North Texas Institute For Career Development To Hold Graduation Ceremony for Record Number of Graduates
WHO: More than 100 NTI and Work Adjustment Training Graduates; Goodwill Industries of Fort Worth staff including President & CEO David Bostick, North Texas Institute and Career Services Director Byron Bolliger, Senior Vice President Retail Sales & Marketing David Cox, and Senior Vice President Human Resources and Staffing Services Elizabeth Butler; and Keynote Speaker Diane Rose, the Amazing Quilter.
WHAT: The North Texas Institute for Career Development (NTI) will hold a graduation ceremony for more than 100 NTI and Work Adjustment Training graduates at Goodwill's Campus Drive headquarters. NTI offers a number of programs and training ranging from medical office assistant and administrative assistant to nurse aide training, truck driver (CDL) training and more. The average age of a graduate from NTI is 40.
Keynote speaker for the graduation will be Diane Rose, the Amazing Quilter. Vision-impaired with glaucoma all her life, Rose became blind as a result of an accident in 1984. Rose has used her condition as a means to motivate others to achieve their true potential. Even without sight, Rose was heavily involved in the Nashville music scene as a journalist covering the various aspects of, and personalities in, country music and she has made custom quilts since 1988. Former President George W. Bush and country music star Loretta Lynn are counted among her clientele.
WHEN: Friday, July 22, 2011
7:30 p.m.
WHERE: Goodwill Industries of Fort Worth Garden Room
4005 Campus Drive
Fort Worth, Texas 76119
WHY: The North Texas Institute (NTI) is a learning institution with highly-trained teachers and is approved by the Texas Workforce Commission. NTI provides training to help each student achieve his or her goals, and to become highly competitive in the workforce. The school offers scholarships and financial aid for those in need. Learn more at www.northtexasinstitute.org.
GOODWILL TO PRESENT TWO "FOR ONCE IN MY LIFE" SCREENINGS
DURING CITY OF FORT WORTH'S HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION "MOVIES THAT MATTER" SERIES
Local Goodwill Employee to Showcase Musical Talent During Receptions
Fort Worth, Texas (June 7, 2011) - Goodwill Industries of Fort Worth announced today they will present, along with the City of Fort Worth's Human Relations Commission, two screenings of For Once In My Life: The Story of the Spirit of Goodwill Band film. The first screening will be held at the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth on Thursday, June 16 at 7 p.m, and the second will be held at the Fort Worth Central Library on Friday, June 17 at 7 p.m.
For Once in My Life is an eye-opening look at the tremendous potential of people with disabilities and the power of music to transform lives. The film is a look at the inspiring 29-member Spirit of Goodwill band, a unique assembly of singers and musicians, all with a wide range of mental and physical challenges, who share an uncanny gift for music, joy, and friendship. The film follows the band, made up of workers at the Goodwill Industries center in Miami, as their determination, talent, and dedication takes them from the rehearsal room to the concert stage.
"We are all created equal," said Elizabeth Butler, Goodwill Industries of Fort Worth senior vice president of human resources and career services. "You never know what talents people possess or what they are capable of, despite any disabilities they may face."
Daniel Spire, a longtime Goodwill Industries of Fort Worth employee, will showcase his own musical talent during the film festival's receptions, beginning at 6:30 p.m. prior to each screening. Spire has worked as an assembler in Goodwill's facility-based contracts division for nearly 9 years. Though he is a person with a mental disability, it does not define him. He is also a self-taught pianist and despite not being able to read music, he has played the piano for nearly 20 years.
Spire, 30, lives in a group home where he often plays his keyboard, learning new songs by ear. He even taught a fellow Goodwill contracts employee how to play.
"We are excited to share Daniel's talent with the community," said David Cox, senior vice president of retail sales and marketing. "At Goodwill, we not only strive to provide opportunities for individuals with disabilities, through training and career services, but also by focusing on abilities, not disabilities.
For Once in My Life is the winner of the Audience Award at the SXSW Film Festival and the Audience Choice Award in the Sarasota & Nashville Film Festivals. A light reception will be held prior to each screening at 6:30 p.m. and a moderated discussion with special guests will follow at the conclusion of the film both evenings. The film festival is open to the public, but seating is limited. Thursday's screening at the Modern Art Museum is already at capacity, but seating is still available for Friday's screening at the Fort Worth Central Library. To ensure seating, please RSVP to fwhrc@FortWorthGov.org or call 817.392.7525.
