Goodwill Story Ideas for April

See what's going on at Goodwill this April...

You Can Help RCGA and Goodwill Receive a Grant for Growing Goodwill Community Garden
Goodwill Annual Awards Ceremony Set for May 5th
New Charlottesville Goodwill Store Set to Open Early Fall
Goodwill Recognized by U.S. Consumers as Disability Nonprofit Brand of the Year
Job Seeker Events

You Can Help RCGA and Goodwill Receive a Grant for Growing Goodwill Community Garden

Goodwill and the Roanoke Community Garden Association (RCGA) are applying for the Seeds of Change Grant. The first step to the grant process is the "Public Voting Phase." Beginning April 9th through April 27th, the public may vote for Goodwill and the RCGA once a day. The fifty organizations that receive the most votes will move to the next phase of the evaluation process.

The next phase is the Judge Evaluation Phase which will begin after the "Public Voting Phase" commences. Judges will evaluate each application on four main topics; food education, community impact, need based, leadership, and inspiration. Seeds of Change will provide two $20,000 grants, five $10,000 grants, and ten $1,000 grants for community gardens.

"The existing garden provides garden space to 30 area families, many of whom live within walking distance," states Mark Powell, Director and Founder of the Roanoke Community Garden Association. "Families can grow healthy organic produce affordably on these plots to share with friends and family, enriching community health. The garden also provides ample volunteer opportunities for Goodwill staff and clients and the broader community. Winning the grant would mean that we would strengthen/improve the Growing Goodwill Garden and develop a large scale "Food Forest" on the site."

To vote, beginning April 9th, for the Growing Goodwill Community Garden, click here.

To sign up for daily email reminders to vote, click here.

For more information on the Seeds of Change Grant contact:

Elizabeth Milne, Marketing and Community Relations 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: [email protected]
Phone: (540) 290.3948

Goodwill Annual Awards Ceremony Set for May 5th

Goodwill Industries of the Valleys will host its Annual Awards Ceremony

Tuesday, May 5th
Vinton War Memorial
5:30 Social | 6:30 Program

The Awards ceremony is the opportunity to honor program participants who have received services from Goodwill and are now working and continuing to excel. Awards that will be presented include Graduate and Achiever of the Year, as well as awards to honor those in the community that make Goodwill's success possible.

The keynote speaker for the event will be Miss Virginia, Courtney Garrett. Courtney has been serving the commonwealth while actively promoting her platform of "Defying Disabilities" - an issue very close to home. Courtney's brother, Austin, has cerebral palsy and autism. For more information on Courtney click here.

Those interested in attending Goodwill's Annual Awards Ceremony can click here to RSVP by April 27th.

For more information on the Annual Awards Ceremony, contact:

Elizabeth Milne, Marketing and Community Development Manager

Email: [email protected]

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

New Charlottesville Goodwill Store Set to Open Early Fall

This Fall, Goodwill customers and donors can look forward to the opening of a new Goodwill store in Charlottesville. The new store will be located at the intersection of Avon Street Extended and Mill Creek Drive in the Food Lion shopping center (34 Mill Creek Drive, Charlottesville, 22902).

"When we look at the location for a new store, we take a variety of things into consideration," states Mindy Boyd, Vice President of Donated Goods. "Ease of accessibility for customers and donors, the size of the store, traffic counts in the area, as well as how the new store will increase the organization's ability to serve those with employment barriers are all things we consider."

The new store will be a 10,400 square foot, brick building, and will feature a convenient, Drive-thru Donation Center, ample parking spaces, and the same high quality, low-cost items for the family and home that customers have shopped for at Goodwill for years."

Goodwill stores provide critical funding to help support job training and employment programs in our communities. Goodwill serves youth, adults, and seniors who have disabilities, disadvantages, and those who have lost their job due to company closing or layoff. In 2014, Goodwill Industries of the Valleys helped over 87,500 people and placed over 3,500 individuals into competitive community employment within the 31 county, 13 city service area in Virginia.

For more information on the new Charlottesville store contact:

Elizabeth Milne, Marketing and Community Relations Manager

Email: [email protected]

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

Goodwill Recognized by U.S. Consumers as Disability Nonprofit Brand of the Year

Goodwill was named the Disability Nonprofit Brand of the Year as part of the 2015 Harris Poll EquiTrend® Study, an annual brand equity study which was released this week. The study ranked consumer awareness and perception of charitable nonprofit brands based on three factors - familiarity, quality, and purchase consideration - that result in a brand equity rating for each brand. The study, which was conducted for the 27th year, surveyed more than 38,000 Americans who assessed brands across 148 categories.

For more than 110 years, Goodwill has helped people navigate the challenges they face when seeking employment, including disabilities, lack of education or work experience, and other factors that make it difficult for them to gain employment and build careers. Goodwill staff members work with people to develop their employment skills, including résumé writing, job interview practice, job search help, and other career services.

