With this new location, Goodwill provides a convenient option for area residents to donate gently-used goods to support the organization’s mission. This is the second Donation Express Center in the greater Pittsburgh region after the Donation Express Center in Wexford opened in 2019. Additionally, Community members can drop off donations at any one of Goodwill’s 34 thrift stores.

Donations play a crucial role in supporting Goodwill’s mission of changing lives and strengthening communities. Each donation of gently-used goods dropped off at a Goodwill store and donation center is sold in one of its thrift stores. The money from those sales funds jobs training and education programs that help people with barriers to employment achieve competitive employment and independence.

“The community’s support is critical to the work we do: 1,361,017 people donated to Goodwill in 2022, which helped us serve 15,248 through our programs,” said Andrew Marano, Vice President of Donated Goods Retail. “We hope that our Donation Express Centers provide a pleasant and convenient experience for donors and that our West Liberty Donation Express becomes a regular stop for community members looking to support a great cause while saving items from the landfill.”

In 2022, Goodwill of Southwestern Pennsylvania kept over 56 million pounds of household donations out of landfills through its thrift stores and recycling efforts.

For more information – including a listing of all retail locations and donation centers – visit www.goodwillncwv.org/goodwill-stores

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“There is always high demand for flaggers in the construction field,” said Tiffanee Heywood, Director of YouthWorks at Goodwill of Southwestern Pennsylvania. “This training is an excellent pathway for young people who are looking to get their first foot in the door to the construction field and acquire a really good job.”

Upon completion of the course, participants will receive a monetary stipend and a certification that will last four years. The training will cover:

• How to be a safe and effective flagger
• Understanding why proper flagger operations are important
• Learning the standard skillset of a good flagger
• Applying standard flagger control references
• Identifying proper flagging signals and procedures
• Learning standard flagger practices for various situations

All participants in the training will receive additional training support and incentives including transportation assistance, financial literacy, interviewing skills, employment services, follow up, mentoring and leadership skill building.

Participants must be out-of-school (GED or high school diploma not required), ages 18-24, and live in Allegheny County.

To enroll in training, contact Morgan Matthews at 412-632-1742 or morgan.matthews@goodwillswpa.org.

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By going plastic bag free, Goodwill SWPA expects to reduce the waste of over 300,000 plastic bags per year. This represents an important step Goodwill SWPA is taking to reduce waste and furthering its organizational commitment to promoting environmental sustainability. As a pioneer in the concepts of reuse and repurposing for over 100 years, Goodwill thrift stores provide low cost gently-used items for sale to the public. In 2022, 56 million pounds of household donations were thrifted, repurposed, recycled, or reused by Goodwill SWPA.

“One of our core values at Goodwill is responsibility,” said Andrew Marano, Vice President of Donated Goods Retail at Goodwill of Southwestern Pennsylvania. “We strive to minimize our environmental impact and maximize the value of each donation to support Goodwill’s mission services. This enables us to help thousands of people we help annually through job training and education programs.”

Experts have indicated that Americans use 100 billion plastic bags per year, which requires 12 million barrels of oil to manufacture. Besides the impacts of the pollution from the manufacturing process on the environment and public health, single-use plastic bags also contribute to litter in communities, collect in waterways, and clog storm drains, which can increase flooding in neighborhoods during wet weather events. In 2021, PennEnvironment released a report that found microplastics in 100 percent of tested Pennsylvania waterways. Single-use plastic bags also obstruct recycling machines and take a minimum of 500 years to decompose in a landfill.

Goodwill plans to be completely plastic bag free in all of its thrift stores by March 15, 2023. For a list of Goodwill SWPA stores and donation centers, visit www.goodwillncwv.org/goodwill-stores.

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“I am excited for this tremendous opportunity to lead Goodwill of Southwestern Pennsylvania,” said McIntosh. “It’s an amazing organization with a long, storied history of providing valuable services to improve the quality of life for people in our region. I am incredibly impressed with Goodwill’s well-known social enterprise model using revenue from retail stores to fund job training, address workforce access barriers, and increase family economic stability. I want the public to understand better that when they donate and shop at Goodwill SWPA, they are impacting thousands of individuals through our mission-critical services.”

