Project AHA! Community Resource Fair Connects Residents to Essential Services

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More than 60 community vendors came together for the Project AHA! Advancing Health Access Community Resource Fair on Feb. 28 at the Metroplex Event Center to provide vital resources and services to residents. 

The well-attended event offered attendees access to free haircuts, hygiene kits and health screenings, reinforcing the importance of equitable health access and community support.

Earlier in the day, the RISE Community Collaborative hosted the Project AHA! An Equity Awareness Experience Workshop. This interactive simulation allowed participants to step into the shoes of individuals navigating life with low income, providing firsthand insight into the challenges of accessing essential community services.

“The goal of Project AHA! is to break down barriers and connect individuals with the resources they need,” said Carol Holmes-Chamber, Goodwill’s Community Solutions Director. “Through the resource fair and the equity awareness workshop, we aimed to foster understanding and provide tangible support to our community.”

Youngstown Area Goodwill Industries and its partners remain committed to advancing health access and social equity through initiatives like Project AHA! The event’s success highlights the power of collaboration in creating meaningful change.

Goodwill Celebrates Reopening of Renovated Boardman Retail Location

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YOUNGSTOWN — Goodwill proudly reopened its Boardman retail location on Wednesday, exactly one month after temporarily closing for renovations. The upgrades, which represent an investment of more than $100,000, enhance the shopping experience and reflect Goodwill’s long-term commitment to the community.

The renovations include new flooring, updated signage showcasing Goodwill’s brand, improved shelving, and a more spacious layout following the removal of old, deteriorating fitting rooms. These changes create a fresh, modern environment for customers while supporting Goodwill’s mission.

“We couldn’t have done this without the support of our customers and donors,” said Shelley Murray, Goodwill’s CEO. “Their patience throughout January and early February has meant the world to us, and we are excited to welcome them back to a better shopping experience.”

Goodwill has been a part of the Boardman community since 2007 and looks forward to serving the area for years to come. The organization remains dedicated to reinvesting in its locations to ensure long-term success and sustainability.

 

Goodwill Welcomes Joseph P. Lyons, Trish Mossor to Board of Directors 

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YOUNGSTOWN — Goodwill is pleased to announce the addition of two esteemed professionals, Joseph P. Lyons and Trish Mossor, to its Board of Directors for 2025. Their diverse expertise and commitment to community development will strengthen Goodwill’s mission of enhancing the lives of individuals through education, employment, and empowerment.

Lyons brings a wealth of experience as an associate professor of health professions and director of the Master of Health and Human Services Program at Youngstown State University. In addition to his academic leadership, Lyons is the principal investigator for the YSU Senior Youth Mentorship Program and is a dedicated member of the Board of Directors for Gateways to Better Living in Austintown. His extensive work in education, mentorship and community engagement aligns closely with Goodwill’s core values.

Mossor, a dynamic business leader, is the business development manager at Aim Transportation Solutions. Celebrated for her strong presence in the transportation industry, she previously led the top-performing truck rental branch at Enterprise. Mossor’s commitment to professional excellence is evident in her roles as an ambassador for the Youngstown/Warren Regional Chamber and as a member of the Women In Trucking Association Inc., where she will serve on the content committee in 2025. Recently named to Marquis Who’s Who, Mossor brings a powerful voice for forward thinking leadership to the Goodwill Board.

“Joseph and Trish bring an incredible depth of knowledge and passion to our Board of Directors,” said Dr. Shelley Murray, CEO of Youngstown Area Goodwill Industries. “Joseph’s dedication to mentorship and education, and Trisha’s dynamic leadership and industry expertise perfectly complements our mission. Their unique perspectives and unwavering commitment to the community will undoubtedly strengthen our efforts to empower individuals and transform lives in the Mahoning Valley.”

Goodwill looks forward to the unique contributions Lyons and Mossor will bring to the organization as it embarks on new initiatives.

Goodwill Names Holmes-Chambers Community Solutions Director

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YOUNGSTOWN — Youngstown Area Goodwill Industries, Inc. has announced Carol Holmes-Chambers as the organization’s new Community Solutions Director. 

In this role, Holmes-Chambers will oversee the implementation of key initiatives derived from Goodwill’s recent Community Needs Assessment in partnership with the Youngstown/Warren Regional Chamber, ensuring progress in addressing barriers to employment and workforce participation across the region.

Holmes-Chambers will manage the next steps of the Community Needs Assessment, which aims to address employment challenges in the Mahoning & Shenango valleys. Her responsibilities include facilitating collaboration among stakeholders, coordinating committees and ensuring that the outcomes create sustainable change.

“I’m excited for the opportunity to work alongside the community with people just as passionate about making a positive difference in our valley,” she said. “There is tremendous power in the collaboration of people united toward a common goal that transcends individual interests. I’m eager to see which mountains we can move.”

Holmes-Chambers brings extensive experience in community engagement and leadership to Goodwill. Most recently, she served as the Director of School and Community Wellness for the Trumbull County Mental Health and Recovery Board. Her dedication to addressing challenges through a holistic and people-centered approach is evident in her leadership of the Trumbull-Mahoning RISE Community Collaborative, a coalition she co-developed as part of the Health Equity and Cultural Competence Plan. 

