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Goodwill Industries, Inc.Serving Eastern Nebraska

& Southwest IowaGoodwillOmaha.org

July2014

YouthBuild Hits The High Ropes

Read about the great trust and support it takes for

a team to climb to great heights!

page 7

en Hale, Business Outreach Coordinator here. I want to tell you all about this year’s Summer Youth

Employment Program. But first, I’d like to answer a question I get a lot:

“What is WIA anyway?” WIA stands for Workforce Investment

Act. The Workforce Investment Act is the nation’s primary workforce development legislation, providing funds to address the employment and training needs of adults, dislocated workers and youth.

According to Catherine Lang, Nebraska Department of Economic Development, “Nebraska’s economic growth is dependent on a strong workforce. Strengthening our workforce

J

Partnership:SUMMER YOUTH

EMPLOYMENTby Jen Hale

continued on page 8

The Website Gets A New Look:

See the new and improved www.goodwillomaha.org!

It’s a fresh look and now more user-friendly.

page 11

Summer youth participants learn about entrepreneurship taught by the UNL Extension Office.

2

new employeesMay 2014

Akpene Sika Clothing Proc/Hanger I 156th & Maple

Allison Guenette Clothing Proc/Hanger I South Papio

Amanda Stoj Retail Sales Associate II 78th & Dodge

Annetter Jones Retail Sales Associate II Bellevue

Billie Brooks Coffee House Barista Coffee House

Cerria Jelks Clothing Proc/Hanger I 72nd & F

Charles Hermida Donation Door Attendant Southwest

Cherish Fox Donation Door Attendant Southwest

Cheryl Berry Clothing Proc/Hanger I 78th & Dodge

Chloe Woods Retail Sales Associate II Southwest

Ciara Watson Reserve Rep I Reserve99

Dakota Pierce Wearhouse Associate 72nd & F

Donald Rudebush Donation Door Attendant Southwest

Emely Karakatsanis Donation Door Attendant Benson Park Store

NEW HIRES

The Clothes Line PUBLISHER: Frank McGreeEDITOR IN CHIEF: Rita Hamele CrumMANAGING EDITOR: Ann Bailey STAFF Writers: Brent Koster, Elizabeth Donner, Kris Pachunka, Rebecca Armstrong and Erin Swanson RussellFAN CLUB PRESIDENT: Chad Kooiker

The Clothes Line is published monthly and is available at each Town Hall meeting. If you are unable to attend Town Hall, you may also find copies in the Marketing area at BPP, or request to have a copy delivered to you by calling 402.231.1912.

You may also find Clothes Line articles and full-issue digital downloads on the Goodwill Omaha website at http://www.goodwillomaha.org/publications.

WELCOME! Below is a list of all new employees that joined Goodwill in May. Please say hello and make them feel welcome as they begin their new positions with Goodwill.

JULY 2014

3

Heather Antrim Wearhouse Associate 72nd & F

Irma Rosa de Ojeda Clothing Proc/Hanger I South Papio

Jakob Parks Donation Door Attendant 180th & Q

Jonathan Nimmo Wearhouse Associate 72nd & F

Kathryn Edmonds Retail Sales Associate II Madison

Kevin Hurley Custodian Lincoln

Kyle Fountain Donation Door Attendant Southwest

Lacy Pruett Retail Sales Associate II Madison

Lice Vannoy Clothing Proc/Hanger I Southwest

Loretta Sampson Custodian Lincoln

Makayla Davis Clothing Proc/Hanger I Bellevue

Manuel Rondolon Donation Door Attendant Bellevue

Marjorie Mathiesen Clothing Proc/Hanger I Blair

Megan Auman Retail Sales Associate II Benson Park Store

Michael Basili Donation Door Attendant Bellevue

Michel'le McIntosh Clothing Proc/Hanger I Southwest

Patricia Zimmerman Retail Sales Associate II Gretna

Raymond Nichols Donation Door Attendant 156th & Maple

Rebecca Thomas Retail Sales Associate II 78th & Dodge

Robert Hladik Customer Connect Career Specialist Benson Park Plaza

Sherry Munk Clothing Proc/Hanger I South Papio

Tassanant Tankoon Clothing Proc/Hanger I Bellevue

Violeta Josefosky Clothing Proc/Hanger I Southwest

new employeeS CON,

T.May 2014

NEW HIRES

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ABOVE & BEYONDAlbert BuenoAmy BurkSusan DarnoldKermit DoolanChristine DoughertyBrett GulbrandsonLenora JacksonTaylor JohnsonJesse NelsonRebecca SeefusGabriela Uribe

Pakawan WilliamsErik Wondra

LIFESAVERSSteven AndrewsNahla DeghaidyThoma Moore-HilgenkampKris PachunkaStephanie Wheeler

AWARDS aplenty!May 2014

AWARDS aplenty!May 2014

Congratulations to Mitchell and the rest of the South Papillion staff! They ended 37.92% over budget

with $117,233 in sales in May!

