FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 12, 2006 

GOODWILL OPENS IN POST FALLS, IDAHO

SPOKANE, WA---Goodwill Industries of the Inland Northwest today opens its 13^th retail thrift store.  The store, located at 317 Seltice Way, will initially employ 10.

In addition to the sale of gently used merchandise ranging from apparel to housewares and furniture to toys and sports gear, the store will become a site for Goodwill’s services.

Residents of the Post Falls area who have disabilities or disadvantages may be referred to Goodwill for testing and assessments as well as job training and possible employment.

The nonprofit agency relies on the donation of resalable goods by families in the community to operate its programs and services.  Out of every $1.00 this Goodwill takes in, 85 cents funds its programs that last year helped more than 3100 people in eastern Washington and northern Idaho build independence through training, education, and employment.

Goodwill Industries of the Inland Northwest is one of 205 independent, community-based members of Goodwill Industries International.  The organization employs approximately 650 people throughout the region.

For more information contact Diane Galloway, (509) 444-4383

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 4, 2006

 BOBBI JOHNSON, CEO, CELEBRATES 25^th LEADERSHIP ANNIVERSARY

SPOKANE, WA---Bobbi Johnson, President and CEO of Goodwill Industries of the Inland Northwest, will be honored this spring at several events saluting her 25 years at the helm of the nonprofit agency. 

On March 14 employees in the agency’s downtown Spokane headquarters will gather to talk with her as they enjoy refreshments in the plant’s cafeteria.  Then on March 23, members of the Goodwill’s Board of Directors and community supporters will attend a reception to honor the executive.  Her ongoing career at Goodwill also will be showcased at the organization’s annual Awards and Recognition Night on May 3.

Johnson accepted her position only on an interim basis, she explains, never imagining she would still be at Goodwill today.  She points out that when she took on her role, the Goodwill was near bankruptcy.  “There were times even I wasn’t sure we could turn things around.  One of the most gratifying experiences of my life is seeing how our ability to survive and grow and prosper has meant the thousands of people we’ve been able to help with job training and other services.  I truly believe in our mission.”

Goodwill Industries of the Inland Northwest is one of 205 members of Goodwill Industries International.  Last year Goodwill helped more than 3100 people in eastern Washington and northern Idaho build independence through training, education, and employment.  The agency employs approximately 650 people.

For more information contact Diane Galloway, (509) 444-4383

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 26, 2006

GOODWILL PROGRAMS RECEIVE ACCREDITATION

SPOKANE, WA---The Rehabilitation Accreditation Commission, originally known as CARF, has awarded three-year accreditation to all of the programs submitted for evaluation by Goodwill Industries of the Inland Northwest.  Three years is the maximum period for which accreditation can be given.

Accreditation follows the visit of a survey team who spent three days in November 2005 examining all aspects of the Goodwill’s programs and services, management, fiscal operations, safety, relationships with partner agencies and participants, and presence in the communities it serves.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 11, 2005
 

GOODWILL INCREASES SERVICES IN 2004

SPOKANE, WA---Goodwill Industries of the Inland Northwest announces that the nonprofit agency served 2862 in eastern Washington and northern Idaho.  According to Clark M. Brekke, Vice President, that number represents a 28% increase over the 2003 level.

Goodwill provides workforce development and individual and family services throughout the region, helping people build independence through training, education, and employment.  The organization operates seven service offices and 11 retail stores in the Inland Northwest.  Out of every $1.00 Goodwill takes in, 85c funds its programs for people with disabilities and disadvantages.  Some of the individuals Goodwills assist have physical, mental, or developmental disabilities, lack of work history, or offender status, or are transitioning from public assistance to self-sufficiency.

The Spokane, WA-headquartered Goodwill is one of more than 200 autonomous, community-based member agencies of Goodwill Industries International.

GOODWILL CEO WINS NATIONAL AWARD

SPOKANE, WA---Goodwill Industries International has announced that it is presenting its annual Mission Advancement award to Bobbi Johnson, President and CEO of Goodwill Industries of the Inland Northwest, headquartered in Spokane.  According to the international agency’s published criteria, the award honors a Goodwill leader who has made an innovative contribution to the advancement of the Goodwill mission with a lasting effect on the ability of one or more Goodwill organizations to serve people with disabilities or other barriers to employment.

Johnson was cited for creating and maintaining an entrepreneurial environment that encourages development of programs to assist groups of people who have been underserved.  Specifically the nomination cited Johnson’s leadership in providing innovative and successful services to offenders being released from penal institutions.  The programs’ primary goal is preventing repeat offenses through job placement and social services, thereby protecting the community.  One of the programs for offenders, Community Gateway, has also been recognized by the international body, receiving the annual Workplace Skills Award. Community Gateway staff work with local businesses to identify qualified workers and to assist employers with no-cost bonding and tax credits.  Winners of the national awards are selected from among 207 individual Goodwill organizations with Spokane Goodwill receiving two of the 12 total possible awards.

