Celebrating Independence at The Good Party
Goodwill President and CEO, Joanne K. Hilferty (third from left), with members of the Board of Directors.
The Good Party is the signature event of Morgan Memorial Goodwill Industries that brings together Board members, elected officials, donors, community leaders, business partners, and friends. This year it was held at a newly opened jazz café in the heart of Roxbury’s Nubian Square.
The evening was a celebration of the accomplishments of individuals in Goodwill’s programs as well as a fundraiser to generate critical support for its mission services.
The emcee for the evening was J. Keith Motley, Ph.D., Chancellor Emeritus of UMass Boston and a longtime Goodwill supporter.
During the speaking program, President and CEO Joanne K. Hilferty thanked the many individuals and organizations who stepped up to help Goodwill meet the fundraising goal for the evening and the event. She also reflected on the organization’s commitment to meeting changing needs while remaining true to its mission.
“Goodwill has continuously adapted its programs and services to meet the needs of the community,” she said. “Our mission remains the same: helping people find employment, support their families, and create new lives.”
For example, Goodwill pivoted in response to changing needs and set up a paid retail internship program to address a recent surge in legal new arrivals with work papers in search of jobs. Goodwill participant Megdalie Desir spoke about her experience with the program and how it helped her create a new life for herself and her children. You can read about her story in the companion piece below.
Creating a New Life
Megdalie Desir told her story at The Good Party, sharing how her journey from Haiti to Boston led her to Goodwill and the opportunity to create a new life for herself and her two children.
She left Haiti in search of safety and arrived in the United States in 2023, eventually settling in Boston. She lived in a shelter with her children for more than a year while searching unsuccessfully for work. Then she learned about the Goodwill Boston Career Center and decided to see what assistance it could offer. There, she was provided information on the Goodwill retail internship program, applied, and was selected. During her internship at the Goodwill Store in Hyde Park, she gained valuable workplace experience, customer service skills, and confidence.
When she completed the program, Megdalie was offered a permanent position at the Goodwill Store in Brighton. The job provided financial stability for her family and allowed her to secure permanent housing, making it possible for her to think about the future.
Megdalie’s journey is one of the many success stories Goodwill’s programs make possible, demonstrating the lasting impact these services have on individuals, families, and communities.
Program graduate Megdalie Desir shared her story.
Program participant Marcus Joseph is a valued Spaulding employee.
Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital Partnership Thrives
For Marcus Joseph, going to work each day at Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital is a source of pride. A participant in Goodwill’s Developmental Services program, Marcus worked hard and took many small steps over time to get there. He came to Goodwill after completing high school and participated in work-readiness classes and paid, on-the-job training in Goodwill’s retail distribution center.
Marcus was then hired on a per diem basis as a Dietary Aide at Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital, a Goodwill employer partner, and soon transitioned to a regular schedule. Today, Marcus is a valued member of the hospital team, known for his positive attitude, strong work ethic, and willingness to learn.
Spaulding and Goodwill have partnered together for many years, creating employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities and providing dedicated, dependable employees. Today, there are eight Goodwill participants working in Spaulding’s Food and Nutrition Services Department. Tom Passey, the Director of Food and Nutrition Services,
said the partnership succeeds because it is the right fit for both the employees and the organization.
“All the Goodwill employees want a job. They all love their jobs and want to be here,” Passey said. He noted that Goodwill graduates consistently arrive early for their shifts, work hard, and are dependable members of the team. “I don’t have to worry about them because I know they will be here and do their jobs,” he said.
Passey also praised the support provided by Goodwill’s program staff who work closely with participants and front-line supervisors to address challenges, provide guidance to participants, and help ensure their long-term success on the job.
The partnership between Goodwill and Spaulding demonstrates how strong employer relationships can create opportunities for individuals while helping businesses build reliable and dedicated workforces.
Community Connections
The recent reopening event for the newly renovated Goodwill Store on Commonwealth Avenue near Boston University was a reminder of the deep connections Morgan Memorial Goodwill Industries has in the local community.
The event was attended by elected officials, community partners, neighborhood leaders, and Boston University representatives.
State Senator Liz Miranda of Boston shared memories of growing up shopping at Goodwill stores, one way her mother was able to stretch the limited family budget. She noted that, as an adult, she had come to appreciate the stylish, one-of-a-kind clothing available at very reasonable prices. She also commented that, as an elected official, she has heard again and again how important Goodwill’s job training and career services are to her constituents.