MAY Store of the Month:

South Papillion!

AWARDS

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78th & Dodge rounded up 40.33% of their total transactions in the month of May, totalling $1,592.47. Great work!

ROUND IT UP FOR GOODWILL

$16,324.91to support Goodwill’s mission!

Excellent job retail! You have raised

ARPIL 7, 2014 - June 22, 2014

41,691 292,374Total of Round It Up Transactions Total Store Transactions

OUTOF

MAY AGENTS OF CHANGE WINNERS:

78th & Dodge

6

eteran employees are a huge asset to Goodwill as an

organization, and Federal Contracts employee Gary Campbell is one of the reasons why. Gary is an Air Force veteran who found Goodwill through Veteran’s Affairs in 2011 after his service had ended. Gary provides excellent customer service on the Postal contract, but he is an even better co-worker.

After coming to Goodwill, Gary was given devastating news – he had cancer. He often felt weak, and lived with very difficult side effects from treatment. But Gary persevered, and missed very little work. His strong work ethic carried him through tough times.

Last year, Gary had surgery to remove a cancerous tumor, and he required time off. But Gary didn’t lose his sense of pride in his work.

He stated that his goal was to return to work – and he did. Gary got stronger every day and set goals at work to become better than before he left for surgery.

According to Gary’s manager, Postal One Coordinator Jennifer

Gries, Gary possesses all the values that Goodwill looks for in an employee.

“He is loyal, dedicated, humble and kind in every interaction with customers and co-workers,” says Jennifer.

Gary exemplified his loyalty when another coworker found himself in the hospital. He felt great empathy for his friend, and visited the hospital to provide support. Gary knew how it felt to be stuck in a hospital bed. He wanted to lend a listening ear

and show his coworker how much his Goodwill team cared about him. He is truly an asset to Goodwill.

Gary was extremely surprised to win the employee of the month award at town hall.

“It came out of nowhere!” he said.

Gary says that he likes working at Goodwill.

“We are like family, very tight-knit. I think that, because we all have some sort of disability, we all stick together.”

When Gary isn’t working on the Postal contract, he can be found reading or spending time with his three granddaughters, ages five, seven, and four months.

Congratulations on your recovery and your May Employee- of - the - Month win, Gary!

Employee of the Month Gary Campbell takes a photo with Postal Supervisor Jennifer Gries after Town Hall in May..

Gary Campbell receives a round of applause after being announced the May Employee of the Month.

MAY EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTHby Rebecca Armstrong

V

EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTH

7

n June 6, YouthBuild Omaha staff and students participated in Outward Bound’s high ropes

course. This course is designed to increase trust in ones own abilities and other team members. The morning was spent participating in various “on the ground” team building exercises, safety training and of course the ropes course.

The high ropes are approximately 60 feet above the ground . YouthBuild-ers climbed the course and had to cross while completing various exer-cises.

The first exercise is to simply cross the first section without falling from the course. If anyone falls, the safety gear keeps them from harm. The task then becomes regaining footing and continuing to cross the ropes.

The second task is to work in a team of four and carry cups of water across the ropes without dropping or spilling.

The third and, for me, most challenging task, was to cross the ropes without holding onto the safety harness, while balancing your weight and the weight of your teammate with a non-secured length of rope.

We may not have completed all tasks in perfect form, but we did complete them all in true YouthBuild Omaha fashion. Everyone attending was pulled from their comfort zone and spent the day walking the fine line between personal learning and full-on panic. As with life, the most difficult step is often the first. In this case, the first step was from the platform suspended 60 feet above the ground onto a very unstable tight rope. I am very impressed and proud of those who participated in this event and can’t wait to see where the courage of our YouthBuild participants takes them in life.

3-2-1 YOUTHBUILD!

HIGH ROPES FOR YOUTHBUILD OMAHA by Tim Suelter

O

Above, the YouthBuilders participate in a team building exercise. From left to right: Eric Beason, Javier Nino, Jamil Smith, Frank Qualls and Vernon McMorris.

