“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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Goodwill has achieved seven consecutive three-year CARF accreditations for its employment programs since 2004.

After a virtual visit by a CARF survey team and a thorough examination of Goodwill’s facilities, services, and processes, accreditation has been extended through June 2025 for the following services:

• Assistive Technology Supports and Services
• Community Employment Services: Employment Supports
• Community Employment Services: Job Development
• Community Integration
• Employment Planning Services
• Organizational Employment Services
• Governance Standards Applied

The CARF report stated: “This accreditation is an indication if your organization’s dedication and commitment to improve the quality of the lives of persons served. Services, personnel, and documentation clearly indicate an established pattern of conformance to standards.”

Additionally, the CARF report stated that the “accreditation report identifies no recommendations. This accomplishment is achieved in only 3 percent of CARF surveys.”
The CARF survey report also commented on many areas of strength within Goodwill SWPA including:

• Goodwill SWPA is led by a visionary leadership team. The leadership team has a laser focus on what it takes to provide and most importantly maintain exceptional services and a positive work environment.
• Staff members extend themselves beyond assigned responsibilities and are always available to persons served.
• Persons served express a high level of satisfaction with the services they receive.
• Goodwill SWPA created the position of director of diversity, equity inclusion and belonging (DEIB) to reinforce its commitment to further develop its strategic DEIB initiative started nearly two years ago.
• Input from all stakeholders and the community is an important piece of Goodwill SWPA’s strategic efforts going forward, especially with implementing DEIB.
• From transition services to adult employment services, persons served are provided with an impressive array of services from job preparation to job retention.  Persons served are also able to participate in a variety of meaningful work experiences to allow them to learn and experience different jobs out in the community as well as in area Goodwill stores.

Rebekah Fombelle, Goodwill’s Vice President for Human Services, said “we are extremely pleased to receive such a positive report from a third-party reviewer as esteemed as CARF.”  She also added: “I really want to thank everyone who helped prepare and raise agency-wide awareness for our CARF survey. We would never have done as well if amazing work was not being done day in day out, year after year. In the end, it is the people we serve who really benefit from quality services.”

More information on Goodwill SWPA programs and services can be found by visiting www.goodwillncwv.org/programs-and-services.

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Since becoming President/CEO in 2002, Mr. Smith has led unprecedented growth for Goodwill SWPA. Today the organization stands proudly as one of the region’s largest and most impactful human services nonprofits, with an annual budget of nearly $60 million, and serving tens of thousands of people each year. Goodwill’s mission is to help people improve their quality of life through work and related services.

Mr. Smith started his career as Goodwill SWPA’s Controller in 1989. When he assumed the role of President/CEO in 2002, the organization’s budget was under $30 million, operating 20 thrift stores to support its mission, and employing over 600 people. As Mr. Smith’s career comes to a close, Goodwill operates 34 thrift stores and employs almost 1,200 individuals in southwestern PA and north central West Virginia.

“My decision to retire is bittersweet because I have been with our organization for more than 33 years,” said Mr. Smith. “Our mission is what has kept me at Goodwill all these years. I am extremely proud of all the lives we have been able to change, and the impact Goodwill has made in the community. I’m also gratified by our excellent financial position which helped make my decision easier, and the future of our organization looks positive because I believe I have accomplished my goals as President/CEO. However, I quickly acknowledge that would not have been possible without the determination and hard work of every Goodwill team member, past and present, and a very strong and dedicated Board of Directors. I am grateful to them all! Even long after my retirement, I will bleed ‘Goodwill Blue,’” referring to the blue found in the organization’s corporate logo.

During Mr. Smith’s tenure at Goodwill SWPA, the organization developed many new programs and businesses including youth transition services, digital skills training, a robust e-commerce division, and the Mission Logistics trucking company. He also oversaw successful mergers with Northside Common Ministries and YouthWorks, and since 2004, the organization has been accredited by the Commission for Accreditation for Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF). Over the last two years, Mr. Smith has also been a passionate leader and change agent for Goodwill SWPA’s Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging initiative.

