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Viewpoint Collaborates with Pioneer Center for Human Services to Showcase Community Service and Impact in New Episode


The educational program will be producing a new segment…

MIAMI, Sept. 28, 2023 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Viewpoint, the acclaimed educational program hosted by the screen and stage actor Dennis Quaid, is excited to announce a collaboration with the Pioneer Center for Human Services, a 65-year-old non-profit organization, located in McHenry, Illinois. Together, they are creating a compelling new episode that will shine a spotlight on the remarkable community service and impact aimed at improving the lives of individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities and addressing the challenges and needs faced by this vulnerable population.

Scheduled to commence in October 2023, this episode of Viewpoint will offer an intimate look into the work of the Pioneer Center team. The program will showcase the unwavering commitment to positively impact the lives of the individuals served. Pioneer Center for Human Services is a beacon of hope in their region offering support programs for individuals with Developmental Disabilities, Behavioral Health, and Homeless Service needs. Highlighting these efforts are entirely conducive to Viewpoint’s mission to educate consumers nationally on critical stories in their communities.

The co-occurrence of developmental disabilities and behavioral health issues among individuals experiencing homelessness is a significant concern. Addressing these complex needs requires a holistic and integrated approach that includes access to stable housing, mental health services, substance use treatment, and supports tailored to individuals with developmental disabilities. Efforts to provide comprehensive care and reduce homelessness among this population are crucial for improving their overall well-being.

The Viewpoint episode will feature interviews with Pioneer Center’s dedicated staff as well as a client, who will share their experiences, challenges, and success stories. The program aims to raise awareness about the importance of Intellectual and Developmental Disability programs and services, as well as the critical need for community involvement in improving the lives of this vulnerable population.

“Our tagline “Passion to Serve. Commitment to Care.” says it all. At Pioneer Center, our mission is to help people live dignified lives of well-being, independence, and inclusion,” said Frank Samuel, CEO. “At the time of our inception in 1958, families were told that individuals with developmental disabilities should be institutionalized. In response, Pioneer Center led the way in creating positive futures to learn and grow.”

Viewpoint’s commitment to educational and inspirational content aligns perfectly with Pioneer Center’s vision to create a culture where each person is valued and given equal opportunity. By spotlighting their work, the episode will undoubtedly inspire viewers to engage in meaningful community efforts and support organizations like Pioneer Center.

“Viewpoint wanted to feature an organization in Illinois that has a long history of making a difference in the IDD community”, stated a representative of Viewpoint. “Pioneer Center was selected because of their mission of inclusion, and helping people with intellectual and developmental disabilities live a dignified life of well-being and independence. Empowering people to live out their hopes and dreams, build relationships, make life choices and develop competence skills and contribute back to the community”.

The episode will be distributed nationally. Viewers can look forward to a moving and informative episode that highlights the incredible potential for positive change when a community comes together.

History of Pioneer Center for Human Services- In 1958, a local mother wanted more for her 7-year-old daughter Sandy Huff who was born with Down syndrome. Verona Huff, Sandy’s mom, dared to dream of the opportunity for education and an enriching life for her child. Alongside her, a small group of parents bonded together to create the first day school program in McHenry County for individuals with developmental disabilities. That act of determination led to what has become Pioneer Center for Human Services.

Media Contact

Development Division, Viewpoint with host Dennis Quaid, 561-244-7620, [email protected], www.viewpointproject.com

SOURCE Viewpoint with host Dennis Quaid

And The Industry Is Taking Note


This not only means financial growth for the organization but has led to transformative, life-changing opportunities for thousands of individuals, further strengthening communities across the nation.

In its short time since launch, GoodwillFinds has expanded its operations from an initial four regional Goodwills to now include 10 metropolitan territories, and growing. It currently boasts a staggering 250,000 items, aiming to list 1 million by year-end. The platform plays a pivotal role in sustainable shopping, aiding in the diversion of over 4 billion pounds of used goods from landfills annually by the Goodwill network.

As the American economy grapples with challenges such as rising unemployment and inflation, GoodwillFinds offers consumers both exceptional value and the opportunity to contribute positively to their communities. Every purchase made has a ripple effect, providing job training, resume assistance, financial education, and other critical services to those in need in the community where the item was donated.

“This is true circularity, which Goodwill has been pioneering for over 100 years,” said Matthew Kaness, CEO of GoodwillFinds. “We are building a modern technology and marketing platform that enables recommerce at scale, which is great for consumers, local communities and our planet.”