YouthBuilders climb high above the ground, learning to trust eachother for support.

Before the climbing could begin, students and staff had to participate in a safety training. From left to right: Kavanity Amerson, Brandi Johnson, Jamil Smith, Calvin Evans, Justin Harris and Alyssa Beebe.

YOUTHBUILD OMAHA

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is one of the best investments the state... ...can make.”

WIA programs do just that.The Youth Partnership

program provides training and support services for young adults ages 14 - 21 years of age. The program is dedicated to academic excellence and career preparation in the workplace. Youth Partnership helps young adults refine job skills and retain work.

The Summer Youth Employment program uses classroom activity and paid work experience to help participants accomplish their goals and provide meaningful, productive summer activities. Though youth are enrolled in ongoing programing throughout the year, the Summer Youth Employment program individualizes job coaching prior to their Work Experience jobs.

This year, the Summer Youth Employment participants completed the “Bring Your ‘A’ Game to Work” course, taught by Educational Specialist Brent Janzen. During the first week

of workshops, youth attended a job fair and were interviewed by human resource professionals from the following businesses: Embassy Suites Downtown, Florence Center, KB Building Services and New Cassel Retirement Center. The second week was facilitated by the University of Nebraska at Lincoln Extension Office, where courses

included Entrepreneurship & Seven Habits of Highly Effective Teens. During that time, the youth honed in on what it takes to be self-made and skills needed to succeed in life.

Work will begin on June 30 for 25 youth. They will begin at the following locations: Charles Drew Health Centers, Dundee Tailor & Boutique, Family Housing Advisory, Florence Center, Fox & Hound, Gentleman’s Choice Formal Wear, KB Building Solutions, Network Staffing Solutions, New Cassel Retirement Center, Sarpy Count Chamber of Commerce, and Goodwill (Retail, Commercial Services & Grounds Maintenance) to name a few.

The power of work has been the guiding force of our past, present and our future; we’d like to thank UNL and previously mentioned employers for their support!

Euwanda Jennings (left) and Kimberly Pickering (right) introduce the second portion of the workshop that coverd seven habits discussed in the book seen below.

Based on his father’s bestselling The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, Sean Covey applies the same principles to teens, using a vivacious, entertaining style.

SUMMER YOUTH EMPLOYMENTby Jen Hale

continued FROM page 1

YOUTH PARTNERSHIP

9EDUCATION & TRAINING

oodwill has been awarded a $3.97 million dollar grant through the State of Nebraska Department of

Health and Human Services to operate a wage subsidy program for four years, starting in August.

The program, GoodHire, will secure employment opportunities for recipients that participate in the welfare-to-work Employment First programs. Initially the employer will provide necessary training, guidance and direction to the participant and will be reimbursed by Goodwill for a

portion of the participant’s salary. At the end of this period, which can last up to six months, the employer is expected to retain the participant as a regular employee without receiving a subsidy. All jobs will be a minimum of 30 hours per week.

GoodHire is a statewide program and we have partnered with the three other Nebraska Goodwills for the project – with Goodwill Omaha being the lead agency. This grant will allow us to hire two Business Outreach Specialists who will create

job placements in the Omaha metropolitan area. GoodHire will work closely with the Employment First contractors for recruitment and referral of participants.

In addition to developing jobs, this project will provide job retention services to the program participants and the employers.

We are extremely excited about this opportunity to help individuals find employment!

GOODHIRE: PUTTING NEBRASKANS TO WORKby Elizabeth Donner

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MEET PHIL JOHNSONby Rita Crum

EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT

few months ago, I visited the employees working on our custodial

contract at Offutt Air Force Base. I received a personal tour from Project Manager Phil Johnson. I was there for most of the afternoon, visiting various federal buildings that Goodwill employees are responsible for cleaning. Phil was a fabulous tour guide and it was obvious he knew a great deal about the base and Goodwill’s involvement there. But behind that gregarious laugh you’d never know that Phil has had to overcome a hurdle or two to get where he’s at today.

It was seven years ago that Phil started working on Goodwill’s Postal 2 contract at Offutt. He was responsible for the incoming and outgoing mail of our military personnel. From screening packages to certifying letters, Phil was a wiz at it all! What many of his coworkers didn’t know was that he was a recovering alcoholic, and newly sober.

