Top

Menu

Horizon Goodwill Industries

News

Horizon Goodwill & the Education Foundation of Washington County Public Schools Announce Results of Annual Spring Donation Drive

Horizon Goodwill & the Education Foundation of Washington County Public Schools Announce Results of the Annual Spring Donation Drive

EF WCPS Check Presentation(Hagerstown, Maryland, August 2023) Each spring, Horizon Goodwill Industries partners with the Education Foundation of Washington County Public Schools (EF/WCPS), and Washington County Public Schools (WCPS) to engage the community in a donation drive to raise funds for the EF WCPS.

This year, Middletown Valley Bank stepped in to sponsor the Goodwill Cup. They donated $1,500 to be split between the top collecting elementary, middle, and high schools.

The “Spring into Education Clothing Drive” resulted in the collection of 23,568 pounds of donations. Each of the 50 schools throughout Washington County (including the Center for Education Services – CES) participated. Donation bins were provided to all the schools by Horizon Goodwill. Students, parents, teachers, and administrators were then challenged to fill them. The donation competition was so intense that many schools had to have additional bins delivered due to the high volume of participation.

At the close of the collection period, the three schools that collected the most donations per student were Cascade Elementary, Clear Spring Middle School, and Williamsport High School. Each of those schools was awarded the Goodwill Cup and $500 from Middletown Valley Bank. Special recognition was given to Autumn Slick from Williamsport High School, who donated 760 items! Through this effort, Horizon Goodwill was able to generate over $9,124.80 for the Education Foundation of WCPS – a dramatic increase from $5,240 in 2022.

Sheila Evers, Executive Director of the Foundation, said, “We cannot thank Horizon Goodwill & Middletown Valley Bank enough for their collaborative sprint and the outreach to support education in Washington County. This was a colossal effort, with over 50 schools participating. Thank you for all your hard work and the support of WCPS students. We can’t wait to see what schools will win next year’s Goodwill Cup!”

Horizon Goodwill President/CEO David Shuster added, “We are glad to see this partnership continue to grow and are thankful for the Goodwill Cup prize funding contributed this year by Middletown Valley Bank. It is great to see the increased support of each school community since this initiative began, all of which helps the Education Foundation provide funds that help improve educational outcomes for students of WCPS.”

The Education Foundation of Washington County Public Schools (EF/WCPS), Washington County Public Schools (WCPS), Middletown Valley Bank, and Horizon Goodwill Industries would like to thank everyone who supported this collection by making donations.

Filed Under: News

_________________

About Horizon Goodwill: Horizon Goodwill Industries, whose mission is “Removing Barriers, Creating Opportunities,” is a non-profit social enterprise dedicated to ensuring that all people have access to sustaining and meaningful employment. Ninety cents of every dollar earned by Horizon Goodwill is invested in putting people to work and strengthening communities across a 17-county region throughout Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia. For more information, please visit https://www.horizongoodwill.org. For media inquiries, contact Craig Foster, Marketing and Public Relations Manager at 301-733-7330 x1630 or cfoster@goodwill-hgi.org.

About the Education Foundation of WCPS: The Education Foundation of WCPS was incorporated in 2009 as the “WCPS Education Foundation” to respond to the local need for increased community involvement and support for public education. The foundation’s Board of Directors is comprised of parents, business and civic leaders, as well as WCPS staff. Each year the Education Foundation awards thousands of dollars in Innovative Grants to WCPS educators. The Education Foundation of WCPS Financial Literacy and Super Reader programs support established classroom curricula. For more information visit www.educationfoundationofwcps.org. For media inquiries, contact Sheila Evers, Executive Director at 301-766-2925 or visit execdirector@educationfoundationofwcps.org

About Middletown Valley Bank: Since 1908, Middletown Valley Bank has been the cornerstone for our customers’ financial planning, residents and businesses alike. Though many advances of the 21st century have made the financial world more competitive, Middletown Valley Bank continues to provide the flexibility and responsiveness only a true community bank can offer. Our exceptional customer service combined with state-of-the-art technology, provides our customers with the best banking experience. For more information, visit https://mvbbank.com.

