7.11.19 / Julie Holiday
What I love most about working with different businesses in the NE Ohio area are all the creative ways I can highlight their particular store and help promote the manner in which they are interesting or are helping the #community.
Recently, thanks to my friends at Amp Strategy, I have had the fun and amazing opportunity to partner with Goodwill Akron, specifically blue / A GOODWILL BOUTIQUE / and I am now helping spread the word about their unique store. You can see some items I have curated in their downtown location (I have my own rack of items!) However first, I'd love to help explain why I've chosen to work and help get the word out about blue / A GOODWILL BOUTIQUE /.
Behind the Scenes at Goodwill Industries
Earlier this month, I was invited to The #Goodwill Industries of Akron, Ohio, Inc. by the Director of Public & Donor Relations Jennifer Bako and was given a tour of the offices connected to the store on Waterloo Road. Expecting just offices and desks, I was pleasantly surprised that just past the lobby, Bako and her team were organizing beautiful, authentic vintage wares in preparation for Goodwill’s 14th Annual Taste of Vintage gala fundraiser on Thursday, Nov. 7, 2019. Racks and racks of sequins, lace and beautiful gowns welcomed me into the offices and I was pumped!
Goodwill's Mission of employment is inspiring!
My love for second-hand is obvious with my frequent stops in consignment stores and passion for hosting clothing #swaps but the bonus about Goodwill Industries is that their "purpose of which is to provide #employment preparation, training, rehabilitation, employment and support service to persons with disabilities and/or other barriers to employment." Bako was kind enough to explain that the Goodwill mission is designed to help individuals reach their highest possible vocational and personal potential. I LOVE THAT! Not only is job training provided to people with disabilities, but Goodwill also assists at-risk youth and others facing challenges to finding employment with resume and interview preparation assistance to more intensive services.
To showcase the mission fully, Bako sent some inspiring stories/videos to me including this one about Dale, a local man who got into a serious motorcycle accident and was unable to talk or walk following the trauma. Dale was introduced to Goodwill via Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities and was able to work several different jobs to see where he would fit best. Dale evolved through his personal goal to #help and mentor others as well. Through the #Goodwill Mission, Dale re-entered the workforce and with determination he found success and now mentors and trains those in the Work Experience Program.
Goodwill's Unique Start
Along the way on my tour, I got the low-down on how #Goodwill started. Janet Morrison of Goodwill Industries explained that it started in 1902 by Reverend Edgar J. Helms in Boston, Massachusetts with nothing more than a burlap sack and a desire to give a better life to people in his community. Reverend Helms collected unwanted clothing and household goods and distributed the items to the needy of his congregation. Later, he put people to work processing the goods and preparing them for resale. Now, Goodwill Industries of Akron serves Summit, Portage, Medina, Ashland, and #Richland counties.Assisted 11,075 individual sin 2018 with training and job placement services. See full info-graphic below
Onto the Good(will) Stuff!
I've been asked once again to curate my own rack with all the goodies inside blue / A GOODWILL BOUTIQUE / !! This display is made up of mostly clothing and accessories that I've picked out throughout the store that have caught my eye. Last rack focused on all items that were New With Tags, so all could grab items that were brand new but at second-hand prices!
This month, all items on my rack are the best of the best at blue / A GOODWILL BOUTIQUE /. Whether you are a reseller, or you have a love for Luxury items, you'll love my curated rack! Brands on my curated rack include Brighton, Free People, Kate Spade, MK & so many more! The rack of items I hand-picked are available the entire month of June so check it out!
335 S. Main Street Akron, Ohio 44308 Phone: 234-200-0130
Note: location has designated parking behind the Evans building for customers, except during special events.
Monday – Saturday: 10 am – 6 pm
Sunday: Closed
Lastly,
Goodwill is changing people’s lives. To learn more about the workforce development services, business services and retail operations at Goodwill or take a tour of the facility call (330) 786-2519 or e-mail jbako@goodwillakron.org.