Phil had been drinking for most of his life. He had lost jobs, his house and family due to his

alcoholism. This went on for more than thirty years. He was homeless when his grandson was born. Phil was inspired to get his life back and admitted himself into a treatment facility.

Phil has come a long way, both personally and professionally, since he began his employment with Goodwill. Two years ago, Phil was promoted to Project Manager for the custodial contract at Offutt. He understands the hardships of living with barriers and gives his

employees the support and guidance they need to reach their goals and succeed in their work environment.

Last December, Goodwill nominated Phil for Source America’s

Evelyne Villainess National Award. Even though Phil did not win the national award, he was the recipient of the regional honor representing the Northwest area. This garnered him and his wife a free trip to the NISH National Convention in San Diego this past May, where he was recognized at an awards luncheon.

Just as I was getting ready to submit this story to Ann for the printers, I received a call from Phil who is on vacation this week. He wanted to inform me that after 33 years he was meeting his daughter for the first time. He was a ball of nerves and excitement all rolled into one. We chatted about all the good things that have happened to Phil since his recovery. And, the next good thing on the horizon after meeting his daughter? Meeting his four grandsons! Congratulations, Phil! Thank you for sharing your story and serving as an inspiration to others!

Phil and Kathy Johnson stop for a photo while attending the NISH National Convention in San Diego this past May where he was recognized at an awards luncheon.

A

Above is one of the few scenery photos that Phil was able to capture on his trip to San Diego.

11MARKETING UPDATE

oodwillomaha.org is getting a face lift! On June 27, the website was relaunched with many new features, as

well as a new look. The purpose behind this renovation is to update the overall visual design and to increase the ease of usability on multiple platforms of technology.

The new website has been under construction since February. Hours of research and countless meetings took place to ensure that the new site would support all departments of Goodwill, as well as being mobile friendly.

“Mobile friendly” simply means that when you visit the site from a mobile phone or tablet, the web page automatically resizes itself to fit that specific device. This takes away the hassle of the user having to pinch and swipe to get the content to be a size that is legible. Although the previous site would work on mobile devices, it took more time for the user to navigate pages.

A few new things to look out for: a new map to find retail locations, a quick search to find the specific details on any page, an easy way to make monetary donations; and better emphasizes on what our Education & Training department has to offer in programs and classes.

The map instantly shows our stores so a shopper can quickly navigate through a specific side of town.

A quick search bar provides ease in finding specific content throughout the site. For example, if I briefly heard about Customer Connect but did not know where

to find more info on the website, I would search Customer Connect and any page that mentions the program would then be listed for me to click through.

On the new donations page, you can easily find material donation locations or make a gift online. You can also find a detailed list of what materials we do and don’t accept at our store locations.

Through our Employment Services page, you can find out more details about each program, Heartland Workforce Solutions or even apply for a Goodwill job

online. Many of our customers know

us best for our retail stores. This new web page will help show the mission and program side of Goodwill, while keeping our shoppers happy with easy-to-find locations.

Please check out www.goodwillomaha.org and enjoy the new features. For any questions, comments or inquiries about the new website, please contact me, Ann Bailey, in Marketing at 402-231-1919 or abailey@goodwillomaha.org.

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GOODWILLOMAHA.ORG GETS A NEW LOOKby Ann Bailey

Above is the new look of the home page at www.goodwillomaha.org. The home page features a large clickable banner to feature events, programs or locations. You can also click on each image to see more details.

The new website has a new map feature, where customers can click and scroll through a map to see where our retail stores are, as well as what features they offer, i.e. Work Experience, Coffee House, etc.

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FREE LOCAL FAMILY FUNby Jen Hale

COMMUNITY EVENTS

ummer is here! See below to learn about just a few free events happening around town that can give you and the family something to do during this warm season. Learn a new skill, enjoy a new band, see a new movie! There’s options for all ages.

Kids Bowl Free -A nationwide program that provides FREE hours of entertainment all summer long for your kids! Register your children and they will receive two free games every day all summer!Find out more info at http://www.kidsbowlfree.com/.

Kids Skate Free - Offers free skating all year long. In Omaha, this includes SkateDaze! Passes valid for children 12 years old and younger. Register to begin receiving your skating passes!Find out more info at http://kidsskatefree.com/.

Family Fishing Events, by Nebraska Game & Parks -16 & under do not need a fishing license. No sign-up, or equipment needed, just bring yourself.

Sponsored by the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, look for the Family Fishing Trailer where loaner rods and reels, bait and fishing instruction are available free to participants. This is the perfect opportunity for people of all ages who have never been fishing or haven’t fished for years to learn.

