Youngstown Area Goodwill Industries recently received a $25,000 grant from The Youngstown Foundation and $10,000 from the Community Foundation of the Mahoning Valley through a grant from the Kennedy Family Foundation to assist with capital needs. The generous amounts of money given allow Goodwill to complete several much-needed projects.

   One of the first projects planned is to update the conference room. Funds from the Community Foundation of the Mahoning Valley will be used to replace the windows and blinds in the conference room.

   The Goodwill conference room is a large room used for board and committee meetings, various staff meetings, client and employee orientation, staff training and meetings with customers including referral sources. The room is currently not energy efficient because it is equipped with single pane steel framed windows. These windows are original to the building and are over 60 years old. In addition, they have deteriorated causing leaks and have had to be patched up. The new windows will improve energy efficiency and comfort. This room is an important part of Goodwill’s operation because it is used daily. It is often times the first place visitors, clients and new employees meet. It is also the center for employee training. 

   The Youngstown Foundation grant will be used to purchase and install a new energy efficient air conditioning unit, which will not only work in the conference room, but the reception room as well. This new unit will replace the two old ones used in both rooms. In addition, new tables, chairs, carpeting and paintings will be purchased to make the room more efficient and effective for business meetings. Other projects could possibly be completed based on the amount of available funds remaining from the grant.

   The money may also be used to purchase janitorial equipment for Goodwill’s outside janitorial contracts that employ individuals with disabilities and other barriers. More equipment is needed as the janitorial contracts division has expanded and continues to employ more individuals.

   Wire shipping containers and textiles racks may also be purchased. Theses additional racks will allow for more efficiency and effectiveness in storage and shipping. The wire shipping containers will help eliminate the need for temporary cardboard containers, thus reducing the continuous disposal of cardboard waste.

   Automatic flushers and sink valves may also be installed in restrooms at Goodwill’s main facility. The new flushers and sink valves will help to conserve water, promote a sanitary environment, reduce back-ups and make the restrooms more convenient for people with disabilities.

   Any excess funds will be used to replace additional windows throughout the building. This will begin the first phase in replacing all of the windows in the building in an effort to become more energy efficient.

 

Community Foundation of the Mahoning Valley

The Community Foundation of the Mahoning Valley is operated exclusively for charitable, educational and scientific purposes which effectively assist and promote the well being of residents of Mahoning and Trumbull Counties. Information about the foundation can be found at www.cfmv.org.

 

The Youngstown Foundation

The Youngstown Foundation has been in existence since 1918 and is a public charity under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. As a community foundation, it has the ability to receive contributions from the public and make grants to charitable causes.