Joining Goodwill SWPA from her most recent position as the Chief Program Officer of YWCA Greater Pittsburgh, McIntosh also served in various leadership capacities at the organization, including Co-Interim Chief Executive Officer and Chief Administrative Officer.  Previous to her leadership at the YWCA, she served as Urban League of Greater Pittsburgh’s Vice President of Programs and Services. In each of these roles, she expanded the reach and effectiveness of the organization.

McIntosh is a member of The Forbes Fund Advisory Council and United Way of Southwestern PA Women’s Leadership Council Diversity Work Group. She serves on the Wilkinsburg Community Development Corporation Board, where she chairs the Development Committee, and the Sixth Economic Empowerment Development Corporation Board. She also serves as an Advisory Committee member for the Homewood Community Development Collaborative and a Core Team member for the

Homewood Comprehensive Community Plan, formally adopted into the city’s Comprehensive Plan. Additionally, McIntosh is an Advisory Committee member for the University of Pittsburgh Community Engagement Center. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Pittsburgh and a Master of Education from Penn West California.

“We are thrilled to have Monique as the new leader of Goodwill of Southwestern Pennsylvania,” said Marijane Treacy, Chairperson of Goodwill SWPA’s Board of Directors. “For over 100 years, Goodwill has been a pillar of our community, and we look forward to her commitment to continuing Goodwill’s success, while forging new ways Goodwill can help our community in our next century of service.”

Succeeding Michael Smith, who retired last fall after serving as Goodwill SWPA’s President/CEO for 20 years, McIntosh will officially begin in her new role on March 1, 2023. She represents a considerable step forward for Goodwill SWPA as the first woman and person of color to lead the organization. Intentional diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging efforts at Goodwill SWPA over the past three years have led to stronger employee awareness and understanding, new community partner relationships, and elevating equity through the lens in which organizational decisions are made. Creating a culture of belonging where everyone is valued for who they are is the foundation of Goodwill SWPA’s DEIB strategy.

For more information about Goodwill of Southwestern Pennsylvania, visit www.goodwillncwv.org.

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“There’s always a slow down in donations during the winter months,” said Robert Stape, Goodwill SWPA’s Interim President/CEO. “That’s why we are making this special appeal to the public at this time.”

Donations of clothing and household items are the life-blood of Goodwill, representing well over half of the operating revenues for the diversified human services agency. Revenue from Goodwill stores support the organization’s charitable mission to provide job training and education programs that change lives. Goodwill stores also serve as a training ground for hundreds of people annually.

“Goodwill stores are important to the community in two ways,” Stape said. “Many of our customers are on very tight budgets and they rely on the stores’ low prices for their families’ needs. Also, revenue from the stores helps to sustain the programs Goodwill provides for people with employment barriers. Your donations literally help people get jobs.”

Goodwill is asking the public to take a look inside closets, attics, basements and garages and make an extra effort to donate at this time of year. The organization encourages the public to declutter houses and give a second life to items that are longer needed. In addition to clothing and housewares, Goodwill accepts donations of books, jewelry, computers, and electronic equipment.

Donating to Goodwill is also good for the environment. Last year at Goodwill SWPA, over 56 million pounds of household donations were thrifted, repurposed, recycled, or reused. Furthermore, donating to Goodwill combats climate change by giving items a second life and encouraging secondhand shopping. The average American has over 100 pieces of clothing in their closet, representing half a swimming pool worth of water which is used to produce these items. This is enough drinking water to serve 500 people for an entire year.

“We are truly grateful and humbled by everyone’s generosity during the whole year, but donations are important now more than ever due to the ongoing high demand from people in the community who count on our stores to have the goods they need,” Stape said.