• Thursday, July 10 in Papillion ~ Halleck Park/ 6-8 p.m.• Wednesday, July 23 in Omaha ~ Benson Park/ 6-8 p.m.. • Tuesday, August 12 in Papillion ~ Halleck Park/ 6-8 p.m.

Free Summer Concerts -

Saturdays at Stinson in Aksarben Village - Saturdays, May 3 – September 6, 7-10 p.m. - There will be food and drink vendors, face painting, and balloon artists. Kids can play in the fountain and on the playground equipment. Concerts are family-friendly. Be sure to bring your chair and/or blanket.

Sounds of Summer Concert Series at Shadow Lake Towne Center – Fridays, May 30 – August 22, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.

Live outdoor music at Bellevue Medical Center Amphitheatre - Kids can enjoy free face painting or balloon art each week, in addition to a special giveaway for each child during the concert. Blankets and chairs encouraged.

Vibes at Village Pointe Summer Concert Series – Saturdays, May 31 – August 23, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. - Live outdoor music at Alegent Creighton Health Amphitheatre. Natural seating areas available but chairs and blankets encouraged. Free face painting or balloon art for the kids.

Music in Bayliss Park in Council Bluffs - Wednesdays, June 4 – September 3, 6:30 – 8 p.m. Bring a lawn chair or blanket.

Music on the River at Tom Hanafan River’s Edge Park in Council Bluffs - Sundays, June 29 – August 24; 6:30 – 8 p.m. Bring a lawn chair or blanket.

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Free Summer Concerts (cont.) -

Bellevue Music in the Parks – Thursdays, June 5 to July 10, 7 p.m. Washington Park, 20th & Franklin Streets - Music in the Parks will be performed every Thursday evening at 7 p.m. Concerts are approximately one hour long.

La Vista Concerts & Movies – July 11 to August 8 - 7 p.m. - La Vista Public Library, 9110 Giles Road. • June 6 – Blue House followed by “Frozen”, 7 p.m.• July 11 – Punching Puppets followed by “Lone Ranger”, 7 p.m.• August 8 – Charm School Dropouts followed by “Gravity”, 7 p.m.

Friday Night Concerts in Rockbrook Village – Fridays, June 6 – August 29, 7 – 8 p.m. - Local musicians entertain families every Friday night throughout the summer. Bring a lawn chair and enjoy a delightful evening for the whole family.

Jazz on the Green at Midtown Crossing – Thursdays, July 10 – August 14, 7:30 p.m. - Park opens for seating at 5 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Free Parking.• Special events:

• July 17: Great Lakes Horizon Navy Band (The evening begins with a special appearance by the United States Navy Parachute Team at 5:45 p.m. and ends with a fireworks spectacular.) *Park will not open for seating until 6 p.m..• July 24: Conjunto Chappottin Y Sus Estrellas (Free salsa dance lessons will begin at 6:45 p.m.)• August 7: Sing, Sing, Swing Orchestra (Free swing dance lessons will begin at 6:45 p.m.)

Cox Music and Movies at Holland Center East Lawn – Fridays - July 11 to July 25 - 7:30 p.m.m - FREEEach Cox Music & Movies evening will feature a performance by an area band followed by a family-friendly film. Music begins at 7:30 p.m. and the film begins at dusk, or around 8:45 p.m., rain or shine. Grass seating is available and blankets and chairs are welcome. Concessions available. No outside food, drink or pets are permitted.

• Friday, July 11: Dani Cleveland and Friends, “Frozen”• Friday, July 18: Root Marm Chicken Farm Jug Band, “Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl”• Friday, July 25: The Electroliners, “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone”

Spraygrounds-The City of Omaha Parks and Recreation has six spraygrounds in the city. Hours are 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily, Memorial Day through Labor Day:

• Fontenelle Park Sprayground, 4405 Fontenelle Boulevard • Kountze Sprayground, 1920 Pinkney • Morton Park Sprayground, 41st & V Street • Orchard Park Sprayground, 66th and Hartman • Upland Sprayground, 3104 Jefferson Street • Westwood Heights Sprayground, 12334 Seldin Drive

Fremont has 2 Splash Pads:• Ronin Park – 17th and Somers Avenue• Miller Park – Jackson and “M” Streets