Horizon Goodwill Honored with National Award for Exceptional Employee Health Program

Health Plan Hero AwardHAGERSTOWN, Md. — Horizon Goodwill Industries today received the 2023 Health Plan Hero award in a ceremony held in Washington, D.C. Horizon Goodwill leadership was recognized for its outstanding employer-sponsored health program by national healthcare industry professionals.

David Shuster, President and CEO of Horizon Goodwill Industries, was honored alongside ten other winning businesses and participated in expert round table discussions with employees, human resource representatives, patient advocates, CEOs, and healthcare benefit design experts in Washington.

The program, developed by the national non-profit organization Patients Rising, recognizes companies with innovative health plans that expand patient access to care, lower out-of-pocket costs, lower employer spending, and are competitive due to increased workforce health, productivity, and savings. Horizon Goodwill was recognized for its health plan that created an open-access network, added direct primary care, and redesigned its pharmacy cost containment program while still reducing per-employee annual spend by 26%.

“We appreciate being recognized with the Health Plan Hero award for our efforts to provide improved access to quality care while controlling costs for the organization and our employees,” said Shuster. “Our mission at Horizon Goodwill Industries is “removing barriers, creating opportunities” and with the support of EBS as our benefits advisor, we are committed to developing innovative strategies that holistically advance the health and wellness of our workforce. While uncomfortable at times, we are taking a ground-up approach to address the challenges with access and cost that has become the norm with our healthcare and insurance system.”

The award program was launched last year in response to nationwide increases in health coverage premiums and deductibles. Family premiums have increased by an average of 22% from 2015 to 2020, and deductibles for single-covered workers rose by 25% during that same time period.

“Horizon Goodwill and those honored today prove that it is possible to provide insurance that expands patient access to care while saving money for both employee and employer,” said Terry Wilcox, CEO of Patients Rising. “Employers are the biggest providers of health insurance in this country, and these companies show that by taking a hands-on approach to their health plans, they can not only save money but also provide more affordable, accessible care to their employees. This truly disrupts how healthcare is delivered and paid for in this country.”

More details on Horizon Goodwill’s Health Plan Hero award are available here.

About Patients Rising: Patients Rising is a non-profit organization serving patients and caregivers living with chronic or rare illnesses and disabilities. We work directly with these healthcare users in learning, seeking, and advocating for access to the care they need.

Horizon Goodwill Awards Mission Partner of Year to Employee Benefits Services

Horizon Goodwill Awards Mission Partner of Year to Employee Benefits Services

(Hagerstown, Maryland, May 2023) Employee Benefits Services was named “Mission Partner of the Year” at Horizon Goodwill Industries’ (HGI) 68th Annual Power of Work Awards. The event, held in Hagerstown on May 3, 2023, is scheduled annually to coincide with National Goodwill Week.

The Power of Work Awards recognizes HGI’s participants’ and community partners’ hard work, dedication, and mission support each year. These individuals and businesses embody the HGI Mission of Removing Barriers and Creating Opportunities for employment throughout their four-state territory.

This year, nearly 150 people were in attendance including local officials, program participants, staff, representatives from partnering organizations, and community members.

The Mission Partner of the Year award recognizes a business or organization that provides aid or has otherwise supported Horizon Goodwill in its efforts to assist individuals with overcoming barriers to employment, thereby helping Goodwill fulfill its mission.

Horizon Goodwill’s leadership team has committed to integrating their mission of removing barriers and creating opportunities into their daily business practices. This includes recognizing the need to support their employees with the same compassion and creativity used to support program participants. Like many of the individuals served by HGI’s mission team, access to affordable healthcare presents a challenge to its employees. Employee Benefits Services Solutions (EBS) was an early adopter of the mission integration philosophy and quickly helped HGI find affordable healthcare solutions that met their employees’ needs. EBS has been on the front lines advocating for HGI, removing barriers to access to quality care, and creating opportunities for HGI employees to manage their health while keeping overall program costs lower than more traditional solutions.

Ben Bohonowicz, Director of Client Services for EBS, stated “We are honored to be named Horizon Goodwill’s 2022 Mission Partner of The Year. This recognition means a lot to us, as we’ve long admired the incredible work this organization does to empower individuals and strengthen our community.”