GOODWILL TO HOST SUMMER CAMP
"Camp Independence" Geared Toward 18-22 Year Old
Transitional Students
Fort Worth, Texas (June 2, 2011) - Goodwill Industries of Fort Worth announced today they will host a summer camp for transitional students seeking educational and career assistance. Four 1-week sessions will be held for students age 18-22 this June and July.
"Camp Independence" will teach students about jobs, social skills, hygiene, phone etiquette, how to save and spend money, how to apply for a job, interview and network. "Students will have first hand work experience, exposure to potential employers and attend tours at the Bureau of Engraving and Printing and Justin Boots," said Elizabeth Butler, senior vice president of human resources and career services. "Camp Independence is geared to offer the long term reward of education and career training."
Fun is always a priority at camp; "Camp Independence" is no different! Attendees will participate in games, skits and team projects, forming friendships along the way. Lunch will be provided each day and attendees will receive a camp t-shirt, goodie bag and snacks.
"The point for the students of the camp is to empower them to realize that with the right training, they could have a job at a facility like this someday," said Butler.
GAP PARTNERS WITH GOODWILL IN THE DONATE MOVEMENT
Gap Invites Customers to Donate Clothing to Help Support Job Training Programs and Get Rewarded with 30% off Summer Shopping
[Fort Worth, Texas- May 23,2011]- Gap and Goodwill Industries of Fort Worth have announced a partnership encouraging consumers to clean out their closets for a cause. From May 19-29, Gap stores in the United States and Canada will accept clothing donations in support of the Donate Movement, an effort powered by Goodwill to educate the public on the positive impacts donations can have on both people and the planet.
When consumers donate clothing to Gap stores during this time period, their donations will be given to Goodwill Industries of Fort Worth and then sold in Goodwill's more than 19 stores. To thank customers for their generous donations, donors will receive 30-percent off their entire Gap purchase, including regularly priced and sale items, just in time for Memorial Day shopping.
Donations to Goodwill Industries of Fort Worth's support the organization's mission of providing job training programs and employment placement services to the people who need them most. Goodwill sells donated goods in its stores and uses 84 percent of the revenues generated to fund job-training programs across the United States and Canada.
"As a company, we invest in career exploration and job readiness for youth, and thousands of our employees volunteer to help young people prepare for the workforce. Giving our customers and employees opportunities to donate clothing in support of Goodwill's job training programs is a great fit with our community efforts," said Bobbi Silten, head of global responsibility and president of Gap Foundation.
Donating to Goodwill also has a positive impact on the planet. Goodwill helps communities extend the life of usable items in environmentally sound ways, and diverts clothing items from local landfills.
"Through the Donate Movement, Goodwill aims to increase conscious donations by raising consumer awareness of the power their donated goods can have in strengthening their communities," said David Cox, senior vice president retail sales and marketing, "When you donate to Goodwill, you enable a person to receive vital skills training, succeed at work and climb the career leader. These are people who want to work but need Goodwill's help to find and keep good jobs."
To learn more about the Donate Movement and calculate the positive impact donations will have on people in the community, visit donate.goodwill.org.
Goodwill Purchases Big Inc. Print and Sign Co.
Fort Worth, Texas (April 11, 2010) - Goodwill Industries of Fort Worth announced today the purchase of Big Inc. Print and Sign Co. a full-service signs and graphics printer. The company will be renamed GI Graphics and plans to train and employ veterans.
The company will relocate to Goodwill's Northeast Tarrant Business Opportunities Center in Grapevine in April. This full-service print and sign company will be a direct benefit to Goodwill's mission of providing employment assistance to those in need, especially veterans.
"At GI Graphics, our goal is to give back to those who have given so much to our country," said Mike Maric, senior vice president of GI Graphics. "By employing veterans and other individuals with disabilities or barriers to employment, we feel our mission is perfectly aligned with Goodwill's making this acquisition an ideal fit."
GI Graphics will be open to the public and able to satisfy printing needs ranging from large format, signs, interior and exterior signage, lit can signs and even wall murals. In addition, the company has small format printers available to print business cards, brochures and other collateral materials.