For more information on The Harris Poll EquiTrend® Study: click here.

This recognition comes just a few months after Forbes names Goodwill one of America's 20 Most Inspiring Companies: click here.

For more information on the recognition contact:

Elizabeth Milne, Marketing and Community Relations Manager

Email: [email protected]

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

Job Seeker Events

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

Visit our Job Seeker Services page for updates throughout the month.

ROANOKE JOBS CAMPUS

2502 Melrose Ave., NW, Suite B, Roanoke, VA

Adecco
Date: Thursday, April 9th
Time: 10am to 12pm
Description: Adecco is currently recruiting for:
Accountant - Bachelor's degree in accounting required; Customer Service/Call Center - one year experience required, must be available to work any 8 hour shift from 8am to 8pm, $15.00/hour; Machine operators - minimum 6 months experience in mfg or warehouse, three shifts available, located in Roanoke

CDS Tractor Trailer Training: Train-to-Hire Event
Date: Friday, April 10th and Friday April 24th
Time: 9am to 12pm
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

Mountain Valley Transportation
Date: Thursday, April 23rd
Time: 10am to 12noon
Description: Mountain Valley Transportation is now hiring school bus drivers!
Free CDL training; Competitive pay and benefits; Bonus incentives; Starting rate $13.10

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ROANOKE VALLEY WORKFORCE CENTER

1351 Hershberger Rd, Suite 2, Roanoke, VA

Job Seeking Skills
Learn the do's and don'ts of submitting resumes and applications in paper versus over the internet; review your basic knowledge on how to prepare for the interview, and how to develop a plan for a successful job search.
Date: Tuesday, April 7th
Time: 9am to 12pm

Resume and Interviewing Techniques
Discover how easy it is to tailor each of your resumes and cover letters to work for you.

Learn how to come dressed for success for your interview.
Date: Tuesday, April 14th
Time: 9am to 1pm

Business Etiquette Seminar
Learn appropriate workplace dress attire, communication skills, and behaviors that will help you find and keep a job.
Call 540-581-0620, ext. 258, to reserve your spot! Space is limited to 18. Enroll today. For more details click here.
Date: April 20, 2015
Time: 1:30 pm to 3:30 pm

Uncovering the Hidden Job Market
Date: Wednesday, April 22nd
Time: 1:30pm to 4:30pm

Why Am I Not getting Hired?
This workshop will help you gain insight into how the hiring process works, interviewing tips, and what employers prefer for resumes and other communications.
Date: Thursday, April 23rd
Time: 1:30pm to 3:30pm

Time Management Seminar
Learn how to manage your time more effectively, increase productivity, and more successfully reach your goals.

Call 540-581-0620, ext. 258, to reserve your spot! Space is limited to 18. Enroll today. For more details click here.
Date: Monday, April 27th
Time: 1:30pm to 3:30pm

Healthcare Options During Employment Transition
This workshop will help you gain insight into healthcare options during your employment transition.
Date: Thursday, April 30th
Time: 10am to 12pm

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CHARLOTTESVILLE WORKFORCE CENTER

2211 Hydraulic Rd, Charlottesville, VA

Resume Writing
What does your resume say about you and how does it say it? Are you telling employers what they need to know?
Date: Tuesday, April 7th
Time: 9am to 12pm

Writing for the Job Search
Strategies and tips for cover letters, thank you notes and more!
Date: Tuesday, April 14th
Time: 9am to 12pm

Networking
Did you know that many jobs are never advertised? How do you find out about them?

And, how can you use your contacts to find job success.
Date: Tuesday, April 21st
Time: 9am to 12pm

Preparing for a Job Fair
Tips and techniques for attending a job fair
Date: Wednesday, April 22nd
Time: 9:30am to 12pm

Interviewing Skills
This workshop will provide direction on preparing for an interview, from what to wear to what to prepare!
Date: Tuesday, April 28th
Time: 9am to 12pm

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HARRISONBURG WORKFORCE CENTER

160 North Mason Street, Harrisonburg, VA

Emails, Etc.
Knowing how to compose and respond to email, write cover letters and fill out applications requires great written communication skills. This workshop will assist you in completing business correspondence.
Date: Thursday, April 9th
Time: 10am to 11am

Resume Writing
If you need a resume, or want to work on the one you have, come to the resume writing workshop. Bring your resume, if you one, with you. We will discuss what makes a great resume during the workshop. If you don't have one, join us as we explore the different types of resumes.
Date: Thursday, April 16th
Time: 10am to 11am

Networking
Maximize your job search by learning how to network with your friends, relatives, colleagues, and acquaintances. You know more people than you think! Learn how they can help you find a great job!
Date: Thursday, April 23rd
Time: 10am to 11:30am

For more information on Job Seeker Events, contact:

Elizabeth Milne, Marketing and Community Development Manager
Email: [email protected]
Office: (540) 581.0620 | Cell phone: (540) 613.2481

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.