Also present were staff from several Boston University departments, including the Sustainability Office, which works with Goodwill on annual Move Out donation drives that divert thousands of pounds of usable items from landfills each year, and the College of Communication, which collaborates with Goodwill to offer internships that allow students to gain valuable professional experience by supporting Goodwill’s communications and marketing initiatives.
State Senator Liz Miranda shares her personal connection to Goodwill.
Job Fair Connects Job Seekers and Employers
Job seekers filled Goodwill’s atrium to meet with employers.
Goodwill Boston Career Center recently brought together job seekers and employers for a Health and Human Services Job Fair. These recruitment events allow individuals in search of jobs to identify potential jobs and career opportunities, meet employers face to face, and submit applications.
The event attracted 187 job seekers interested in careers in healthcare, human services, and related fields. There were ten employers recruiting at the event, including Boston Medical Center, home health care providers, and community-based organizations. Each employer was recruiting for a number of positions. For employers, it was a chance to screen multiple candidates in person in order to identify a pool of talented prospects.
Goodwill Boston Career Center offers a continuum of services to job seekers, including assessment, career planning, resume development, referrals to skills training programs, and mock interviews. It provides access to employers with available jobs through individual referrals, individual business onsite recruitment events, and job fairs.
Holiday Joy at Goodwill
Your generous support allows Goodwill to host its traditional holiday events that spread joy throughout the Goodwill community.
The individuals Goodwill serves are working hard to make ends meet. The two traditional events Goodwill hosts each year allow them and their families to participate in the festivities.
At Thanksgiving in a Basket, held in partnership with the New England Patriots, families receive Thanksgiving baskets with a turkey and all the fixings for a holiday meal at home. Pictured below with a family is current Patriots player Christian Gonzalez.
At the Youth Holiday Celebration, more than 250 children from the Goodwill community enjoy crafts and games, eat healthy snacks, and receive beautifully wrapped gifts.
Volunteers Support Workplace Skills
First Citizens volunteers have led mock interviews and Microsoft Word workshops, helping participants strengthen interviewing and computer skills while preparing for employment.
Volunteers provided interview coaching and constructive feedback while helping participants build confidence. In Microsoft Word workshops, participants strengthened essential workplace computer skills that support both their job searches and future employment.
“Our employees consistently find their volunteer experiences with Goodwill to be both impactful and inspiring. The opportunity to connect with program participants, share professional expertise in areas such as interviewing and technology, and learn about participants’ ambitions creates a meaningful exchange that benefits everyone involved,” said Kelly Klopping, Volunteer Program Specialist at First Citizens.
Goodwill is grateful to First Citizens for their partnership!
First Citizen Volunteers conduct mock interviews.
Recognition for Commitment to Quality
Morgan Memorial Goodwill Industries recently completed a successful two-day review by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF), an independent, nonprofit accrediting organization that promotes service excellence and continuous improvement in health and human services.
Following the review, Goodwill was awarded a Three-Year Accreditation with no recommendations for improvement, an achievement attained by only 3% of organizations that complete CARF surveys.
The comprehensive review included site visits, interviews, and an assessment of Goodwill’s programs, policies, and outcomes. Goodwill has maintained continuous CARF accreditation since 1975.
CARF accreditation demonstrates that Goodwill’s programs meet internationally recognized standards for quality, accountability, and positive outcomes. This achievement is a testament to the dedication of Goodwill employees across the organization and their commitment to delivering exceptional services that improve the lives of the individuals Goodwill serves.
Donors Make a Difference
Helms Society
Morgan Memorial Goodwill Industries recently completed a successful two-day review by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF), an independent, nonprofit accrediting organization that promotes service excellence and continuous improvement in health and human services.
Following the review, Goodwill was awarded a Three-Year Accreditation with no recommendations for improvement, an achievement attained by only 3% of organizations that complete CARF surveys.
The comprehensive review included site visits, interviews, and an assessment of Goodwill’s programs, policies, and outcomes. Goodwill has maintained continuous CARF accreditation since 1975.
CARF accreditation demonstrates that Goodwill’s programs meet internationally recognized standards for quality, accountability, and positive outcomes. This achievement is a testament to the dedication of Goodwill employees across the organization and their commitment to delivering exceptional services that improve the lives of the individuals Goodwill serves.
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