COMMUNITY EVENTS

FREE LOCAL FAMILY FUNby Jen Hale

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1 Julie Bell Southwest1 Cheryl Berry 78th & Dodge2 Lena Pflanz Madison2 Jerrell Stapleton Benson Park Store2 Jared Charles Blair3 Jeffrey Horner 156th & Maple4 Jim Metteer, Sr. 156th & Maple4 Stanley Callan Benson Park Plaza5 Marlene Mosher 156th & Maple5 Rashad Walker 156th & Maple6 Kris Pachunka Benson Park Plaza6 Myles Grefe Lincoln7 Benny Marks, IV Offutt7 Vicki Bacon 78th & Dodge7 Kelly Jepsen Gretna9 Robert May, Jr. Offutt10 Daniel Moore Stratcom11 Angel Diaz, Jr Offutt11 Alex Grady Lincoln11 William Eklund Offutt11 Jasmine Frierson 72nd & F11 Maggie Adle Fremont12 Robert Blake Offutt12 Conchita Tolles 72nd & F12 Michael Thompson Harris Center12 Vondre Caldwell Benson Park Store12 Andrew Sifers 180th & Q13 Helen Kneisel Gretna14 Ricky Moran Southwest15 Gloria Hernandez Papillion16 Matthew Estabrook Zorinsky16 Justice Jackson Harris Center16 Logan Hanson Offutt16 Matthew Jackson Madison

18 Samantha Malloy Ames Plaza18 Ann Bailey Benson Park Plaza19 Eldon Jones Lincoln20 Kianna Jones Benson Park Store20 Carlesha McCullough Benson Park Store20 Jonathan Guill South Papio22 Kimberly Streit 180th & Q22 Scott Kissel Madison23 Mary Marion Stratcom24 Courtney Bryson 78th & Dodge25 Ashley Studanski Blair26 Benigno Mercado Offutt26 Susan Darnold Bellevue27 Elizabeth Donner Benson Park Plaza27 Lillie Wilder Stratcom27 Lisa Ayala 156th & Maple27 Kayleigh Butler Benson Park Store27 Agnele Houndjoe Southwest28 Tessa Miller 72nd & F28 Jacob Perrigo South Papio28 Mark Mumaugh Offutt30 Connor Kramer South Papio31 Jayney Solotorovsky Benson Park Plaza31 Gary May 72nd & F31 Sabrena Henderson Harris Center31 Everett Wilkins Offutt31 Jakob Parks 180th & Q

happy birthday!July 2014

BIRTHDAYS

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YEARS OF SERVICEJuly 2014

25 Bobbie Tvrdik Benson Park Plaza

17 Kay Hilgenkamp 72nd & F

14 Gordon Scheet Benson Park Plaza

13 Aaron Kastl Lincoln

12 Holly Schwietz Benson Park Plaza

11 Lena Pflanz Madison

10 Nathaniel Andrews 72nd & F

10 Gerald Splear Lincoln

8 Brenda Harris Southwest

7 Pauli Bishop Benson Park Plaza

7 Angela Houser Fremont

7 Jacqualyn Nord Gretna

6 Anthony Pecoraro Zorinsky

5 Jennifer Rohr Benson Park Plaza

4 Lynn Clark 72nd & F

4 Zachary Davis Bellevue

4 Melanie Moyer 78th & Dodge

3 Gary Campbell Postal

3 Lora Howard Fremont

3 Samantha Janousek Benson Park Store

3 Thomas Moore-Hilgenkamp Fremont

3 Kendrick Ransom 72nd & F

3 Irmgard Uhlenkamp Stratcom

2 Pamela Bacon Blair

2 Nicholas Boyce Blair

2 Maurice Cole 72nd & F

2 Joshua Erickson Blair

2 Rockiyath Gbadamassi 180th & Q

2 Cathy Goldapp Blair

2 Alex Jones Blair

2 Victoria Lantz Blair

2 Keith Lee Blair

2 Andrew Livermore Blair

2 Maria Martinez Papillion

2 Danna Pickell Blair

2 Ronald Pieken Madison

2 Erin Swanson Russell Benson Park Plaza

2 Jennifer Salsbury Blair

2 Jayney Solotorovsky Benson Park Plaza

2 Ashley Studanski Blair

2 Patricia Sullivan Blair

2 Christopher Vacanti Offutt

2 Kaitlyn Washburn Papillion

1 Jeffrey Bailey 72nd & F

1 Jose Blanco-Castillo Papillion

1 Wendy Bowman 72nd & F

1 Robert Catrair 72nd & F

1 Logan Hanson Offutt

1 Tessa Miller 72nd & F

1 Kenneth Pollard 72nd & F

1 Bernadette Richey 72nd & F

1 Andrew Sifers 180th & Q

1 Everett Wilkins Offutt

Congratulations!ANNIVERSARIESThank you for your years of service, we look forward to many more!