Community awards and recognitions received by Mr. Smith include the 2021 Pittsburgh Business Times Outstanding CEO & Top Executive and the 2011 CEO Diamond Award; Rotarian of the Year, Rotary Club of Pittsburgh 2009-10; Goodwill Industries International, 2009 Gerald L. Clore Award for International Development; and Robert Morris University, 2002 Alumni Achiever of the Year Award – Class of 1977.  Mr. Smith has also served on numerous boards including the Robert Morris University Board of Trustees, and the Rotary Club of Pittsburgh serving as Club President in 2017-2018; and as a founding Advisory Board member of the Greater Pittsburgh Nonprofit Partnership. He was also part of the original nonprofit organization that brought the Washington Wild Things to our region.

“Throughout his career, Mike has demonstrated that even during the most challenging times, he’s been a tremendous leader who has always moved our organization forward,” said Marijane Treacy, Chairperson of Goodwill SWPA’s Board of Directors. “He’s been a huge asset to our community and a champion of those we serve.  Mike is an example of the kind of thoughtful, dedicated leader every organization would envy in times of calm and crisis. On behalf of Goodwill SWPA’s entire Board of Directors, we wish Mike a wonderful retirement!”

Robert Stape, Goodwill’s current Chief Operating Officer, Senior Vice President, and Chief Compliance Officer will serve as Interim CEO and has begun the transition into his interim role. Mr. Stape started his career with Goodwill SWPA in 2001 and has served in various roles within the organization during his tenure. He has been responsible for the overall operations of the organization including the Donated Goods Retail, Human Resources, Risk Management, Loss Prevention, Facility Management, Real Estate Management, and Distribution and Logistics, Mission Logistics, LLC, UniqueSource, and SourceAmerica contracts. He holds a BS Degree from Geneva College and an MBA from Waynesburg College. Mr. Stape is also a graduate of the Goodwill Industries International’s Executive Development Program.

Goodwill SWPA’s Board of Directors will retain an executive search firm to partner with the Board’s Search and Transition committee to conduct a nationwide search for the new CEO.  The search will officially launch within the next several weeks.

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“We understand that family budgets are already stretched thin, so shopping at Goodwill is more attractive and practical than ever,” said Andrew Marano, Vice President of Donated Goods Retail with Goodwill SWPA. “We offer exceptionally affordable prices throughout the year, but our special back-to-school sale on July 26 means even more savings for more people.”

Goodwill thrift stores offer both kids and adults the opportunity to find a wide variety of items to show off their individual personalities to the world. There is no better place to find unique outfits and distinctive school supplies than at Goodwill of Southwestern Pennsylvania.

“There are so many things at Goodwill to fit the different styles of kids including vintage t-shirts and sneakers, retro’ gear, or modern brand-name items, and the whole family can have fun browsing the aisles at Goodwill on a back-to-school treasure hunt.  Shopping at Goodwill is also a way to contribute to your community because it supports Goodwill’s nonprofit mission to create jobs and career opportunities,” said Marano.

In addition to clothes and shoes, Goodwill stores are filled with school supplies, from art materials and notebooks to musical instruments, sports equipment, dorm decorations, bikes, lunch boxes, water bottles, and more — all at lower prices than when buying new at big box stores.

Goodwill is also making an urgent appeal for donations during this time so that affordable school clothing can be available to as many families as possible. Donate clothing, old school supplies, backpacks, or any other item you no longer use to help keep shelves well stocked. 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.

Visit www.goodwillncwv.org/goodwill-stores to find your nearest Goodwill store or donation center.

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Participants in the 8-week training program receive a weekly stipend. The training prepares students to take the CDL Class A knowledge, skills and road tests. The knowledge test covers general knowledge, combination vehicle, air brake, hazardous materials, tankers and double-triples. The skills test requires performing a pre-trip inspection and various backing and parking maneuvers, and the road test consists of driving a predetermined route.

“There is a tremendous need for CDL Drivers in today’s job market,” said Tiffanee Heywood, Director of YouthWorks. “This impactful new training program provides the skills and credential young people can use immediately to gain employment and the weekly stipend is a really great support for the individuals while in training.”

