With the holiday season just around the corner, it is important to know more about whom you are donating too. We encourage you to do your research! If you are unsure about whom you are benefiting, contact the organization to learn more about it and always ask questions! There are plenty of options that benefit those in need! Click here to read more in our 2016 holiday article.
It was our pleasure to host 20 young engineers!
This year, Horizon Goodwill Industries was proud to host 20 young girls exploring their opportunities in engineering fields! Through our partnership with Source America, we were able to offer the girls the challenge of our ecommerce website. The girls worked together and did not disappoint! We are so proud of them! Want to read more? Click here
Hard Work Pays Off for Jason
Written by Brooke Grossman, Associate Director of Workforce Development & Catharine Fleming, Chief Mission Officer
I first met Jason in February 2017 when he was sentenced to participate in the Washington County Day Reporting Center (DRC). Washington County Sheriff’s Office’s Day Reporting Center is alternative to incarceration: an on-site, nonresidential program designed to change participant’s thinking patterns and attitudes, improve job skills, find employment and/or keep that job. This was the beginning of a long and (I suspect) scary journey for Jason. He was being thrust into a world that he was not familiar to him – Jason had always survived on his own and had little to no support system at home. Now, at the DRC, he was being asked to participate in groups, work with case managers, share his feelings, make a plan, and be an active participant in his recovery.
For many, such an ask would be overwhelming, but not for Jason! He accepted the challenge with a smile on his face and a pep in his step. Faced with homelessness shortly after beginning services at the DRC, Jason embraced his support network and moved into a sober living home with Ladders for Leaders. Jason attended our Goodwill’s Get-Onboard! class that we host right at the DRC and then he transitioned to our paid work training program at the Main Goodwill campus on Pennsylvania Avenue. While he was in paid work training, Jason continued to meet his programmatic expectations at the DRC and remain active in his recovery. And, he didn’t stop there.
In June 2017, Jason participated in and completed our Goodwill forklift certification class. This class was the final piece of the puzzle that Jason needed to obtain full time competitive employment. Jason was hired by the National Golden Tissue Company as an overnight forklift driver in their warehouse on Longmeadow Road. It is a change in schedule – being up all night and still having to commit to program and training during the day – and those of us that are a part of Jason’s circle of support, well, we were excited and nervous for him at the same time.
Working at night and keeping his commitments to the DRC and his recovery during the day – we were worried. But not Jason! He sees this opportunity as offering him new found freedom and self-esteem – everything his team had hoped for and that he had worked for. Much like his first day at the DRC, Jason faced this next challenge with a smile on his face and a pep in his step. Since his first day on the job, Jason has excelled in his new position, while continuing to meet the program expectations. “You have to make the choice – you have to be really ready for the hard work or something like this and Goodwill – well, it just won’t work for you if you do not choose it. I’ve been here before, but didn’t see I needed to change. The DRC, Goodwill, my housemates and crew at Ladders for Leaders – I need them all. But, I finally chose this. For me, for my family, my child.”
Graduate of the Year
Here at Horizon Goodwill Industries, we focus on building up careers through our programs! We are so proud of our Graduate of the Year!
Updates on our new store and our Grand Opening!
Horizon Goodwill in Charles Town, West Virginia is moving. The old store will be closed as of July 19, 2017. The new store will have its grand opening July 28, 2017! The new address is 160 Patrick Henry Way. We are having a grand opening on the store with an open house from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm! Light refreshments will be served and a ribbon cutting held at 9:00 am hosted by the Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce. We will be raffling off a 32-inch television and some other items during the event! Come join the fun!!
Employer of the Year!
At Horizon Goodwill Industries, we strive to make differences in our community’s lives! Click to learn more about our Employer of the Year and the progress we are making in communities!