Category Archives: Back To Work

Goodwill of HEMIC

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In the days leading up to Goodwill industries of Hawaii’s public awareness event week, Bank of Hawaii presents Goodwill Goes GLAM! Goodwill is featuring some of the valued event sponsors and highlighting their goodwill in the community.  HEMIC (Hawaii Employers Mutual Insurance Company) has become the model provider of workers’ compensation insurance in Hawaii through innovative, responsive partnerships with their customers and agents. Worker’s compensation is something most think about ONLY when the need arises. That’s why its good to be prepared.

HEMIC Spotlight - Sneak peak at some of the items that will be available and the Goowill GLAM! Sale

HEMIC Spotlight – Sneak peak at some of the items that will be available and the Goowill GLAM! Sale

Their Mission

HEMIC will enhance the economy of the State of Hawaii by stabilizing the workers’ compensation market and by providing competitive pricing and exceptional service. HEMIC will be competitive in the voluntary market emphasizing superior service, competitive pricing and innovative business applications. HEMIC will serve small employers through operational efficiency, specialized service delivery and competitive pricing. HEMIC will also be the market of last resort, offering high-risk employers the opportunity to make their operations safer, thus protecting their employees and controlling their costs.

HEMIC is a private mutual insurance company, that employs a competitive, voluntary market philosophy even when serving the high-risk employer. HEMIC will do business with all qualified employers through licensed, independent insurance agents and will work with agents to build a strong, mutually supportive working relationship. HEMIC will value its employees and will respect the dignity and talents of each individual.

Go to www.higoodwill.org to learn more about Bank of Hawaii presents Goodwill Goes GLAM

 

 

 

Career Ready To Wear – Glam Spotlight

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Career Ready look: Forever 21 ruffle jacket, Banana Republic skirt, Nine West heels, authentic Coach mini travel tote

Your clothing reflects your attitude, it is yet another form of communication.  Your attire speaks volumes.  It’s not about how much you spend on an outfit, but the thought (or lack of thought) that goes behind it.  First impressions are critical, especially in a job-interview setting.

Goodwill Industries of Hawaii empowers people to become job-ready through a number of Human Service programs.  Goodwill’s mission is helping people with employment barriers to reach their full potential and become self-sufficient.  After becoming job-ready through skill building and education, Goodwill’s retail stores is a great resource for people who are looking for an interview worthy outfit from H2T = head to toe.

Rosemy Shikiko is a fine example of someone who is on the road to becoming job-ready as a result of a Goodwill – she’s part of the Ola I Ka Hana program.  This program provides out-of-school youth-at-risk ages 14 to 21 with education, training and employment services necessary to increase educational skills, social skills, life skills, vocational skills, social responsibility, health competencies, and basic math and reading skills.  Youth program participants learn healthy, productive behaviors which help their transition to adulthood.  Youth are also able to further their educational goals and obtain a high school diploma.  The Dress For Success program has provided valuable services for a number of Goodwill’s participants, helping them with professional dress attire.

Hawai News Now will be featuring a Goodwill Spotlight segment on the Sunrise morning show from March – August 2012.  This month’s segment featured Misti Pali, Assistant Director of Employment Services who talked about the VITA Tax Clinic (Volunteer Income Tax Assistant) that offers free tax preparation services for individuals and families making under 50K annually.  Rosemy was featured as a VITA Tax Clinic volunteer and Career Ready make-over recipient.  GLAM! Squad member and fashion expert, Rene Rodriguez did Rosemy’s hair, make-up and styling for the segment and helped to create the compelling before and after make-over for the segment.  Her entire look and the ensemble on the mannequin came from the Goodwill store in Kaimuki and can be found at this summer’s monumental event - Bank of Hawaii presents Goodwill Goes GLAM!

A before and after transformation on Hawaii News Now

 

 

http://www.hawaiinewsnow.com/story/17278185/goodwill-goes-glam.

Be sure to tune-in to Hawaii News Now and watch the Goodwill Spotlight each month on Sunrise in the mornings.

 


Employment Opportunitites – Marshallese Community

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Keri Russell - Director of Kauai County Operations at Goodwill Industries of Hawaii

Meet Keri Russell – she began employment with Goodwill Industries of Hawaii in June of 2005 with the SEE Hawaii Work Program and currently oversees six programs that services the low-income and non-citizen population in Kauai County. Read the rest of her bio in the Writers Block section.  Here’s Keri’s blog contribution:

It can be extremely challenging to find employment, especially for the immigrant population due to language barriers. In July, 2011 Goodwill established a new immigrant program on Kauai which is a free service that helps low-income individuals to develop the right skills and training to find and secure employment and acquire the tools and assistance to become self-sufficient.  Participants work closely with a multi-lingual Employment Counselor in individual or group classroom settings which cover topics that include resume writing, interviewing skills, job search strategies, and employment stability.

Follow-up and support services are provided for one year following the hire date. Employment Counselors provide community referrals for resources and emergency services for food, bus passes, work attire, affordable housing, and utilities assistance. We are excited to offer this new employment program on Kauai!!

