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Goodwill Recognized as One of America's Most Inspiring Companies by Forbes
Forbes recently released its annual list of America's Most Inspiring Companies, and for the third year in a row, it included Goodwill. Coming in at #11 in 2014, Goodwill is the only nonprofit to make the prestigious list. Last year, Goodwill ranked #19.

For the entire Forbes article click here.  

 

For more information on the Goodwill contact: 

Elizabeth Milne, Marketing and Community Development Manager

Email: [email protected]

Office: (540) 581.0620 ext. 174  |  Cell Phone: (540) 613.2481b

Goodwill Names New Board of Directors for 2015

Goodwill Industries of the Valleys is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors that provides vital support through guidance and fiduciary responsibility. The board is comprised of individuals with diverse backgrounds and fairly represents the geographical regions served by the organization.

Officers

Harvey Brookins, Jr., Chair, Freedom First Credit Union
Rhonda Shannon, Vice Chair, Carilion Clinic
Howard Lyon, Treasurer, RGC Resources, Inc.

Neil Birkhoff, Secretary, Woods Rogers, PLC

Bruce Phipps, President & CEO, Goodwill Industries of the Valleys

 

For a complete list of the Board of Directors, click here.

 

For more information on the Goodwill contact: 

Elizabeth Milne, Marketing and Community Development Manager

Email: [email protected]

Office: (540) 581.0620 ext. 174  |  Cell Phone: (540) 613.2481c

Goodwill Provides Employees with Mental Health First Aid Training

Mental Health First Aid(MHFA) is an evidence based, public education program that introduces participants to risk factors and warning signs of mental illnesses, builds understanding of their impact, and overviews common supports. This 8-hour course uses role-playing and simulations to demonstrate how to offer initial help in a mental health crisis and connect persons to the appropriate professional, peer, social, and self-help care. The program also teaches the common risk factors and warning signs of specific types of illnesses, like anxiety, depression, substance use, bipolar disorder, eating disorders, and schizophrenia.


"Due to the vast amount of community programs that are provided by Goodwill, especially those serving individuals in job training and employment programs, it was determined that MHFA is important tool to enhance staff training and safety programs," states Tilinia Williams, Coporate Trainer for Goodwill. "Certification of employees will increase staff awareness of mental illness and educate how to provide appropriate support both in the community and within our own organization. We strive to be a part changing the dialogue about mental health within in our communities."


Mental Health First Aid is included on the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration's National Registry of Evidence-based Programs and Practices (NREPP).


Mental Health First Aid  began in Australia in 2011. The National Council for Community Behavioral Healthcare, a national trade group with 1,300 member organizations serve six million Americans nationwide, brought Mental Health First Aid to the United States in 2008 with the goal of making it as common in 10 years as traditional First Aid and CPR are today. To date, more than 100,000 people from all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico have taken the course. The course is offered to a variety of audiences, including hospital staff, employers and business leaders, faith communities, and law enforcement .


For more information on the Mental Health Training, contact: 

Elizabeth Milne, Marketing and Community Development Manager

Email: [email protected]

Office: (540) 581.0620 ext. 174  |  Cell Phone: (540) 613.2481d

Enroll in PluggedInVa for Customer Care Representative Training (Clifton Forge) 

PluggedInVA originated from Virginia Commonwealth University through the Virginia Department of Education Office of Adult Education and Literacy and is a program model used to help people receive training and credentials for employment with family sustaining wages. Goodwill is working with regional Adult Education programs, community college

s, and employers to develop training programs that Goodwill program participants can enter into to help them achieve a better life for themselves and their families. 
 

The goal of PluggedInVA is to provide low-skilled adults with a career pathways program that incorporates 21st centuryskills in

to a traditional basic skills curriculum. PluggedInVA will help them develop the technology and workplace skills they need to succeed in a fast-paced, global economy. Central to the PluggedInVA curriculum is the development of digital literacy skills, 21st century skills, and professional soft skills to prepare learners for employment in a variety of industries as they complete their GED� credential (as needed), Career Readiness Certificate (CRC), and industry-recognized certificates.

 

Through PluggedInVa you will receive a Career Readiness Certificate, as well as a Career Studies Certificate. There will be opportunities for paid internships and employment opportunities with local businesses. The program begins Monday, February 23rd. All classes will be held three days a week at the Dabney S. Lancaster Community College McCarthy Hall in Clifton Forge. You may be eligible for tuition assistance and supportive services.

 

To enroll in PluggedInVa, call (540) 463.7386.

 

For more information on PluggedInVa visit: http://www.pluggedinva.com/.

 

For more information on PluggedInVa contact:

Jenny Bolte, Director of Program Development

Email: [email protected]

Office: (540) 581.0620 ext. 104 | Cell Phone: (540) 266.4437e

Plot Registration Now Open for the Growing Goodwill Community Garden
(Roanoke)
The Roanoke Community Garden Association is now accepting plot registrations for the 2015 growing season on a first-come, first-serve basis. The layout of the Growing Goodwill Garden is currently being redesigned. Therefore, while plot registrations are open, gardeners are being asked to wait until after March 1st to begin gardening.