Find the nearest Goodwill SWPA no-contact donation location by visiting www.goodwillncwv.org/donate-goods.

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The goal of the Power of Work Awards program is to recognize the extraordinary workforce development efforts of local businesses and their impact on the community, especially for people with disabilities and employment barriers. Since the program’s inception in 1997, Goodwill has bestowed Power of Work awards to more than 65 unique southwestern Pennsylvania area businesses.

The Power of Work Awards recognizes businesses in two categories – those that HIRE people with disabilities and/or other barriers to employment; and those that HELP workforce development by going the “extra mile” to offer work-related support and experiences. The nomination deadline is February 23, 2023, and nominations can be submitted online at www.goodwillncwv.org/powerofwork. Winners will be honored at an awards ceremony on Friday, April 21, 2023, at the Sheraton Station Square.

“This year we are excited to be able to gather and celebrate the Power of Work Awards in person again, ” said Robert Stape, Interim President/CEO for Goodwill SWPA. “We can’t wait to honor businesses that continue to show empathy despite some of the struggles they may be facing themselves. Anyone can submit a nomination and businesses are strongly encouraged to nominate themselves.”

Winners of the 2022 Power of Work Awards in the HIRE category were the Fudge Farm and Nancy’s Revival/Revival Chili/Revival Pasta of Revival Enterprises for their exceptional hiring principles, which include efforts to hire people who have criminal backgrounds, little work experience and people with disabilities. Accenture was the recipient of the HELP category award for their dedication to making sure everyone is accepted and can have the opportunity to be the very best version of themselves. Goodwill also presented a special Legacy Award to Construction Junction for their long history of working with Goodwill program participants and their promotion of a diverse, equitable and inclusive workforce.

An independent panel of diverse and forward-thinking judges who represent the human services, higher education, and community investment sectors will evaluate the nominees’ efforts in creating enhanced opportunities for people who face employment barriers.

For more information, including how to purchase tickets or become a sponsor for the event, contact Elaine Malcolm at 412-609-0513, elaine.malcolm@goodwillswpa.org, or visit www.goodwillncwv.org/powerofwork.

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The organization offers assistance for young people who need help finding a job, enrolling in a community college or university, or who are looking to make a career change. The YouthWorks Program can also help those who need to get their GED in addition to a host of supportive services including transportation, financial literacy, and individualized community-based case management services.

Specific young adult programs include:

• LifeLaunch: Ignite – targeting young adults who are or have been justice involved and want to work towards a career based on their interest and skills. The program offers an initial assessment and evaluation, job training, support with job search, and additional assistance including transportation, career exploration, mentoring, and follow up and support for an additional year.
• Retail Training Program – targeting young adults looking to begin a career in retail but need work experience. The 12-week program prepares individuals for a job in retail with paid training in a Goodwill store. Participants who successfully complete the program are guaranteed a job at a Goodwill store in their community.
• IMPACT Job Search – targeting young adults considering college or starting a job search. This program offers premier job readiness curriculum, mobile case management, assistance with resumes, mock interview, and job search planning.

For more information, visit:  www.goodwillncwv.org/youth-services.  To enroll, call 412-632-1742 or visit www.goodwillncwv.org/youth-info.

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“Because of the current trends with inflation, more people are shopping in our stores than ever before. They are finding out what thrift shop treasure hunters have known for years — that Goodwill is the place to find great deals.  And this Halloween, shoppers can find great inexpensive costumes too,” said Andrew Marano, Goodwill’s Vice President for Donated Goods Retail. “Our area Goodwill stores have so many wonderful options for Halloween shopping that everyone is looking for.”

There are many great examples of the value for Halloween that can be found at Goodwill. In a Goodwill thrift store, a men’s lumberjack costume including a flannel shirt, pants, and work boots can be created for as little as $19.77 versus $130 at another retailer. A women’s witch costume can be put together with a dress, hat, boots, and vintage gothic purse for as little as $26.96 compared to $91 for the same items at another retailer.