In 1982 Johnson assumed her current role.  In 1997 she received Goodwill’s King Award for Management Excellence and previously won a national Goodwill award for staff  development.  She was named the YWCA Business Woman of the Year in 1995 and served as a trustee for the Spokane Chamber of Commerce and an Honorary Commander at Fairchild Air Force Base.  She has also served on the Board of Directors for the Better Business Bureau of Washington, Idaho and Montana.

Goodwill operates seven workforce development offices and 11 retail thrift stores in eastern Washington and northern Idaho.  Store revenues as well as grants and

third-party contractors fund its programs.  In 2004 Goodwill helped 2862 people build independence in the Inland Northwest.  The nonprofit agency employs nearly 600 people.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 23, 2005

GOODWILL NAMES ANNUAL AWARD WINNERS

SPOKANE, WA----At its recent annual Awards and Recognition Night,
Goodwill Industries of the Inland Northwest honored individual achievement
and community support.  The event, attended by 250 guests,
was held at the Red Lion Hotel at the Park.

Emcee Steve Becker of Inland Northwest Health Services introduced Bobbi Johnson, President and CEO, who addressed the evening’s theme of Celebrating Independence before the presentation of the following awards:

Community Awards

The Broadway Group’s Worker’s Pride Award

Lee Burgess, Spokane Valley Goodwill

Andre-Romberg Awards of Excellence

Debbie Baril, Spokane

Dave Brockhoff, Spokane

Nate Donaldson, Spokane Valley
 

Employers of the Year

Pinewood Care Center, Coeur d’Alene

Skipper’s Seafood and Chowder House, Lewiston

The Ridpath Hotel, Spokane

Business Contributors of the Year

LeMaster & Daniels Pllc, Spokane

Dan Austin—Austin’s Fine Jewelry

Moses Lake Senior Thrift Center, Moses Lake

Avista Independence Awards

Avista Utilities generously sponsored Goodwill’s Independence Awards, which recognize individuals throughout the Inland Northwest for their perseverance and success in overcoming barriers and building their independence with Goodwill’s help.

Coeur d’Alene, Idaho:
Sandy Bigger

Colville, Washington:
Peter Anderson

Lewiston, Idaho:
Steve Schuler

Moses Lake, Washington
Merry Conley

Sandpoint/Bonners Ferry, Idaho
Darold Girard

Spokane, Washington
Diana Price and Robert Reamer

Graduate, Staff and Volunteer Awards

Graduate of the Year

John Mullen, Coeur d’Alene, Idaho

Carla Martin Memorial Award for Dedication to Goodwill
Sponsored by Charles and Karen Romberg

Douglas Ross, Spokane, Washington

Entrepreneurial Vision Award

Percy Watkins, Spokane, Washington

Youth Award
Planning Action for Youth Success—PAYS

Achievement Award

Asia Reece, Spokane, Washington

Store of the Year

Colville, Washington Goodwill

For more information about future awards nights and other Goodwill events, please go to Events and Volunteers>Upcoming on this site.  You will also find future event dates in our Newsroom>Calendar.  Businesses and individuals interested in sponsoring an award may contact Diane at 509.444.4383.  Thank you for your interest in Goodwill.
 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

DOWNTOWN PLAYGROUND BREAKS GROUND

SPOKANE, WA---ABC Discovery Child Care Center will soon have an innovative new playground, thanks to the support of foundations, corporate donors, and individual contributors.

Goodwill Industries of the Inland Northwest operates the center within its downtown headquarters at 130 E.Third Avenue.  Nearly 50 children from the community attend the center.  Groundbreaking took place on Tuesday, November 9.

Major supporters of the playground include the For All Kids Foundation, Ronald McDonald House Charities, Avista Corp, Women Helping Women Fund, Goodrich Corporation, Spokane Teachers Credit Union, Washington Trust Bank, and US Bank.  Many individuals and local businesses also contributed to the playground building fund.

Innovative features of the Discovery Playground, designed by landscape architect Fred Ogram of Abbotswood Design Group, include soft-fall floors, large Northwest animal sculptures, a painting wall, a snake spitter fountain that winds through the space, and accessible play areas for children with disabilities.  The playground is being built behind Goodwill’s offices and adjacent to the space ABC Discovery Child Care Center is moving to as part of a large project to renovate much of Goodwill’s headquarters complex.

Downtown Playground

Goodwill representatives say that having the best possible play space is not only essential for all children’s mental, social and physical development but is especially important in an urban setting that lacks nearby green space.  Bobbi Johnson, Goodwill’s President and CEO, points out that the ABC Discovery Child Care Center plays a vital role in the lives of families who live near downtown.  “We so appreciate the support of many organizations and individuals in making our vision of a state-of-the-art playground for the children a reality and a tremendous contribution to our community.”

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 12, 2004

HUCKLEBERRY’S FILLED WITH GOODWILL

SPOKANE, WA----Officials at Goodwill Industries of the Inland Northwest report that a drive sponsored by Huckleberry’s Natural Market has yielded more than 400 pieces of reusable household goods.