The curriculum also covers Department of Transportation (DOT) and Hours of Service regulations, map reading & trip planning, shifting techniques, and industry terminology & career opportunities. In addition to the weekly stipend, additional support and incentives include transportation assistance, financial literacy, housing assistance, interviewing skills, employment services, follow-up support, and mentoring and leadership skills.

To be eligible for classes, participants must be out-of-school (GED or high school diploma not required), must live in Allegheny County, and be between 18 and 24 year of age who have been involved with the justice system. Participants must have a PA Driver’s License and be fully vaccinated (completed a primary COVID-19 series of vaccine doses approved by the FDA or WHO).

For more information or to enroll, visit www.goodwillncwv.org/cdl or contact Morgan Matthews at 412-632-1742 or e-mail morgan.mathews@goodwillswpa.org.

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Project LIFE is a comprehensive, multi-year transition-to-adulthood program in which individuals (ages 16+) with disabilities can develop, practice, and strengthen skills that are high predictors for increased adult independence and successful, integrated community employment. Project LIFE was developed by Butler Tech in 2007 and is now impacting lives nationwide. Butler Tech has been providing services in individuals in southwest Ohio since 1975.

“Goodwill is extremely pleased to work with Butler Tech to bring the Project LIFE program to the Pittsburgh area,” said Rebekah Fombelle, Vice President of Human Services for Goodwill of Southwestern Pennsylvania. “For nearly 25 years, Goodwill has been providing skills to help students with disabilities transition from school into post-school life, and we are pleased to engage in this wonderful partnership to bring this program with demonstrated results to area students who need it.”

Project LIFE offers a targeted course of study in combination with participation in experiential life skills education and authentic work-based learning experiences in the local community. Courses of study in Project LIFE include Team Building, Work Place Safety, Social Skills and Communication, Personal Financial Literacy, Technology, Preparing for Employment, Maintaining Employment and Independent Living.

A typical day at Project LIFE includes classroom learning activities focused on the course of study topics and 2-3 hours of work-based learning experiences under the supervision of a qualified Instructor or Job Skills Trainer. Individual goals are also addressed based upon the needs of each student. It is recommended that individual goals be prioritized to focus on the specific transition-to-adulthood needs of the student intern in order to increase the likelihood of growth and mastery toward their future adult plans.

“Butler Tech is excited to partner with Goodwill of Southwestern Pennsylvania to launch the Project LIFE program in the Pittsburgh area. Students from area school districts who participate in Project LIFE are being offered the opportunity to gain the skills needed for future employment and a more independent future. We congratulate Goodwill for their dedication to utilizing best-practice programming to meet the needs of youth with disabilities in the community,” said Reena Fish, Project LIFE Replication Coordinator at Butler Tech.

Project LIFE believes that all individuals, regardless of ability, will grow in independence when expectations for learning are raised. Job skills are assessed based on employer standards and expectations. Weekly job skill reports will provide data focused on individual progress and this data helps students consider jobs they want for the future while providing them an understanding of accommodations they may need for future employment.

Goodwill of Southwestern Pennsylvania’s replication of the Project Life program was made possible, in part, by funding received by The Friends of Butler Tech Foundation from the Mitsubishi Electric America Foundation, a non-profit foundation jointly funded by Mitsubishi Electric Corporation of Japan and its US affiliates, working to make changes for the better by empowering youth with disabilities to lead productive lives.

For more information about Project LIFE visit: www.goodwillncwv.org/project-life.

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“All month, we are highlighting our ongoing job training and social service offerings that help people who have justice involvement find jobs and support themselves, their families and their communities,” said Rebekah Fombelle, Vice President of Human Services at Goodwill SWPA. We know from our ongoing job training and skills development programming that when people return from correctional facilities and then find and keep good jobs, they build brighter futures for themselves and their families. Goodwill is proud to do its part to help people transition toward advancing in their careers.”

Today, tech jobs are among the most in-demand jobs. Through a variety of partnerships, Goodwill is uniquely positioned to offer a blend of place-based and virtual training for everything from basic digital skills to professional-level certifications such as CompTIA. In addition, Goodwill makes it possible for participants to identify new career paths in information technology, project management, data analytics, social media marketing and more.