"The purchase of this printing company helps us immensely with the efficient production of all materials for our programs," said David Bostick, Goodwill's president and chief executive officer. "Departments within Goodwill like GI Graphics are crucial in maintaining our mission of helping individuals with employment needs in the Fort Worth.
Goodwill Promotes Earth Day Year Round
Fort Worth, Texas (April 15, 2011) - One of Goodwill Industries of Fort Worth's primary initiatives is to recycle and reuse. Through a new partnership with Hanes as well as an April Goodwill Goes Green Contest, Goodwill hopes to bring attention to how consumers can help the environment with Goodwill.
During the month of April, Goodwill donors can take a photo of themselves donating their clothing into the specific Hanes boxes at Goodwill donation centers. People then can upload these pictures onto the "Clean" tab on the Hanes Facebook page (www.facebook.com/Hanes) to win a prize!
To further Goodwill's recycling initiative, Goodwill is holding a "Goodwill Goes Green Contest." Now through April 17 individuals can enter the contest showing how they have best recycled or repurposed an item from Goodwill. Participants must turn in their Goodwill store receipt, before and after photos of the repurposed item, as well as the total cost of the finished product. Entries will be judged on creative re-use of the item and the overall aesthetic design. The winner will receive a $250 shopping spree at Goodwill.
Hanes and Goodwill have partnered to help raise awareness about the power of donations and what it means to communities and the environment. For the spring season, Goodwill and Hanes are encouraging individuals to get organized and clean out their drawers to help support both this mission. They have learned through research that many people hold on to items that could actually be used again and have a second life outside their closets.
Goodwill is constantly recycling and reusing year round. Donations are accepted at all donation stations at all times of the year. Visit www.goodwillfortworth.org to find a donation station close to home.
Goodwill Employee To Wear "Goodwill For A Month"
Fort Worth, Texas (March 28, 2011) - Goodwill Industries of Fort Worth's Marketing Communications Coordinator, Kristen Bostick, has vowed to wear Goodwill clothing everyday for the entire month of April, starting April 1.
"I want people to know about the fantastic clothes and other items that can be found at Goodwill locations," said Bostick. "People have asked me where I got some of my cute tops or nice slacks and I can proudly say I have purchased my amazing wardrobe at Goodwill locations for a fraction of the original price."
Bostick will be dressed head to toe in clothing and accessories she has purchased from the various 19 Goodwill locations in the Fort Worth area, to show the versatility and great buys individuals can find at Goodwill stores. To share her finds, Bostick will record videos on fashion tips while shopping at Goodwill and load them onto Goodwill Industries of Fort Worth's YouTube channel. She will also document the experience by posting pictures of her trendy outfits on Goodwill's Facebook and Twitter pages. Bostick is extremely excited about showcasing the great potential at each Goodwill store while raising awareness about what Goodwill does.
"It's more than just finding great deals - it's about furthering the mission of Goodwill," Bostick explained. "We are committed to helping people with disabilities or other barriers to employment get and keep jobs and we are able to provide these services because of the money we make selling gently used items in our stores."
To keep up to date with Bostick's "Goodwill for a Month" subscribe to Goodwill's YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/user/GoodwillGuyFW, follow her on Facebook at www.facebook.com/goodwillguyfw and Twitter at www.twitter.com/goodwillguyfw.
LOCAL SORORITIES HELP PACK THE RACK
Affordable Prom Dresses' Change the Meaning of Prom in Fort Worth
Fort Worth, Texas (March 16, 2011) - Goodwill Industries of Fort Worth announced today a prom promotion sale to be held March 25,2011, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Goodwill superstore located at 2100 Altamesa Blvd. (at Crowley Road). The prom promotion features formal wear and prom dresses specifically selected for high school girls.
All dresses are in good condition, as most have only been worn once prior to their donation to Goodwill. Formal wear will be sold for pennies on the dollar, with most dresses ranging from $15- $25.
In order to offer a large selection of dresses for the event, Goodwill Industries of Fort Worth recently held a "Pack the Rack" challenge at Texas Christian University and Texas Wesleyan University encouraging students to donate formal wear.
