit of extra work, but with a big payoff in the long run, know that your decisions make a difference. Shopping second-hand is something that’s not only fun but also very rewarding. Whether I’m thrifting my new favorite pair of jeans (yay!) or making the decision to thrift a cloud-soft cashmere sweater with a tiny hold on the neck because I’m willing to take the five minutes to get out a needle and thread and repair it, I know that these choices are not only giving me a wardrobe upgrade, but they’re getting me involved in the bigger picture – delaying these items from landfills where we know they’ll contribute to pollution.

If shopping-second hand can help our beautiful Earth get back to health, count me in!

by: Felicia Czochanski

 

Empowerment Through Financial Literacy

Financial literacy is empowering. It reduces financial stress and aids in achieving your aspirations.

Financial literacy may seem complicated, but when you break it down, it’s all about planning for the future by using the following actions: earn, budget, save, invest, borrow, and protect. 

Before you can manage your finances, you must understand the money you’re earning by calculating your monthly net income. Write down your monthly salary. If these vary, calculate the average monthly income you receive. From there, deduct all your fixed monthly expenses. Knowing your monthly net income will help you understand how much you can spend and save for the future. 

Although it may seem like a nuisance, budgeting is one of the most powerful financial skills to have. A common budgeting tactic is the 50-30-20 rule. This rule of thumb is a simple way to instill positive money habits, as it requires 50% of your income to go towards needs, 30% towards wants, and 20% towards savings and paying off debt. No matter your income, budgeting effectively allows you to achieve your financial goals.

Everyone knows saving is important. However, it can be hard to save if you don’t know what you’re saving for. Set clear financial goals so that you have something to work towards. There’s nothing more empowering than working towards and achieving your dreams. For example, if your goal is to buy a home, figure out how much house you can afford. Once you understand this, you can assess where you stand and create an achievable action plan. 

Setting aside money to save is great, but if you want to see your money grow, it’s important to invest. Rather than keeping your money in an account that earns less interest than inflation rates, you can earn greater returns by investing. The amount you invest depends on your situation, but never invest more than you can afford. There are various ways to invest for the short and long-term. Regardless of how you invest, it’s important to start early, as time is your best friend. 

To increase or maintain a healthy credit score, you must borrow. This could be in the form of a credit card or loan. From interest rates to job opportunities, credit score has a great impact on life. Having a healthy score lets you qualify for better interest rates, which can save massive amounts of money in the long run. 

Lastly, protect yourself from identity theft and fraud. Scammers and hackers will go the extra mile to steal your information for their own financial gain. Safeguard yourself by monitoring your bank statements, transaction history, and credit report. 

Financial literacy and empowerment go hand-in-hand. Having even a basic understanding will increase your financial security, enable you to pursue your goals, and help you become a wise decision-maker. Money can be a complex topic, but by understanding financial literacy, you can achieve any goal you set. 

For more information, Goodwill offers training and certifications in budgeting and personal finance.

by Craig Foster, Marketing & PR Manager

Jennifer is Thankful for the Opportunity to Prove Herself Again

by Christopher Six, Media Marketing AssistantJennifer Shoap

Jennifer knows a thing or two about overcoming addiction. More than once, she has recognized it in herself and used that as motivation to make a change. Now 10 months sober, it’s Horizon Goodwill she credits with giving her the opportunity to get her life back on track.

“I’ve struggled with addiction on and off all my life. I’ve pretty much got myself finally free from that, I believe,” she said in a recent interview. “I rebuilt my life. At one point I didn’t have an apartment, job, or a car and I have gained all that back from myself.”

The Cumberland native didn’t have the easiest of childhoods, her mother suffered from schizophrenia. Despite the difficulties at home, however, she graduated from high school, marrying in her senior year.

“Somehow, I managed to do that. I don’t know how, but I did,” she explains. “I got married in high school. That was pretty much another downhill for 20 years.”

While others pursued their post-high school dreams, Jennifer’s goal was to take care of her family.

“I became pregnant a year and a half after the marriage. We just started the family, and I pretty much was home with the kids while he worked,” she said.