16

Jen Hale (far right) and Jana Dye (middle) and family participated in The Buddy Run through the Down Syndrome Association for Jana’s nephew Pystol (with Jana above).

After surviving severe storms in Blair, the community pulls together for the Blair Days parade. Representing Goodwill from left to right, Keith Lee, Pam Bacon, Andrew Livermore, Narissa Boyce, Paul Kurtti, and Jeani Craft.

Work Experience Coordinator Holly Schwietz and Employment Coordinator Jenny Rohr hand out materials and speak with job seekers at the Community Coalition Career Fair. The career fair took place at Benson Park Plaza.

The gentlemen of the VA grounds crew gather for a picture. Top: L-R Ed Driscoll, Paul Fischbach, Bobby Lucero, Jr., Shane Adams, Don Kirschbaum. Bottom:L-R Chad Kookier, Kevin Brown, Ray Macias, Hal Perry

Grounds crew employee Ed Driscoll stands next to the statue that was recently put on display at the VA hospital at 42nd and Center streets.

YouthBuilder Darius Bell helps paint a portion of the new walls recently installed in the workshop at Benson Park Plaza. The YouthBuilders came together as a team to tackle painting this area.

WHAT'S HAPPENING

WHAT'S HAPPENING AROUND GOODWILL?

17

diversity calendarJuly 2014

DIVERSITY CALENDAR12Hanging employment barriers out to dry. 10Hanging employment barriers out to dry. 8