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Joann Lojan and family

Nowadays, Joann Lojan is very happy that she finally has a job that she really enjoys which provides support for their family of seven.  Joann migrated to Kauai from the Marshall Islands in April, 2003. She was able to work a few jobs in previous years; however, she was unable to maintain them due to the language barriers and the fact that she was shy and could not speak up for herself.  Joann came to the Imi Loa Program because she needed assistance to boost her confidence and interviewing skills. After completing her Individualized Program Plan and Pre-Employment Training, Joann said she had learned about the employment process and how important it is to secure a job.

Resumes, cover letters, personal portfolios, and professionalism are all topics which were covered. Joann was more confident and prepared for her interview with the Parrish Collection, in which she secured a full-time housekeeping position.  She appreciates the staff, program and what they do to help people get jobs.  Joann said the program staff has given her skills and abilities in the employment process and mostly, motivation and confidence. With all her kids attending school and not worrying about finances, she is happy and has successfully built her self-esteem and confidence, because she has gained the skills to help support her family.

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Jeff Jacklick

Aloha!  Yokwe!  Ran Annim! Lenwo! Konichiwa!My name is Jeffery Jim Jacklick, I usually go by Jeff. I am Kosraean and Marshallese.

In 1998, right after graduating from high school, I joined the U.S. Military. I reminisced about my time in the U.S. Military as a great adventure and a swift learning experience. In 2002, I finally realized that I would not be able to make a career in the Military. I decided to go back to school to pursue education. I attended College of the Marshall Islands during the summer 2003 to spring 2005. In 2005, I moved to Hawaii to attend the University of Hawaii at Hilo.

As a psychology major, spending time with Marshallese families helped me to discover ways to help the Marshallese Community. I have always wanted to be a counselor. In 2008, I moved to Kauai where I found the smallest Micronesian (Marshallese) population in Hawaii. Working my way up the ladder, I became the President for the Marshallese Community here on the beautiful Garden Island of Kauai. I am a young leader, and a representative for the Marshallese community. In November, I joined Goodwill Industries of Hawaii team in a position where I am able to help a lot of people, especially the Marshallese population.

As a Job Readiness Trainer and an Employment Counselor, I assist clients in obtaining employment and to become self-sufficient. I am very happy in this position, as I am able to help members within the community.

I have been given talents, abilities, and strength of mind to help others.

~Jeff Jacklick, Job Readiness Trainer/Employment Counselor

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*Goodwill’s mission is helping people with employment barriers to reach their full poential and become self sufficient.  To learn more about Goodwill’s Imi Loa and other programs, go to www.higoodwill.org. There are many ways that you can get involved, shop, donate, volunteeer, refer a friend, and subscribe to our e-newsletter, facebook, twitter and this Goodwill Hunter blog.

October – National Disability Employment Awareness Month

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Ann Boyd - Senior Director of Business Operations
at Goodwill Industries of Hawaii

Meet Ann Boyd, she’s the Senior Director of Business Operations with Goodwill Industries of Hawaii and The Goodwill Hunter’s guest blogger.  She is passionate about her work and  has a history of service to our country. Learn more about Ann and National Disability Employment Awarenss Month.  To view her full biography, see the Writer’s Block page.  Here’s her blog contribution:

It makes me smile as I am often asked, “How on earth does a 22 year of military veteran decide to work for Goodwill Industries of Hawaii”.  This question provides for reflection and allows the opportunity to share the fact that “service to fellow man” can come in many forms.   I spent my years of military service protecting the country and citizens that I love, how could a person not understand how Goodwill fits into that.  Easy enough I guess as there was a time that I too thought that Goodwill was simply a retail entity.  I knew they did “something” to help individuals with disabilities but was naive in exactly what that meant.  One of the best ways to sum up the match of Goodwill in my life is to explain the work that Goodwill does in the community.  Goodwill supports the community in helping individuals with barriers to become independent and self-sufficient.

October has been a special month for me to be able to put this all together.  I think that we would all agree that employees should be appreciated all year long but with the daily requirements of work, I think we would also agree that a simple “thank you” is sometimes left for another day or simply forgotten.  I am proud to be a part of Goodwill Industries of Hawaii as they are a nonprofit organization that never forgets their employees or the people they serve.

Goodwill Industries of Hawaii is a nonprofit organization that participates in the The Ability One  Program.  While the Americans with Disabilities act legislation assures basic civil rights to people with disabilities, including the provisions for reasonable accommodations by employers it does not assure job for people with disabilities who want to work.  The Ability One Program was created to help increase employment opportunities for people who have significant disabilities and coordinates contracts between the federal government and nonprofit organizations.  Goodwill Industries of Hawaii has a variety of employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities including positions with federal contracts through the AbilityOne program.   It has been an honor for me to help ensure valued employees are acknowledged the month of October is designated as National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM). Click here to learn more about President Obama’s Proclamation about National Disability Employment Awareness Month .  This is a special designation which provides the opportunity for busy Federal personnel to recognize the AbilityOne Program, employees and nonprofit agency staff for the outstanding work that they do in supporting Federal agencies through the excellent service they provide via contracts.

So for  those of you who wonder how an “old Master Chief” fits into the mission of Goodwill Industries of Hawaii, I tell you with pride – I continue to serve those in need as we provide services and advocacy for those who cannot always represent themselves or simply need a helping hand.

Thank you to each and every one of you who donate or purchase items in our retail stores as your contribution makes a difference in the life of an individual here in the community.