“As a Mission Partner, we have had the privilege of collaborating with Horizon Goodwill on various healthcare initiatives that align with our shared goal of helping to improve better access to care, putting people first, and putting money back into members’ pockets.” He added.

Partnership creates pathway to life-changing career opportunities

Partnership creates pathway to life-changing career opportunities

Innovative pilot program provides job opportunities at Meritus Health

HAGERSTOWN, Md. – For people trying to change their quality of life, sometimes a pathway needs to be found. Meritus Health, Horizon Goodwill Industries, and Maryland Physicians Care have created that pathway to connect people with opportunities.

A team consisting of members representing Meritus Health, Horizon Goodwill Industries, and Maryland Physicians Care have crafted an innovative pilot program, Pathway to Healthcare, to path low/moderate income candidates directly into living wage positions in one of five identified divisions at Meritus. “We are honored to play a connecting role in this program to help support county residents and businesses,” said David Shuster, Ed.D., president and CEO of Horizon Goodwill Industries. “Through this program, we are able to directly improve the lives of the participants and strengthen the health system that serves the community. We see this as a very valuable initiative and are thrilled to be the lead sponsor,” said Jason Rottman, CEO of Maryland Physicians Care.

The concept is simple: Employment is offered in one of the numerous areas at Meritus Health. Maryland Physicians Care provides the administrative staff for program design and deployment. Training and development are provided by Horizon Goodwill Industries through the ‘Get Onboard!’ soft skills academy. Additionally, Maryland Physicians Care will cover program costs, including the candidates’ pre-employment training expenses, uniforms, and a potential bonus upon completion of the probationary period. “In fulfillment of our mission, Maryland Physicians Care is looking at factors beyond clinical care that affect our member’s health outcomes, and improving income stability is foundational to ensuring individuals have the resources and means to live healthy lives,” said Lorena de Leon, D.P.A., Sr. Director of Population Health, Maryland Physicians Care.

Once employment is underway, a probationary period begins. After six months of employment, Meritus Health reviews the employee’s performance and will offer support in furthering education and training in healthcare-specific roles. “Our health system and many industries need good, committed, and loyal workers. We are looking to the strengths that already exist within our own community and connecting them with the skills and training to develop them,” said Maulik Joshi, Dr.P.H., president and CEO of Meritus Health.

“In the current labor market, it is vital that we have community partners who are willing to take bold new approaches to recruit and retain employees. Creating training pathways that lead to living-wage employment opportunities for “hidden workers” is a win-win,” said Brooke Grossman, Horizon Goodwill Industries, chief mission officer.

The pilot has already taken off.

Hires have already been made following a job fair in September at Horizon Goodwill’s Human Services Building on North Prospect Street in downtown Hagerstown.

“This is just the beginning. Joshi said. “It’s not just a pathway to a job, this partnership provides an opportunity for a better life. And as the employer, it’s a great way to have a workforce representing our local community.”

Filed Under: News

_________________

About Horizon Goodwill: Horizon Goodwill Industries (HGI) is a future-focused nonprofit workforce development organization headquartered in Hagerstown, MD with responsibility 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 and creating opportunities 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

Meritus Health Donation to Horizon Goodwill Industries

Meritus Medical Center Donates Equipment to Horizon Goodwill Industries

(Hagerstown, Maryland, August 2022) Meritus Medical Center recently donated various floor cleaning equipment to Horizon Goodwill Industries (HGI) Business Services division. HGI is very grateful for the donation which will enable the various cleaning crews to be more efficient and perform more work across many of our contracts.

The Business Services division of HGI has been providing creative business solutions for private industry as well as local, state, and federal governments for more than 65 years. The Commercial Cleaning Solutions group employs over 120 people, cleaning over 1.9 million square feet of contracted building space daily. Our contracts include Federal, State, and private sector locations, some of which require security clearances. HGI is currently responsible for cleaning over 100 buildings at Fort Detrick, MD, including the base hospital, Child Development Center, Youth/Teen Center, and many offices.