The National Reentry Resource Center (NRRC) hosts Second Chance Month. The NRRC was established by the Second Chance Act and funds work to improve reentry outcomes nationwide. Recently released data of a study of formerly incarcerated people revealed that a third (33%) of persons in the study population did not find employment at any point during the 16 quarters after their release from prison from 2010 to 2014.

“Goodwill believes all of these individuals deserve a second chance and that one of the best ways to help is to offer work-related programs that allow individuals to become self-reliant,” said Fombelle.

Among the opportunities available to area residents who are reentering the community, Goodwill SWPA offers LifeLaunch Ignite, Pennsylvania Academic Career and Technical Training (PACTT), and FIRE programs. LifeLaunch: Ignite targets young adults ages 18 to 24 who are or have been justice involved and want to work towards a career based on their interest and skills. Those interested should visit:  www.goodwillncwv.org/ignite. PACTT is for young adults ages 14-21 who have been involved with the criminal justice system. The program focuses on academics, work-related services, and job skills training. The organization’s Fatherhood FIRE (Family-focused, Interconnected, Resilient, and Essential) offers fellowship and support in a friendly group setting while helping fathers get the skills they need to be positively involved in their children’s lives utilizing the National Fatherhood Initiative’s (NFI) 24/7 Dad® program curriculum. FIRE also assists participants in acquiring job training, employment and job retention. To learn more, visit:  www.goodwillncwv.org/fire.

For more information about any of Goodwill SWPA’s mission programs, visit www.goodwillncwv.org/programs-and-services.

This project is supported by the Employment and Training Administration of the United States (U.S.) Department of Labor as part of a grant award to Goodwill Industries International in which Goodwill of Southwestern Pennsylvania is a subgrantee to an award totaling $884,197 with 100 percent funded by ETA/DOL. The Federal award number is YF-35054-20-60-A-24.  The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by ETA/DOL.

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Goodwill of North Central West Virginia is seeking nonprofit partners to apply to receive “Give Back” vouchers (Give Back Cards) for Goodwill thrift stores throughout its nine county territory (Barbour, Harrison, Lewis, Marion, Monongalia, Preston, Randolph, Taylor and Upshur counties) in north-central West Virginia.

The Give Back program works to support the mission services of area nonprofit partner organizations to place Give Back cards to Goodwill thrift stores into the hands of individuals who need them. The organization started the Give Back program last year as a response to the devastating impact COVID-19 had on our region. Give Back cards were provided to nine north-central West Virginia organizations, enabling 897 individuals to receive support.

“Goodwill is very pleased and proud to continue the Gift Back program for the second straight year,” said Andrew Marano, Vice President of Donated Goods Retail at Goodwill NCWV.  “The program was able to help many people last year who were impacted by COVID-19 and we know the need for this program is still great.”

Interested 501(c)3 nonprofit organizations should fill out an online application, available at www.goodwillncwv.org/give-back. After review, selected organizations receive batches of Give Back Cards, each pre-loaded with $25, to be redeemed at any Goodwill thrift store within the organization’s service territory. Partners provide cards to their participants in amounts up to $100 per household. Existing Give Back program partners must submit a new application for this program year.

Interested 501(c)3 nonprofit organizations should fill out an on-line application, available at http://goodwillncwv.org/give-back. After a review process, selected organizations will receive batches of Give Back vouchers that they can distribute to their own program participants.

The Give Back vouchers can be used to purchase donated items for sale at any Goodwill NCWV. For a listing of Goodwill NCWV stores, visit www.goodwillncwv.org/goodwill-stores.

Goodwill of North Central West Virginia is a diversified nonprofit human service agency with a mission to help people improve their quality of life through work and related services.

