Horizon Goodwill Industries is excited to announce the launch of a new youth gardening initiative through the HGI Adolescent Clubhouse, made possible by a $10,000 grant from the Washington County Health Department.
The grant funded the construction of raised garden beds and the purchase of supplies to teach youth the fundamentals of urban gardening, healthy eating, and sustainable living. The hands-on program will be implemented at the Adolescent Clubhouse located at 200 N Prospect Street and is designed to engage youth in learning how to grow food while developing responsibility, teamwork, and environmental awareness. The project supports broader public health goals around nutrition, mental wellness, and healthy lifestyle habits, aligning with Horizon Goodwill’s ongoing mission to remove barriers and build stronger, more resilient communities.
“A garden is the perfect addition to the Adolescent Clubhouse as we work to foster an environment where youth and young adult participants continue to develop healthy living habits.” Said Brooke Grossman, Chief Mission Officer for Horizon Goodwill Industries. “We are thankful to the Washington County Health Department for the funding to pilot this project and our friends at Harlem Grown for sharing their expertise with us as we being this journey.”
In July, the staff from the Adolescent Clubhouse traveled to Harlem, NY to gain inspiration and knowledge on urban gardening and community development. The founder, Tony Hillery, took the HGI team on a tour of their educational gardens, mobile teaching kitchen and child-care centers. Founded in 2011, Harlem Grown is an independent, non-profit organization whose mission is to inspire youth to lead healthy and ambitious lives through mentorship and hands-on education in urban farming, sustainability, and nutrition.
The Horizon Goodwill Adolescent Clubhouse provides a safe, substance-free environment for youth ages 10-16 offering programs that promote positive decision-making, peer connection, and life skills. The gardening initiative will become part of the Clubhouse’s regular programming.
[Hagerstown, January 15, 2024] – Horizon Goodwill Industries (HGI), a leading non-profit organization committed to community development and empowerment, proudly announces the promotion of Steve Bledsoe to the position of Chief Financial Officer (CFO). Steve previously served as the Controller and brings over 35 years of valuable experience in accounting and finance to his new role.
Debra Carbaugh, a seasoned professional with an impressive 19-year tenure at HGI, has been appointed Chief of Staff and Assistant VP of Strategic Initiatives. In her previous role as Director of Training and Development, Debra demonstrated reliable leadership and her years of dedication to the organization bring unparalleled experience to the position. Leveraging that experience alongside a deep understanding of the local community and broader Goodwill network, Debra will now play a crucial role in supporting Board of Directors activities, leading strategic initiatives, and extending executive-level capacity.
Tammy Elrick, who started at HGI in 2016 as a Vocational Case Manager, has been promoted to the position of Interim Director of Training and Development. Tammy has served the last two years as a Workforce Development Instructor, playing a pivotal role in shaping the skills and capabilities of HGI’s workforce. Her hands-on experience not only showcases her commitment to the organization’s mission but also positions her uniquely to lead the Training and Development department.
Additionally, we are pleased to announce the promotion of Kenneth Winebrenner to the role of Interim Director of Human Resources. Kenneth, who joined HGI as an Employment Specialist in 2016, brings valuable experience within the organization. He has consistently demonstrated a commitment to fostering a positive and inclusive workplace culture.
Congratulations to David Shuster on becoming our CEO! He has proven great leadership not only in his time as a interim chief executive officer, but as director of operations and compliance for Horizon Goodwill since February 2016. You can read more about this