Brandon Marks, Director of Business Services, said, “We are so grateful for the generosity displayed by Meritus. The addition of this equipment to our division will provide job training opportunities and upskilling for our teams. By learning the specialized skill of floor maintenance, our custodians will be able to earn higher wages and increase theIr quality of life.” Added Chris Austin, Environmental Services Manager for Meritus Health, “At Meritus Health, we are always looking for ways to partner with other local organizations that work to better the lives of others. It’s not just about the equipment, but the bigger picture is that the donations will impact the workers at Horizon Goodwill. It’s the people that matter to us.”

Filed Under: News

_________________

About Horizon Goodwill: Horizon Goodwill Industries, whose mission is “Removing Barriers, Creating Opportunities,” is a non-profit social enterprise dedicated to ensuring that all people have access to sustaining and meaningful employment. Ninety cents of every dollar earned by Horizon Goodwill is invested in putting people to work and strengthening communities across a 17-county region throughout Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia. For more information, please visit https://www.horizongoodwill.org. For media inquiries, contact Craig Foster, Marketing and Public Relations Manager at 301-733-7330 x1630 or cfoster@goodwill-hgi.org

Horizon Goodwill & the Education Foundation of Washington County Public Schools Conclude Spring Donation Drive

(Hagerstown, Maryland, June 2022) During the spring, Horizon Goodwill Industries partnered with the Ed Foundation of Washington County Public Schools (EF/WCPS), and Washington County Public Schools (WCPS) to engage the community in a donation drive to raise funds for the Education Foundation.

The “Spring into Education Clothing Drive” resulted in the collection of 9,166 pounds of donations. Each of the 50 schools in Washington County (including the Center for Education Services – CES) participated. Donation bins were provided to all the schools by Horizon Goodwill, and then the students, parents, teachers, and administrators were challenged to fill them. Many schools had to have additional bins delivered due to the high volume of participation.

At the close of the collection period, the three schools that collected the most were Old Forge Elementary, Hancock Middle-Senior High School, and Clear Spring High School. Each of those schools was awarded the Goodwill Cup. It should be noted that Old Forge Elementary was the overall winner with 684 pounds collected.

Through this effort, Horizon Goodwill was able to generate over $5,240 for the Education Foundation of WCPS. Sheila Evers, Executive Director of the foundation said “We cannot thank Horizon Goodwill enough for their collaborative sprint and the outreach to support education in Washington County. This was a colossal effort with over 50 schools participating. Thank you for all your hard work and support of WCPS students. We can’t wait to see what schools will win next year’s Goodwill Cup!”  Horizon Goodwill President/CEO David Shuster added “We are honored to have the opportunity to partner with our public school system and community on this initiative to raise funds that will support programs leading to improved educational outcomes for students of WCPS.”

The Education Foundation of Washington County Public Schools (EF/WCPS), Washington County Public Schools (WCPS), and Horizon Goodwill Industries would like to thank everyone who supported this collection by making donations.

Filed Under: News

_________________

About Horizon Goodwill: Horizon Goodwill Industries, whose mission is “Removing Barriers, Creating Opportunities,” is a non-profit social enterprise dedicated to ensuring that all people have access to sustaining and meaningful employment. Ninety cents of every dollar earned by Horizon Goodwill is invested in putting people to work and strengthening communities across a 17-county region throughout Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia. For more information, please visit https://www.horizongoodwill.org. For media inquiries, contact Craig Foster, Marketing and Public Relations Manager at 301-733-7330 x1630 or cfoster@goodwill-hgi.org

About the Education Foundation of WCPS: The Education Foundation of WCPS was incorporated in 2009 as the “WCPS Education Foundation” to respond to the local need for increased community involvement and support for public education. The foundation’s Board of Directors is comprised of parents, business and civic leaders as well as WCPS staff. Each year the Education Foundation awards thousands of dollars in Innovative Grants to WCPS educators. The Education Foundation of WCPS Financial Literacy and Super Reader programs support established classroom curricula. For more information visit www.educationfoundationofwcps.org. For media inquiries contact Sheila Evers, Executive Director at 301-766-2925 or visit execdirector@educationfoundationofwcps.org

Newsletter

Stay up-to-date with all of Goodwill Horizon news, events, and career opportunities via email.