Goodwill of Monocacy Valley Recognizes Clients, Employees

FREDERICK, MD – Goodwill Industries of Monocacy Valley hosted its 48th Annual Goodwill® Awards Luncheon on Friday, May 12 to recognize the 2016 contributions of the people the organization serves, as well as its employees and community partners. The luncheon featured Whitney Hahn, managing partner of Digital Bard as the emcee and Jim Gibbons, president and CEO of Goodwill Industries International as the keynote speaker.

“We are thrilled to be able to recognize the contributions of the people we serve, our dedicated employees who are working hard to create an amazing Goodwill experience for you, and our partners that share our vision of a stronger community,” said Michael Meyer, president and CEO of Goodwill Industries of Monocacy Valley.

The Robert “JJ” Johns Employee Spirit Award was presented to Lorna Galong, a donations processor at the Goodwill Retail Store in Eldersburg, MD. Galong, an employee since 2012, received the award for her ability to build team spirit, her enthusiasm for Goodwill, her quality of work, and her positive leadership.

The Employee of the Year Award was presented to Ashlyn Shoemaker, a production supervisor at the Goodwill Retail Store in Walkersville, MD. Shoemaker was awarded this honor for her excellent customer service, her positive attitude and her willingness to help others.

The Achiever of the Year Award is given to an individual who participates in Goodwill programs or services and has shown great growth within the past year. The 2016 Achiever of the Year Award was presented to Charles Haas. Haas, with the help of the Goodwill Employment Resource Center, moved from part-time work at a local grocery store to full-time work at Max & Ruffy’s, an organic dog treat bakery located in New Windsor, MD, within the past year.

The Graduate of the Year Award is given to an individual who has used Goodwill programs and services in the past to gain meaningful employment. The 2016 Graduate of the Year Award was presented to Andrew Sweeney. Sweeney utilized the Goodwill Employment Resource Center and a volunteer opportunity to switch from food service to office administration. He started as a volunteer intern within Rachuba Group’s Piney Ridge Apartments leasing office located in Eldersburg, MD, to gain work experience and was then offered paid, full-time employment as an administrative assistant for the company.

Community partners honored at the event include Weis Market, Store #60 (Frederick, MD); Wegmans Food Market, (Frederick, MD); Carroll Lutheran Village (Westminster, MD); and Glade Valley Center (Walkersville, MD). These companies partner with Goodwill to provide job training, volunteer opportunities and employment to individuals served through Goodwill Industries of Monocacy Valley.

About Goodwill Industries of Monocacy Valley:

Goodwill Industries of Monocacy Valley helps people achieve their full potential through the dignity and power of work. Goodwill’s revenue funds job training and other employment related programs for people with barriers to employment. Last year, Goodwill provided 1,025 services to 641 people in Frederick and Carroll Counties. For more information about Goodwill’s programs and services or to find a retail location near you, visit www.GIMV.org.