Drugs became a form of self-medication.

“In my 30s, there was cocaine and prescription drugs. I’ve been free from that for 13 years,” she explains, saying it was ending up in jail that was the final straw. “That was just jail — it was the county, but it was long enough.”

It was that same self-awareness that led her to seek treatment for alcohol addiction. That meant stops at the Massie Unit, an addictions treatment facility for adults, and the Allegany House, which helps individuals re-adjust to society without dependence on substances.

Through all her struggles with addiction, she has had the self-realization to change the path she was on.

“When it came to the alcohol last year, I just knew I was a wreck and I had to go get it under control. I put myself in the Massie Unit, then I went to the Allegheny House for further treatment,” she said.

It was that decision to seek treatment that ultimately introduced her to Horizon Goodwill.

“I met a couple of goodwill employees while I was there. They became my case managers and helped me through,” she said.

Jennifer worked a training period at the La Vale Goodwill location. The work helped her get back on her feet, including giving her the ability to move into her own place.

“It was a fantastic experience. I’m grateful for the opportunity, it got me back into the workforce,” she said, something she couldn’t find elsewhere. “Because honestly, through all of that, I had charges, so I couldn’t get nobody to hire me whatsoever because of that open case. Finding employment was really hard for me.”

Those charges were later dismissed and thrown out, she explained, but “that didn’t take away from a year I couldn’t get a job because of it.”

Her training at Goodwill gave her a foundation to build on. Now she is an inspector at Berry Global, a local plastics fabrication firm. Plus, she can spend time focusing on her four adult children.

“Boy, girl, boy, girl. I have two generations of kids. My first two are in the 30s and the second two are 21 and 18 now,” she said.

And now, there is a grandson, too.

“Right now, what I am looking forward to, is taking my children to the beach this summer. That’s my biggest goal other than getting my transportation back. Just continuing to get back the things I lost,” she said.

All are goals that may not have been possible If she hadn’t the strength to recognize the pattern of addiction and sought the treatment that introduced her to her case managers at Horizon Goodwill.

“I’m just thankful and grateful for Horizon Goodwill for giving me the opportunity to start proving myself again,” she said.

2022 Power of Work Awards

Power of Work Banner

67th Annual Power of Work Awards

Wednesday, May 4th, 2022

This year’s awards event is going to be a little different. Instead of a sit-down dinner in a sea of tables, we’ll invite you to experience how we are More Than Just A Store!

Each year, our Awards Program recognizes the hard work, dedication, and mission support of our clients and partners in the community. These individuals and businesses embody our mission of
removing barriers and creating opportunities for employment throughout our four-state territory. We hope that you will consider sponsoring this day of recognition. Thank you!

TITLE SPONSORSHIP $3,000.00 (SOLD!)

  • Most prominent Corporate Logo Placements on all Promotional Materials, Advertising, and highlighted
    on Social Media
  • Company banner placed outside of the building during the event and for one (1) week following the event.
  •  Recognition at the Power of Work Awards as the Title Sponsor.
  • Recognition during Award and Recipient Video Presentation during Power of Work Awards.
  • Acknowledgment as the Title sponsor in the Power of Work Awards Program.

PLATINUM SPONSORSHIP $2,000.00

  • Corporate Logo Placements on all Promotional Materials, Advertising, and highlighted on Social Media.
  • Your company banner will be placed outside the building during the event.
  • Recognition at the Power of Work Awards as a Platinum sponsor.
  • Recognition during Award and Recipient Video Presentation during Power of Work Awards.
  • Acknowledgment as a Platinum sponsor in the Power of Work Awards Program.

GOLD SPONSORSHIP $1,000.00

  • Corporate Logo Placements on all Promotional Materials, Advertising, and highlighted on Social Media.
  • Your Company logo was placed on a banner outside the building during the event.
  • Recognition during Award and Recipient Video Presentation during Power of Work Awards.
  • Acknowledgment as a Gold sponsor in the Power of Work Awards Program.

SILVER SPONSORSHIP $500.00

  • Corporate Logo Placements on all Promotional Materials, Advertising, and highlighted on Social Media.
  • Acknowledgment as a Silver sponsor in the Power of Work Awards Program.