"We have had an overwhelming response to our "Pack the Rack" challenge and are excited to change the meaning of prom for local high school students," said Kristen Bostick, Marketing Communications Coordinator of Goodwill Industries of Fort Worth. "Prom was one of my best high school memories, all students should have the opportunity to experience prom without the financial burden of an expensive dress."
The sale will feature more than low prices; the superstore will offer refreshments and giveaways throughout the sale. One lucky high school girl will have the chance to win a prom beauty package, including complimentary hair and make-up services, to be used the night of her prom.
Goodwill Industries invites the community to join in packing the rack, and will be accepting donations of formal wear at all donation locations. "This is a perfect time to get my dresses out of the closet and make prom affordable for someone else" said Madison Donahue, TCU student donator.
Goodwill To Open Lake Worth Location
Fort Worth, Texas (March 8, 2011) - Goodwill Industries of Fort Worth announced today the opening of a new super store location at 6601 Azle Avenue in Lake Worth. The 15,000 square-foot store, which opens at 9 a.m. on Friday, March 11, is the 19th location in the greater Fort Worth area.
A ribbon cutting ceremony will be held at 9 a.m., and the public will be invited to join in the festivities, which will feature free hot dogs and popcorn, as well as music and gift certificate giveaways every hour on the hour for shoppers.
"Every retail store that Goodwill is able to open means more revenue to support our job training and placement programs for individuals with disabilities and other barriers to employment," said David Cox, senior vice president retail sales and marketing. "The tremendous growth in northwest Tarrant County has made this the ideal location for our 19th store."
The store opening is part of Goodwill's expansion strategy to reach as many residents in Weatherford, Cleburne, Denton, Fort Worth and surrounding areas as possible. Adding additional locations will increase Goodwill's ability to expand their services to more individuals with disabilities and special needs. As people battle the effects of a struggling economy, and as the trend to continue to "go green" increases, Goodwill stores are seeing more shoppers than ever - creating a higher demand for more donations to be made. To contribute your items to a local Goodwill store, visit www.goodwillfortworth.org for a list of drop off locations.
The Lake Worth location will be open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday - Saturday, and noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday. As with all Goodwill retail locations, all proceeds from sales at the Lake Worth store will go to support Goodwill's charitable mission.
North Texas Institute Arlington Campus to Host Open House
WHO: North Texas Institute (NTI) placement staff and instructors; Goodwill Industries of Fort Worth executive team Elizabeth Butler, Senior Vice President of Human Resources and Career Development and Byron Bolliger, Director of NTI and Career Services.
WHAT: Goodwill Industries of Fort Worth's North Texas Institute and Employment Services will host a tour of the Arlington NTI campus, a meet and greet with the instructors and employment services staff, as well as a brief introduction of the vocational programs that are offered. Programs offered at the Arlington NTI campus include Administrative Assistant, Medical Office Assistant, and Communications Connectivity Fundamentals.
WHEN: Friday, March 4, 2011
1 p.m. - 3 p.m.
WHERE: North Texas Institute for Career Development
Arlington Campus
600 Matlock Centre Circle
Arlington, Texas 76015
(817) 459-2100 Ext:2280
WHY: The North Texas Institute (NTI) is a learning institution with highly-trained teachers and is approved by the Texas Workforce Commission. NTI provides training to help each student achieve his or her goals, and to become highly competitive in the workforce. The school offers scholarships and financial aid for those in need. Learn more at www.northtexasinstitute.org.
Goodwill To Host All Agency Training Fair
Fort Worth, Texas (February 23, 2011) - Goodwill Industries of Fort Worth announced today they will host a an all agency training fair for individuals seeking education and career assistance on Friday, February 25 from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Representatives from more than 20 Texas Workforce Commission approved schools, including Goodwill's North Texas Institute, and six government agencies including the Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services and the Texas Workforce Commission, will provide information to attendees of the fair.
The Workforce Investment Act of 1998 (WIA) reformed federal employment, training, adult education, and vocational rehabilitation programs by creating an integrated "one-stop" system of workforce investment and education services for adults, dislocated workers, and youth.
The goal of the fair is to provide information and assistance to individuals who are eligible for WIA program funding.