“We are excited to welcome Carol to the Goodwill team and our shared vision of creating meaningful impact in the community,” said Goodwill CEO Shelley Murray. “Her passion, expertise and dedication make her the perfect fit for this critical role and will be key in advancing our mission to empower individuals and strengthen our community by building on the groundwork already in place for change.”

On Monday, the Youngstown/Warren Regional Chamber announced a $50,000 grant from the PNC Foundation as part of the CNA effort. Other generous grants to Youngstown Area Goodwill Industries for this critical work include funds from The Youngstown Foundation, Community Foundation of the Mahoning Valley, Trumbull Memorial Health Foundation and Western Reserve Health Foundation. 

The Regional Chamber and Goodwill will create teams of community and government leaders, employers and others in a collaborative call-to-action to remove these barriers and increase workforce participation through a unified approach rooted in the creation of goals and objectives, as well as a measure for success in long-term planning efforts and advancement. 

For more information on the CNA report, visit goodwillyoungstown.org/cna.

Goodwill, Penguin City Brewery Spread Holiday Cheer with Tree-Decorating Partnership

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This holiday season, Youngstown Area Goodwill Industries and Penguin City Brewery have teamed up to bring festive spirit to the community. On Wednesday, Dec. 4, Goodwill decorated 14 beautifully adorned Christmas trees at Penguin City Brewery, marking the start of a partnership designed to spread joy while supporting a meaningful cause.

Each tree, along with its decorations, was generously donated by Goodwill from across its 10 retail locations. The trees are available for purchase at $50 each, with all proceeds directly benefiting Goodwill’s Mission Services. These programs empower individuals through job training, education, and employment opportunities, creating lasting impact across the Mahoning Valley.

“Working with Penguin City Brewery on this holiday initiative has been a wonderful opportunity to give back to our community,” said Joe Catullo, Marketing and Relationship Coordinator at Goodwill. “Each tree represents the spirit of giving, and every purchase helps support the vital programs and services we provide to individuals in need.”

The decorated trees now serve as a centerpiece at Penguin City Brewery, creating a warm and festive atmosphere for patrons to enjoy. This partnership underscores the shared commitment of both organizations to fostering community connections and supporting local causes.

Community members are encouraged to visit Penguin City Brewery to view the trees and support Goodwill’s Mission Services through their purchase.

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Goodwill Celebrates Employees with Bowling and Fun at Appreciation Event

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Youngstown Area Goodwill Industries celebrated its hardworking team members with an Employee Appreciation Event on Sunday, Nov. 24, at Camelot Lanes in Boardman, Ohio. Employees from across Goodwill’s 10 retail locations and headquarters came together with family and friends for an afternoon filled with fun, food and gratitude.

The event featured two hours of bowling, billiards and delicious food, creating an opportunity for employees to relax and enjoy quality time with their loved ones and colleagues. Adding to the excitement, attendees had the chance to win gift cards and cozy Goodwill sweaters through giveaways.

The Employee Appreciation Event underscores Goodwill’s commitment to fostering a supportive and family-friendly work environment. By bringing employees and their families together in a relaxed setting, the organization continues to build a strong sense of community within its team.

Goodwill Presents Community Needs Assessment Report, Announces Director Opening

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WARREN — Youngstown Area Goodwill Industries and the Youngstown/Warren Regional Chamber revealed the results of the Community Needs Assessment Report Friday morning at the Grand Resort.

The report aims to provide a clearer understanding of the barriers to employment in the region and develop strategies to overcome them. The study is a collaborative effort between the two organizations, targeting job seekers and business owners.

To oversee the execution of the report’s findings, Goodwill is seeking a Community Solutions Director. This new role will be responsible for managing the next steps derived from the assessment, including facilitating collaboration among stakeholders, coordinating committees and ensuring the project’s goals are met.

“We are looking forward to hiring the Community Solutions Director, whose role is crucial in addressing the barriers identified in our CNA Report,” Goodwill CEO Shelley Murray said. “This hire represents our commitment to working alongside the community to foster a prepared and resilient workforce. Together, we can create meaningful change and support individuals in overcoming obstacles to employment.”

Presenting the Community Needs Assessment Report are (from left): Brenda Linert, the Regional Chamber’s Director of Government Affairs and Community Impact; Guy Coviello, Regional Chamber CEO; and Shelley Murray, Goodwill CEO.

Through a combination of demographic data, survey data and qualitative findings from focus groups, Goodwill and the Chamber have gathered critical information that will inform their next steps in tackling these challenges. The report covers Mahoning, Trumbull, Columbiana, Mercer (PA) and Lawrence (PA) counties.

The findings highlight a variety of barriers, including transportation, access to affordable childcare, skills gaps and challenges related to education and training. With the data now in hand, Goodwill and the Chamber are poised to take action in collaboration with local businesses, government officials and community organizations to address these issues head-on.