Plots at the Growing Goodwill Garden are $20 and registered gardeners must attend one of the following meetings:
 

Dates:  

10am, Monday, February 23rd

1pm, Wednesday, February 25th

6pm, Thursday, February 26th

 
Location:  Freedom First - West End Center Branch

1210 Patterson Avenue, Roanoke (in the community room)


For more information about the Growing Goodwill Garden, contact:

Elizabeth Milne, Marketing and Community Development Manager

Email: [email protected]

Office: (540) 581.0620 ext. 174  |  Cell Phone: (540) 613.2481


To register for the Growing Goodwill Garden, contact:

Meredith Withers

Roanoke Community Garden Association

[email protected]f

Goodwill Home Pickups 

Goodwill Industries of the Valleys is pleased to offer Home Pick Up Service to its' donors with larger donations.


"The purpose of Goodwill's Home Pickup Service is to assist ou
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donors that do not have the resources to bring large items to our donor doors," states Mindy Boyd, Vice President of Donated Goods. "We are now able to better meet the needs of our donors that may be downsizing their home or that of a loved one or remodeling and need to donate a large quantity or several larger pieces."


Other considerations to remember in regards to Goodwill's Home Pick Up Service:

  • Goodwill utilizes large box trucks, which are more than 13 feet tall. Your home must allow trucks of this size to come and go without causing damage to your property or the truck.
  • Due to insurance requirements, Goodwill employees are not able to climb or descend multiple steps. Items you wish to donate should be located on the ground floor.

There are a few items that Goodwill is unfortunately not able to accept.  These include:

  • televisions
  • chemicals
  • oxygen tanks
  • propane tanks
  • large appliances
  • mattresses and box springs
  • pianos

If you would like to speak to a Donation Specialist regarding Home Pick Up Service please call (855) 338-5925.


For more information on the Home Pickups contact:

Elizabeth Milne, Marketing and Community Development Manager

Email: [email protected]

Office: (540) 581.0620 ext. 174  |  Cell Phone: (540) 613.2181g

Job Seeker Events

Goodwill partners with local businesses that are looking to hire. These job fairs and workshops are open to the public.


ROANOKE JOBS CAMPUS

Lingo Staffing
Date:  Tuesday, February 10th
Time:  10am to 12pm
Description: Lingo Staffing is currently hiring for the following positions:
Welders/Fitters, Driller Helper, Precious Metal Welder, Human Resources Coordinator, Janitor/Custodian, CAD Truss Designer, CNC Machine Operator, PT Bookkeeper/Accountant, Bilingual Technical Sales Representative, Plant Controller, CPA/Accountant, Business Recruiter/Telephone Sales Representative, Mechanical Assembly.

 

Express Employment Professionals/ ServPro
Date:  Friday, February 13th
Time:  10am to 12pm

 

CDS Tractor Trailer Training
Train-to-Hire Event
Date:  Friday, February 13th
Time:  9am to 12noon
Description: Considering a truck driving career? Plan to attend this event to learn about training and job opportunities...
Train in four weeks or ten weekends
Job placement assistance
Financing available-may use GI Bill
First year drivers can expect to make between $38,000 - $45,000
Train for Class A or Class B
Local, regional, and on the road jobs available

Qualifications: no DUI past three years, pass DOT physical, criminal background considered case-by-case

 

Accounting & Financial Services
Date:  Tuesday, February 17th
Time:  10am to 12pm

 

See more by clicking here.

 

Job Seekers may also sign up to receive a monthly Job Seeker Email. Visit our Job Seeker Services webpage for more information.

 

For more information on Job Seeker Events contact:

Elizabeth Milne, Marketing and Community Development Manager

Email: [email protected]

Office: (540) 581.0620 ext. 174  |  Cell Phone: (540) 613.2481h

Reality Check Events 2015

Reality Check is a Goodwill Industries of the Valleys interactive financial fitness forum that teaches area youth that responsibilities in life extend beyond portable communication devices, video games, and hanging out with friends. Reality Check is available throughout Goodwill's 31 counties, 13 cities service area. For more information about Reality Check click here.

 

Reality Check will be in the following schools during January and February:

  • February 18th: Roanoke City: Noel C. Taylor
  • February 25th: Roanoke County: Hollins University
  • March 12th: Botetourt County: Botetourt County High School

For more information on Reality Check contact:

Elizabeth Milne, Marketing and Community Development Manager

Email: [email protected]

Office: (540) 581.0620 ext. 174  |  Cell Phone: (540) 613.2481i

General Goodwill Information

Goodwill Industries of the Valleys, a United Way partner organization headquartered in Roanoke, serves 31 counties and 13 cities in the New River, Roanoke, and Shenandoah Valleys. Its mission is to help people and families in our community achieve a better life through work and independence. In 2014 Goodwill assisted 87,755 individuals and in this difficult employment market placed 3,662 people into jobs in our community.


                      
                        
Goodwill Mission
Helping people and families in our community achieve a better life through work and independence.
Goodwill Vision
Through the work of Goodwill all people with have the opportunity to achieve their greatest potential.

Goodwill Industries of the Valleys