"Many individuals are unaware of their eligibility for WIA funding, and others are unsure where to spend the funding they do receive," said Kristen Bostick, Goodwill Industries of Fort Worth's marketing communications coordinator. "Through this all agency training fair, we aim to bring all service providers and schools together in one place so individuals can make an informed decision."
The event is open to the public and will be held at Goodwill Industries of Fort Worth's Campus Drive administration location located at 4005 Campus Drive in Fort Worth.
GOODWILL OPENS THREE NEW CAREER CENTERS
Ribbon Cutting and Job Fair to be Held January 28 at Altamesa Center!
Fort Worth, Texas (January 25, 2010) - Goodwill Industries of Fort Worth, Inc. announced today the opening of three new career centers located inside the Altamesa, Camp Bowie and Hurst Goodwill retail store locations.
A ribbon cutting to commemorate the opening of the new centers will be held at the Altamesa location at 2100 Altamesa Boulevard in Fort Worth on Friday, January 28 at 8:45 a.m. A job fair featuring area employers including Paramount Staffing, Texas Workforce Commission, Goodwill Staffing Services, TXU sales and marketing, Goodwill Industries of Fort Worth, National Guard Job Connection, Lowe's and Sam's Club will follow from 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Goodwill Career Centers are equipped with job-search experts, computers, Internet access and telephones. Individuals are invited to the career center to improve interview skills, resume writing and career objectives. Goodwill believes that work has the power to transform lives by building self-confidence, independence, creativity, trust and friendships. Each career center is open Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., and are free to the public.
"These three new career centers across the Fort Worth area will increase the number of individuals Goodwill can assist with job placements and training," said Elizabeth Butler, Senior Vice President of Human Resources and Career Development for Goodwill Industries of Fort Worth. "By offering a hand up instead of a hand out, we are able to help individuals establish independence, find personal satisfaction and become productive members of society."
Goodwill's Northeast Tarrant Business Opportunities Center
Celebrates Successful First Year
Fort Worth, Texas (January 24, 2011) - In February 2010, Goodwill Industries of Fort Worth opened a 25,000 square foot contracts facility in Grapevine. A year later, the Goodwill Industries' Northeast Tarrant Business Opportunities Center has met and exceeded their goals. The facility employs more than 60 high school students and adults with mental and physical disabilities from Grapevine, Southlake, Colleyville, Keller and surrounding areas.
"We are pleased that the opportunity center provides a long term solution to employment, we are more than just a ‘quick fix'" said Kimberly Smith, Senior Vice President of Goodwill Staffing Services. "With contracts from corporations like Cintas, Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo, North Central Texas Council of Governments and other independently owned businesses we are able to employ individuals with disabilities and other barriers to employment who wouldn't have this opportunity elsewhere."
The facility provides individuals with disabilities the ability to earn a paycheck, participate in meaningful employment, experience real-life work situations, role-play and practice work-place socialization. In a recent survey of employees all mentioned the hope they have found in the work and relationships established at the facility.
"I enjoy working with my friends while hoping to meet my goal of moving up the employment ladder and living independently in the future," said Sam, a 19-year-old graduate of Trinity High School. "Goodwill is a good place for me."
Goodwill encourages employees to progress in their education by offering a hand up not a hand out. "I could not find a job after graduating from high school, but now feel good that I am impacting others lives by working at Goodwill," said Patrick, a 19-year-old graduate from LD Bell High School. "I enjoy work and am taking life-skills classes at Tarrant County College on my days off. I plan to go to college and become a social worker." Individuals like Patrick have found hope in the Business Opportunities Center to keep them on track toward their goals.
The Grapevine facility also offers opportunities to older individuals. February marks the one-year employment anniversary for Ann, a 60-year-old legally blind employee who has mastered her counting and sorting skills. "My sister first told me about Goodwill's Grapevine facility when she read about it in the newspaper," said Ann. "I began to pursue an opportunity with Goodwill, and within two weeks I landed a job!"
To support the facility, Goodwill offers home pick-ups in northeast Tarrant County. Cities served include Grapevine, Colleyville and Southlake. Goodwill will pick up clothing, accessories, furniture, appliances, computers, other electronics and more, and issue a tax receipt on the spot. To schedule a home pick-up or for more information on the service, call 817.310.1004.