“As the Chamber and our partners work towards creating an environment in our region for sustainable economic success, it is critical that we understand the very real barriers that exist,” said Youngstown/Warren Regional Chamber CEO Guy Coviello. “It is our responsibility as a community to work to address these challenges and create meaningful opportunities for the Valley’s residents.”

For more information, visit goodwillyoungstown.org/cna.

Goodwill Honors, Celebrates Volunteers with Special Event

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YOUNGSTOWN — Youngstown Area Goodwill Industries hosted a heartfelt Volunteer Appreciation Brunch on Sept. 26 at the Daniel L. Rossi Auditorium. The event celebrated the hard work and dedication of volunteers, bringing together members from various groups, including the Board of Directors, Junior Group, Altrusa Group, Vision Screening and Radio Reading Service.

Each volunteer received a Certificate of Appreciation and a Goodwill-branded lunch box as tokens of gratitude for their service. The theme of the event was “puzzles,” symbolizing the essential role each individual plays in the larger mission.

“We know you don’t volunteer for the recognition, and that’s why we put on this event — to honor you for your contributions,” CEO Shelley Murray said during her opening speech. “You are an essential part of the mission. However you came to be a part of our organization, we’re so thankful that you did. All of you bring unique gifts and talents to our organization. Together, you form a team, much like pieces of a puzzle, fitting together to support our mission and help those in need.”

The brunch highlighted the wide range of volunteer efforts that support Goodwill’s programs, from governance and leadership to community outreach and specialized services. Attendees enjoyed a morning of good food, camaraderie, and recognition for their contributions.

This celebration marked a return for the volunteers, as the last in-person event occurred in 2019. Moving forward, the organization plans to continue this tradition annually as a way of expressing their deep appreciation for those who never ask for anything in return.

Dr. Murray Named CEO of Youngstown Goodwill

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YOUNGSTOWN — Youngstown Area Goodwill Industries, Inc. has named Dr. Shelley Murray as the new Chief Executive Officer, the company announced today.

Former CEO Annie Phillips, announced her resignation on Wednesday. Murray served as Goodwill’s interim CEO since Jan. 1.

“I am deeply honored to continue serving this incredible organization,” Murray said. “Over the past year as Interim, I have witnessed firsthand the dedication and talent of our team, the resilience of the individuals we serve, and the support of our community. 

“I would like to express my appreciation to Annie Phillips for her leadership and dedication. Together, we will carry forward Goodwill’s legacy of empowering lives and creating opportunities for those who need it most. I am excited for the journey ahead and look forward to furthering our mission in even greater ways.”

Prior to Goodwill, Murray spent more than 20 years in education, most recently at Valley Christian Schools. She served as principal, vice principal and head of schools during her tenure. 

“During her role as interim CEO, Shelley has demonstrated remarkable leadership and a deep commitment to our values,” said Board President Hasheen Wilson in a written statement. “She has increased the visibility of Goodwill in our community and has significantly enhanced the spirit of collaboration within our organization. Under Shelley’s leadership, we’ve also seen increases in revenue and efficiencies, further strengthening our ability to serve those in need.

“We are grateful for Annie’s leadership and the contributions she has made during her tenure. Her dedication has been instrumental in advancing our mission and serving our community.”

https://www.wkbn.com/news/local-news/youngstown-news/long-time-valley-educator-to-head-up-goodwill/

https://www.mahoningmatters.com/news/local/article292360689.html

Youngstown Radio Reading Members Enjoy Day at Art Museum

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YOUNGSTOWN — Members of Goodwill’s Youngstown Radio Reading Service enjoyed a special exhibit Wednesday at The Butler Institute of American Art. 

The exhibit, titled “Hands On! The Sculpture of Michael Naranjo” allows those who are visually impaired the opportunity to feel the art on display. The sculptures are on display from July 14 through Sept. 22.

“I’m really impressed with the Butler Art Museum and Joy Mistovich in getting artists who are blind so that their work can be displayed for people who are blind,” said Mike Bosela, a visually impaired part-time employee and former director with YRRS. “I’m really intrigued, and it’s exciting to find out. We’re all going to have different opinions, and we’re going to have programs about it for our radio reading service.”

Mistovich, assistant education director with Butler Institute, is a member of Goodwill’s board of directors. 

Naranjo is a Native American who was blinded by war and was left with one hand with which to create art. He has carved out sculptures for decades solely with his left hand. His bronze works include Earth, Fire and Wind, Catherine’s Hands, Migraine, Geronimo and Daydream.

Otho Mae Braziel, another visually impaired employee of YRRS, enjoyed her first trip to the museum since she was a student at Youngstown State University. 

“It was a beautiful experience at that time when I was able to see,” she said. “Because I did see some things, when they explain to me what I’m feeling, it’ll come to a picture for me. I think this is something everyone was looking forward to.”

Along with Bosela and Braziel, other YRRS members on hand were Coordinator Mike Muder and Erik Stovall, as well as Patty Poorman, a volunteer and listener.

Photo (front, from left): Patty Poorman and Mike Muder. (Back, from left): Erik Stovall, Mike Bosela and Otho Mae Braziel.