The July 10 drive, co-sponsored by KREM TV and Classy 99.9 Radio, exceeded their expectations, they said.  Sponsors had publicized the drive in advance with the line, “Let’s fill up the truck.”  By mid-afternoon Goodwill staff on site at Huckleberry’s had to call for a second truck from the nonprofit agency’s headquarters.

Sponsors appealed to the community to donate to the fourth annual drive throughout the week preceding it, running television spots on KREM and radio on Classy.  The television spot featured KREM anchor Nadine Woodward, filmed at Goodwill.  On the Saturday of the actual drive, popular radio personality and Classy program director Beau Tyler broadcast live from Huckleberry’s at Ninth and Monroe on Spokane’s South Hill.  As he asked for specific items, such as bookcases and lamps, to be donated, people bringing the items became eligible for Huckleberry’s gift certificates.

Organizers of the event report that not only did the quantity of donors and their reusable items surpass previous drives, the quality of the goods was very good.  Goodwill’s Public

Relations Manager Diane Galloway points out,  “That’s especially important when the goods go into our local stores for re-sale.  Out of every dollar we take in, 85 cents funds

our training and job placement programs for people with disabilities and disadvantages.”  In 2003 Goodwill helped more than 3100 people in the Inland Northwest build independence.

More than 150 people made the trip to drop off goods at the site of a large KREM-sponsored Goodwill truck parked in the Huckleberry’s lot.  One local family about to move out of state made three separate stops in a large vehicle filled with household goods in excellent condition.  Donors were provided receipts for their tax-deductible contributions.

Bobbi Johnson, President and CEO of Goodwill Industries of the Inland Northwest, comments, “We are very grateful for Huckleberry’s commitment to bettering the community while helping Goodwill.  Our shared belief in environmental responsibility through recycling has made this partnership a very meaningful one.”

Goodwill Industries of the Inland Northwest is one of more than 200 independent members of Goodwill Industries International.  It operates 11 retail stores and seven workforce development offices in eastern Washington and northern Idaho.

GOODWILL AWARDED YOUTH PROGRAM FUNDS

SPOKANE, WA---In a competitive bidding process Goodwill Industries of the Inland Northwest received funding for its youth program for the program year 2004-2005.  The Spokane Area Workforce Development Council announced the award of funds provided under the federal Workforce Investment Act.

In July the program, Planning Action for Youth Success---PAY$, begins its third year of service to young people with one or more barriers to employment.  Many of the Spokane County participants, ages 17 to 21, have disabilities or criminal records and all meet low-income guidelines.  A total of 72 are slated to be served by PAY$ in the new contract year.

Obtaining and maintaining employment is the primary focus of PAY$.  The young people may also participate in paid experience, occupational skills training, and completion of their secondary education if applicable.  A Job Club helps them identify goals and opportunities and prepare for work.

In announcing the award, Clark M. Brekke, Vice President of Human Services, comments, “We have an excellent staff and are providing quality services to youth with multiple barriers.”
 

GOODWILL NAMES AWARD WINNERS

Individuals and Businesses Saluted

SPOKANE, WA----Awards for outstanding achievement and special contributions in 2003 have been presented by Goodwill Industries of the Inland Northwest.  The honors recognize employees, staff, and program graduates as well as community supporters.

The President’s Award, Sponsored by Bobbi Johnson:
Tracie Olin, Facility Manager, Coeur d’Alene

Andre-Romberg Award of Excellence:
Sarah Seidel, Program Manager, Planning Action for Youth Success (PAY$).
In partnership with the Spokane Area Workforce Development Council, PAY$ serves youth with disadvantages and barriers to employment.

Worker’s Pride Award, Sponsored by The Broadway Group:
LaQuita Clark, Kitchen Lead, downtown Spokane Goodwill.

Business Contributors:
KREM 2 Television
Kelly Wright/Preedy Brothers Tires

Employers of the Year:
HearthBread
BakeHouse DEB Shop

Workforce Development and Social Services Departmental Award:
Jo Ann Hoke, Vocational Services Provider, Spokane

Donated Goods Departmental Award:
Becky Jones, Assistant Facility Manager, Coeur d’Alene

Administration Award:
Stephen Scholes, Digital Press/Graphic Design Specialist,
Goodwill Print Shop, Spokane

Carla Martin Memorial Award:
Andy Smith, IS Specialist, Spokane

Edgar J. Helms Staff Award:
Catherine Perusse, Workforce Development and Social Services, Sandpoint

Volunteer of the Year:
Jack Lucas, Tickets West

Graduate of the Year:
Robert Hudson, Sandpoint

The Independence Award

This year Goodwill Industries of the Inland Northwest introduced The Independence Award.  Nominees were individuals who built their independence with Goodwill’s help.
Staff in each Workforce Development and Social Services location selected the nominees and winners, who were brought to Spokane to receive their awards.  Their achievement was printed on a framed, original “Inland Northwest” photograph taken and donated by Goodwill’s Andy Smith.