For shoppers looking for inspiration this Halloween season, follow Goodwill on Instagram at @goodwillswpa. Goodwill has partnered with eight Instagram influencers to learn what each can find at Goodwill stores, from Halloween costumes to decorations. The Instagram influencers include:  @lulathrift; @thriftyyinzer; @stylingbychi; @thriftstoresandscores; @brookiembryant; @blkgirlthrift; @thepastelpessimist; and @theheftyhideaway.

For more information about Halloween shopping at Goodwill, visit: http://goodwillncwv.org/halloween.

With more people shopping at Goodwill than ever before, the organization is also making an appeal for donations during this time. At a time when so many people in the area are seeking opportunities to stretch their dollars, shopping at and donating to your local Goodwill is more important than ever.

Donating to Goodwill is also good for the environment. Last year, Goodwill kept nearly 16 million pounds of material out of local landfills. Donating to Goodwill combats climate change by giving items a second life and encouraging secondhand shopping.

Goodwill stores are open from 10am until 7pm on Monday through Thursday and 10am until 8pm on Friday through Sunday. For an entire listing of all 34 Goodwill SWPA stores and donation sites, visit http://goodwillncwv.org/goodwill-stores.

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Wearing caps and gowns and marching to “Pomp and Circumstance” before an audience of family, friends, staff and guests, High School Equivalency graduates will be honored by Goodwill.

“We are extremely proud of the graduates from our Education programs,” said Laurie Cybulski, Director of Education and Testing. “Our students have put in hours of class work while holding down jobs and parenting. Their dedication and sacrifice shows that they have what it takes to continue to achieve even more as they go forward!”

Speaking on behalf of the graduating class will be Andrea Simmons. Ms. Simmons obtained her GED^® with classes through Goodwill in 2020. She recently completed UPMC’s Patient Care Technician program and obtained a better job at UPMC Mercy.

Information about all of the education programs offered by Goodwill is available at www.goodwillncwv.org/education.  More information on Goodwill SWPA programs and services can be found by visiting www.goodwillncwv.org/programs-and-services.

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The grand opening will be Halloween themed!  Staff will be dressed up in costume to help inspire costume ideas for shoppers and a DJ will be playing “spooky” music. There will also be refreshments, freebies, raffles and the first 100 shoppers in the door will receive a free reusable bag.

“Belle Vernon has long been an excellent Goodwill store location,” said Andrew Marano, Vice President Donated Goods Retail with Goodwill. “This is why we are so excited to move to this new spot.  We know Belle Vernon shoppers will enjoy this new location even more!”

The new Belle Vernon location follows the new prototype for Goodwill stores opening in the Goodwill of Southwestern Pennsylvania service territory within the last decade. The store space was designed specifically for Goodwill’s unique operations. Production and donation areas are arranged for maximum efficiency and wide-open shopping spaces. The entire store is 19,000 square feet, including 8,500 square feet of sales floor.  The store will employ 20 people.

Belle Vernon will also be one of the first Goodwill stores in the Southwestern PA region to go “bagless.” To help reduce plastic waste, this Goodwill store will not offer plastic bags at checkout. Shoppers are encouraged to bring their own reusable bags or grab a free box to use.  Goodwill will offer reusable fabric bags for sale for just $1.00. Goodwill plans to go plastic bagless in all of their area stores by early 2023. This should reduce the waste of over 33,000 plastic bags in just one year.

Donations to Goodwill are sold in local Goodwill stores to provide funding for Goodwill’s job training and education programs. Donating to Goodwill is also good for the environment and donations to Goodwill help keep millions pounds of material out of landfills every year.

Goodwill’s former Belle Vernon location will remain open through September 27. Shoppers are welcome to take advantage of tremendous values, including significant discounts on donated items that will increase until the former store closes. In preparation for the move, donations are now being accepted only at the new Belle Vernon location.

For an entire listing of all 34 Goodwill SWPA stores, visit http://goodwillncwv.org/goodwill-stores.

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