BRONZE SPONSORSHIP $250.00

  • Sponsorship Recognition.
  • Acknowledgment as a Bronze sponsor in the Power of Work Awards Program.

To pay by credit card, please click the button located below to reach our financial donation page. Use the ‘custom amount’ option and put your sponsorship level in the comments field.

* For more information on these sponsorship opportunities or Horizon Goodwill Industries and its Mission in the Community, don’t hesitate to contact Amanda Rossen at arossen@goodwill-hgi.org or call 301-988-0501.

 

Horizon Goodwill & Meritus Health Obtain Grant for Downtown Hagerstown ‘Health Hub’

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

(Hagerstown, Maryland, February 2022) Horizon Goodwill Industries in partnership with Meritus Medical Center are among nine grantees selected to receive funds from the Maryland Community Health Resources Commission’s “Pathways to Health Equity” program.

The $925,000 two-year grant allows for opening a primary care office at Horizon Goodwill Industries’ downtown Hagerstown location at 200 N. Prospect Street. Meritus Medical Center will provide a full-time nurse practitioner to staff the site and mental health case management staff will be provided by Horizon Goodwill. Patients will not be turned away based upon insurance status; they will be seen and then connected to a health care navigator from AHEC West to assist them in becoming insured. This project will be known as the Hagerstown Health HUB and co-located with the full-service grocery store HGI is opening.

“Access to care is essential to the quality of care. We are proud to partner with Horizon Goodwill to improve access to care for many of our neighbors, helping to reduce disparities in care.” said Doug Spotts, Chief Health Officer, Meritus Health.

This facility will be able to help address many of the existing healthcare issues facing residents of the Hagerstown core. Recent surveys show that 10.4% of city residents in the 21740 zip code do not have health insurance and are turned away from traditional healthcare facilities. Existing data also highlights that there were about 1100 visitors to the Emergency Department at Meritus and users of that facility responded that it was “extremely difficult” for them to have their needs met.

David Shuster, President, and CEO of Horizon Goodwill explained that “Receipt of this funding from the MD CHRC supports another positive step forward on the journey to restore access to critical services for City residents by bringing the services closer to the people who need them most. We, along with Meritus Health and AHEC West, recognize the importance of addressing these issues in order to help foster a healthier, vibrant, and thriving community.”

Ron Bowers, HGI Board Chairman added “The inclusion of this type of service in the upcoming grocery still will provide a one-stop visit for food, sundries, and health care services.” He highlights that “The continued determination of the HGI Board of Directors was integral to the addition of this service for the community”.

AHEC Executive Director, Susan Stewart stated “AHEC West understands how important this health hub will be for the residents of Hagerstown and are quite excited to be a part of it by providing English and Spanish language health insurance navigator services.”

“This project is further investment from Horizon Goodwill to provide equitable access to vital resources to residents of the Core of Hagerstown. Rapid assess to primary care coupled with health care navigation, nutritional education, care coordination, and case management creates a one-stop environment to empower City residents to take control of their health,” stated Chief Mission Officer Brooke Grossman

The Hagerstown Health Hub will be located adjacent to the previously announced grocery store at the Horizon Goodwill Industries building in downtown Hagerstown. It will be in a separate location within the same building. Construction on the full project is anticipated to begin in later summer 2022.

Filed Under: News

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About Horizon Goodwill: Horizon Goodwill Industries (HGI) is a future-focused nonprofit workforce development organization headquartered in Hagerstown, MD, responsible for serving communities in 17 counties across MD, PA, WV, and VA. Operating numerous social enterprises and human services programs, HGI helps thousands of individuals each year pursue economic mobility through its mission of removing barriers to social mobility for meaningful and sustainable employment. Through this work, Goodwill is committed to advancing equitable opportunities for employment and environmental, social, and economic sustainability. Learn more at www.horizongoodwill.org. For media inquiries, contact Craig Foster, Marketing and Public Relations Manager, at 301-733-7330 x1630 or cfoster@goodwill-hgi.org

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