WE CHANGE LIVES

Dusti - 2008 Graduate-of-the-Year - was unemployed for over a year, and struggled as a result of feeling unwanted, insecure and distrusting. Her grandmother encouraged her to come to Goodwill to discuss program options. She began her road to greater dignity through work in our transitional employment program. Her life's dream was to work with animals and she achieved that goal when she obtained her job with PetSmart. A strong role model to others for her courage in overcoming obstacles, she continues to take pride in her work.

Bradley - 2008 Achiever-of-the-Year - A chance to work, earn a regular paycheck, go on field trips, meet people and make friends was what Bradley wanted when he began working at Goodwill nearly ten years ago. He has high energy and a positive attitude when hanging clothes, sorting hangers, cleaning the work area and assisting others to do their jobs. Bradley has increased his work production, is less fatigued and has improved his attitude.

New Goodwill Store - Our fifth retail outlet is located at 721 Hanover Pike in Hampstead. I signed a lease in early April and we immediately began accepting donations of merchandise. This new retail operation will eventually allow us to add more programs and serve more people in the Carroll County area. We plan a June 5 grand opening; check out our website for details.

Second Chance Act - The recidivism rate of ex-offenders in our country is between 50 and 70 percent due largely to poor or absent work skills in today's technological society and the stigma unfairly attributed which prevents individuals from re-integrating into society. A number of concerned citizens joined us for a topical and informative panel discussion May 18 on The Second Chance Act and what it can mean for our area. Thanks to Secretary Gary Maynard of the Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services and his staff for joining us for this important and continuing dialogue.

Annual Report - Please check out our website for the 2008 Annual Report which tells of the continued growth of our organization and our ongoing capacity to meet our mission.

Going Green - We continue to "Green Our Goodwill" by encouraging organic efforts including our client-grown tomato plants, which are scheduled to be on sale at our retail store on Church Street in late May. All proceeds from this sale go to supporting client programs and services. Please remember that we also accept the donation of electronics as part of our DELL recycling partnership, avoiding their destination in local landfills or causing owners excessive fees to have them moved to those locations.

Bon Ton Shopping - Once again we were delighted to be a part of a community partner's support of our mission. For many years Bon Ton has partnered with us and other Goodwills in the region to offer discounts to their shoppers when they donate to Goodwill. Known as their annual Goodwill Sale, Bon Ton recognizes the importance of our mission and the role they play in growing it. Thank you Bon Ton!

Our 40th Anniversary Celebration continues with future programs and events such as our workshop on guardianship issues in collaboration with The ARC of Frederick County, our upcoming Business Card Exchange with Giving Connections and our own special Goodwill wedding at the Westminster store in June.

We look forward to growing our organization as we look to our next 40 years!