July 2009Multicultural Calendar Highlights

July 1 – Canada Day: Canada Known as Dominion Day until 1982, this day celebrates the confederation of upper and lower Canada into the Dominion of Canada in 1867. Republic Day: Ghana On this day in 1960, Ghana gained independence within the Commonwealth of Great Britain. SAR Establishment Day: Hong Kong Pursuant to an agreement signed by China and the United Kingdom on December 19, 1984, the United Kingdom handed sovereignty over Hong Kong back to the People’s Republic of China and Hong Kong became the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of China on July 1, 1997. In this agreement, China promised that, under its “one country, two systems” formula, China’s socialist economic system will not be imposed on Hong Kong and that Hong Kong will enjoy a high degree of autonomy in all matters except foreign and defense affairs for the next 50 years. July 4 – Philippine-American Friendship Day: Philippines This celebrates the day in 1946 that the United States granted independence to the Philippines after ruling it since 1905. Independence Day: United States This commemorates the day in 1776 that delegates of the Thirteen Colonies signed the Declaration of Independence announcing their separation from Great Britain and the establishment of the United States of America. July 5 – Independence Day: Algeria Ruled by the Ottoman Turks since the mid-sixteenth century and populated mainly by Arabs who introduced Islam as the country’s predominant religion, Algeria became a colony of France in 1848. A war of independence from France began in 1954, and Algeria became independent in 1962. Independence Day: Venezuela First colonized by Spain in the fifteenth century, Venezuela began a war of independence led by Francisco de Miranda and Simón Bolívar that lasted from 1810 to 1821. It is on this day in 1811 that Venezuela declared its independence from Spain. This day is celebrated in Venezuela as a national holiday. July 6 – Day of Statehood: Lithuania Statehood Day commemorates the coronation of Lithuania’s first and only king, King Mindaugas, in 1253. July 9 – Independence Day: Argentina This day commemorates Argentina’s declaration of independence from Spain in 1816. July 10 – Independence Day: Bahamas This commemorates the Bahamas’ gaining independence within the Commonwealth of Great Britain in 1973. This holiday is observed from July 3 through July 10. July 11 – Flemish Community Holiday: Belgium Celebrated in Flemish communities in Belgium, this day commemorates the battle in 1302 in which the Flemish declared their independence from France. July 13 – Battle of the Boyne (Orangemen’s Day) observed: Northern Ireland The Battle of the Boyne was a turning point in the war between the deposed King James II of England and VII of Scotland and his son-in-law and successor, William III, for the English, Scottish, and Irish thrones. The battle took place on July 12, 1690 outside of the town of Drogheda on Ireland’s east coast. Although not militarily decisive, its symbolic importance has made it one of the most infamous battles in British and Irish history. July 14 – Bastille Day (bass-steel): France This celebrates the fall of the Bastille prison, marking the beginning of the French Revolution in 1789 and the eventual end of monarchical rule and the creation of a French Republic. July 17 – Constitution Day: South Korea After the division of Korea into North Korea and South Korea at the end of World War II, South Korea formed a republic with its capital in Seoul and Syngman Rhee as its first president. July 19 – First Special Olympics Games (1968): United States On this date the first Special Olympics, an athletic competition for children and adults with cognitive disabilities, opened at Soldiers Field in Chicago. The first Special Olympics had 1,000 participants from the United States and Canada; by 1995, this competition had expanded to include Winter Special Olympics (added in 1977) and to involve 7,000 participants from all 50 states and 143 countries. The program of events has also grown dramatically, from three at the first Special Olympics to more than twenty. The international competition is held in the year before the regular Olympics. July 20 – Independence Day: Colombia Beginning in the fourteenth century, the region that is now Colombia was the center of the Spanish colony known as New Granada, which included Panama and most of Venezuela. Beginning in 1810, Simón Bolívar led a war of independence from Spain, which ended with his victory over Spanish forces on this day in 1819. This day is celebrated in Colombia as a national holiday. Luis Muñoz Rivera’s Birthday: Puerto Rico This public holiday commemorates the birth of Luis Muñoz Rivera (1859-1916), poet, journalist, and leader of the campaign for autonomy for the Spanish colony. When Spain granted political autonomy to Puerto Rico in 1898, Luis Muñoz Rivera became its leader. Only five months later, however, the United States invaded and took possession of the island, and Muñoz Rivera spent the rest of his life working to regain the independence of his nation. As Resident Commissioner in Washington in 1916, he denounced the proposed Jones Act, which was to give citizenship to Puerto Ricans but retain the island as a U.S. possession. The act was passed shortly after his death. Marine Day (Umi No Hi): Japan This holiday was observed for the first time in 1996. In 1874, the Meiji Government commissioned Robert Napier & Sons, a Scottish shipyard, to build the Meiji-Maru, a lighthouse service steamship. Using the vessel, the Emperor Meiji made an imperial tour of inspection of northeastern Japan in 1876, traveling from Aomori to Hakodate and arriving in Yokohama on July 20. “The Day of the Sea” or Marine Day commemorates the Emperor’s safe voyage. July 21 – National Holiday: Belgium This marks the day in 1831 that Belgium became independent from the Netherlands and Leopold I ascended the throne as Belgium’s first king. July 23 - Revolution Day: Egypt This day marks the beginning of the military coup in 1952 that led to the proclamation of the Egyptian republic. July 24 – Pioneer Day: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints This marks the day in 1847 that Brigham Young led other believers in the teachings of Joseph Smith, the founder of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, into the valley of the Great Salt Lake, where they would establish the center of their church and build Salt Lake City. Simón Bolívar’s Birthday: Ecuador and Venezuela This public holiday honors military and political leader Simón Bolívar (1783-1830). Known as “The Liberator,” Simón Bolívar led the rebellion against Spanish rule that established the independence of Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Bolivia. July 25 – Constitution Day: Puerto Rico The constitution of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico was approved in 1952 on this day, which is now commemorated each year with official government ceremonies. Republic Day: Tunisia This day commemorates the end of the Tunisian monarchy and the establishment of a republic in 1957. July 26 – Americans with Disabilities Act (1990): United States Signed into law on this date, this milestone of U.S. civil rights legislation protects people with disabilities from discrimination in the areas of employment, transportation, and public accommodation. (Earlier legislation had addressed discrimination in housing.) The law requires a wide range of public and private establishments to make new and renovated facilities accessible to people with disabilities and to make “readily achievable” changes to existing facilities in order to increase accessibility. July 27 – José Celso Barbosa’s Birthday: Puerto Rico This public holiday honors José Celso Barbosa (1857-1921), physician, social analyst, and politician, who in 1899 founded the Republican Party of Puerto Rico that advocated statehood for the island. July 28 – Independence Day: Peru This two-day national holiday celebrates José de San Martín’s proclamation of Peru’s independence from Spain on July 28, 1821. July 30 – National Day (Feast of the Throne): Morocco This commemorates the enthronement of the current king of Morocco, King Muhammad VI.

2011 June Diversity Calendar Datesdiversity calendarJuly

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34Independence D

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