During the week of March 31, Youngstown Area Goodwill Industries had the opportunity to travel to Columbus to join forces with several leading nonprofit organizations in advocating for increased support for workforce development initiatives benefiting individuals with autism. Representing Goodwill were CEO Shelley Murray and Community Solutions Director Carol-Holmes Chambers. Goodwill’s mission is rooted in helping individuals overcome barriers to employment—whether those challenges involve disability, education, poverty, housing, or other life circumstances. While this particular initiative focused on supporting individuals with autism, Goodwill’s commitment to inclusive and accessible workforce development extends across a broad spectrum of needs. During the visit, Goodwill proudly presented alongside key partners including the Autism Society of Mahoning Valley, Dylan’s House, GabbaCamp, Moab House and Potential Development. Each organization brought valuable perspective and dedication to the shared goal of empowering individuals with autism and their families. “Our message was clear: We need a holistic approach that includes education, housing, wraparound services and pathways to meaningful employment,” Murray said. “That’s the heart of what we do at Goodwill — empowering people to reach their full potential and achieve the goals they set for themselves.” The group met with legislators who expressed interest in expanding supports and partnerships for inclusive workforce efforts. Goodwill extends its sincere gratitude to the lawmakers who listened with intention and to the partner organizations who continue to lead the way in creating a more equitable and opportunity-rich future for all. Thank you to representatives Monica Robb-Blasdell, David Thomas, Tex Fischer, Lauren McNally and Senator Al Cutrona.

CAPTION:  In the photo from Goodwill’s second annual Mission Fundraising Breakfast are (from left) CEO Dr. Shelley Murray, Michael Dent, Holly Hahn, John Hahn and Kathy Gerberry, who all served as speakers at the event. Youngstown Area Goodwill Industries successfully hosted its second annual Mission Fundraising Breakfast on Thursday at Woodland Estate, drawing approximately 200 attendees in a morning dedicated to elevating, empowering and achieving success. The event featured three powerful testimonies from individuals whose lives have been shaped by Goodwill’s mission: Michael Dent, celebrating his 30th anniversary with Goodwill, reflected on his journey since joining the organization in 1995 and the impact it has had on his life. John Hahn, who has autism, spoke in person about his Goodwill experience alongside his mother, Holly Hahn, highlighting the organization’s role in his personal and professional growth. Kathy Gerberry, a longtime Junior Group volunteer and board member, shared a heartfelt video tribute about her late sister, Diane Schrum, a former Goodwill employee who passed away in 2022. She also discussed the food pantry named in Diane’s honor and emphasized the importance of appeal and pledge cards in supporting Goodwill’s mission. Additional remarks were delivered by CEO Dr. Shelley Murray and Board Director HaSheen Wilson, reinforcing Goodwill’s ongoing commitment to empowering individuals through job training, employment services, and community programs. “This event is a testament to the impact Goodwill has on individuals and families in our community,” Murray said. “Hearing these inspiring stories reminds us why we do this work — it’s about providing opportunities, fostering independence and creating a future where everyone has the chance to succeed.” Goodwill extends its gratitude to all who attended and supported this meaningful event, ensuring continued opportunities for those in need. Those who wish to support Goodwill’s mission can donate new or gently used items to any of its 10 retail locations. You can also donate here . Every donation helps fund job training, employment programs and community services that make a difference in people’s lives.

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.

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.

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.

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 ad dressing 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 this page.