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HIRE Category Winners

Fudge Farm – Fudge Farm is a gourmet fudge, chocolate, and ice cream shop in Pittsburgh, PA. According to their website, they carry the largest variety of fudge in western Pennsylvania! Fudge Farm has worked with Goodwill to support the Learn and Earn Summer Youth Employment program for the past four years, demonstrating their willingness to continue in the partnership and provide young adults with their first work experience. The Learn and Earn Summer Youth Employment program provides summer job opportunities for youth throughout Allegheny County, Pennsylvania. Goodwill of Southwestern Pennsylvania has been a host site for the program for several years. Fudge Farm prides themselves on diversity, which is reflected in their hiring processes. They have hired many individuals with barriers over time, including those experiencing homelessness, single parents, young adults with limited work history, and other employment barriers.

Nancy’s Revival | Revival Chili – Revival Chili serves some of the best chili in Pittsburgh and the community! Their mission is to hire men and women in need of a fair chance at work but currently face barriers to employment, such as homelessness, previous incarceration, or a lack of work experience. Mr. Jordan Robarge founded Revival Chili in October 2016 and has since dedicated his life to hiring individuals with criminal backgrounds to reduce local rates of recidivism. Mr. Robarge himself has a criminal record that prevented him from gaining employment after college. Mr. Robarge has worked with many workforce development programs including Goodwill’s YouthWorks program, which offers programs and services to help youth gain work experience. Mr. Robarge was recently a guest speaker at a graduation ceremony for Goodwill’s Youth. During his speech, he offered employment to any youth who was interested. One individual took advantage of the opportunity and was later hired!

HELP Category Winner

Accenture – Accenture exists to deliver on the promise of technology and human ingenuity. They aim to help their clients become the next and best versions of themselves. Through driving skills development, enabling employment, and collaborating for change, Accenture has equipped 5.8 million people worldwide with the skills to make substantive improvements to their lives. Accenture Pittsburgh’s most recent initiatives surround the ‘Inclusive Future of Work’, which helps both people whose jobs face a higher risk of disruption from intelligent technologies such as AI, and people who are facing the double disadvantage of being in jobs that will be disrupted and who are lacking the resources to build new skills. Accenture partnered with Goodwill of Southwestern Pennsylvania to facilitate sessions on leadership skills, instilling confidence in the programs’ participants. These workshops include professionalism and work ethic, mock interviews, communication skills, emotional intelligence, problem-solving, conflict resolution, building your brand, networking, cross-cultural diversity, and more. The workshops resulted in several mentoring and coaching relationships that have opened doors for employment opportunities.

2022 Goodwill Power of Work Legacy Award Winner

Construction Junction – Construction Junction (CJ) is a nonprofit organization with a store and donation center in Homewood, PA. CJ accepts donations of used and surplus materials and then sells them in their 30,000 sq. ft. store to new users for a fraction of the cost of new materials. CJ dubs their unique business model, “the largest and coolest reuse nonprofit in the Pittsburgh region!” Although CJ’s mission is to promote conservation through the reuse of building materials, they are also promoting a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workforce. CJ hosts several Goodwill job training and work program participant in their large warehouse. The participants learn a combination of on-the-job and soft skills as they work to process doors, tile, and flooring and deliver it to the store. They also offer seasonal employment opportunities that aim to assist entry-level participants and others with barriers to employment to gain work experience or to earn in a temporary position.

The winners of the 2022 Power of Work Awards will be honored at a hybrid ceremony on April 29, 2022, at 12:00 pm. at the Sheraton Station Square hotel. The event will also be live-streamed to registered attendees. Participating in the event, along with Goodwill clients and representatives of the winning organizations, will be Dan Swayze, DrPH, MBA, MEMS, Vice President, Community Services, UPMC Health Plan, and honorary chairperson of the 2022 Power of Work Awards, and Bill Flanagan, Chief Corporate Relations Officer for the Allegheny Conference on Community Development, master of ceremonies.

This year’s awards ceremony marks the 25^th anniversary of the recognition program. Goodwill created the Power of Work Awards program in 1997 to acknowledge employers and organizations that make a major, positive impact on the lives of people with barriers to employment by providing employment opportunities and support programs. Over 60 different employers and organizations have won the award.

Go to www.goodwillncwv.org/powerofwork to register to attend in-person or virtually. Sponsors are also welcome through April 15. For questions about the Power of Work Awards contact Gabi Lloyd at 412-632-1931 or powerofwork@goodwillswpa.org.

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