The trend towards resale and sustainable shopping is clear, with significant brands from Gucci to Shien making significant moves in this direction. As the resale industry is projected to reach $53 billion in 2023, platforms like GoodwillFinds, which intertwine commerce with profound social impact, are more crucial than ever.

Andrew Busby, one of the judges of Convrt’s independent panel commented, “This is a movement and I think it’s great. Helping local communities AND supporting sustainability has to be applauded.”

The Convrt® Awards, in its inaugural year, celebrates brilliance and innovation in the retail landscape. With participants hailing from four continents, the awards spotlight a global evolution of retail. GoodwillFinds shared the stage with global brands like adidas, Fanta, and H&M, underscoring the awards’ ethos that brilliance transcends company size.

Amy Daughtery, a member of the Judging Council, highlighted the intent behind the Convrt Awards: “The award seeks to honor the true innovators and creators that are bringing NEW life into the world of retail and e-commerce, for those who create and break things but don’t often see their names in bold lights.”

Douglas Hampton-Dowson, Executive Director of The Convrt Award, reaffirmed the need for such a platform, “These teams are constantly bringing new experiences to life for brands and customers worldwide, and we’re so excited to appreciate their work finally.”

Mr. Kaness added “we are thankful for the award and I’m especially grateful for our team to be recognized for their incredible contribution to this venture and the Goodwill mission.”

For more information about GoodwillFinds and its ongoing mission, please visit https://www.goodwillfinds.com or contact [email protected].

About GoodwillFinds: GoodwillFinds is the modern re-commerce platform of Goodwill, committed to offering a distinctive online thrift shopping experience. Established in 2022, it supports Goodwill’s mission by funding critical social service programs through its sales.

About The Convrt Awards: The Convrt Awards, initiated in 2022, recognizes and celebrates brilliance in the retail industry. Created by former retail experience designer Douglas Hampton-Dowson, it offers an unbiased platform to appreciate the innovators in the world of shopping.

For media inquiries: [email protected]

GoodwillFinds Press Kit link: https://collection.cloudinary.com/dszxajvk8/657dfebaa969c45638e152e33b528c42

Media Contact

Paula Stella, Convrt, 1 (646) 992-3860, [email protected], convrtaward.com

SOURCE Convrt

Resolver’s Risk Intelligence Software Proven to Deliver 327% ROI According to Forrester TEI Study


Forrester interviewed several Resolver clients to construct the study, identifying the benefits, risks, and outcomes they experienced while using Resolver’s enterprise risk, regulatory compliance, audit, and third-party and cyber risk solutions. Resolver customers reported improved engagement in risk programs, enhanced abilities to measure and manage risk, remarkable reporting and testing efficiencies, and better insights to make confident business decisions.

According to the study, the composite Resolver customer also experienced the following benefits in addition to achieving a 327% ROI:

  • 95% increase in reporting efficiency: Automated reporting boosts executive reporting efficiency and reduces the effort spent on quarterly data aggregation, analysis, and reporting.
  • 75% more streamlined compliance testing: Simplified control reporting makes it easier for control owners to report on control efficacy and for audit, risk, and compliance teams to review testing.
  • 30% increased audit efficiency: Thanks to Resolver’s central document repository, working papers, and consolidated reporting, risk and compliance teams are better prepared for audits.
  • $190K eliminated costs of fragmented GRC tools: Resolver replaces inefficient legacy tools and disjointed point solutions by integrating all GRC and Information Security needs on one platform.
  • $1.4M prevented regulatory penalties & reputation risk: Improved collaboration, data accuracy, risk analysis, and decision-making reduce the likelihood of regulatory fines.

In addition, the study highlights many qualitative benefits for organizations from using Resolver, such as:

  • Increased engagement: Businesses experience increased first-line engagement attributed to easier, automated communications and Resolver’s user-friendly interfaces.
  • Improved risk awareness and risk reduction: Consolidated risk data and granular reporting encourage risk reduction efforts to areas of highest priority and impact.
  • Better decision-making: Resolver GRC software enhances visibility into risks associated with opportunities, enabling more informed and strategic decision-making processes.

As per one of Resolver’s customers interviewed in the study:

“[Resolver] benefits our organization [because] it helps to break down silos. It creates the opportunity to have the same language… and have one source of truth.” – Director of ERM Operations, Banking

For more information and to download the full Total Economic Impact™ (TEI) of Resolver study conducted by Forrester Consulting, visit www.resolver.com/TEI.

About Resolver:

Resolver’s innovative Risk Intelligence platform empowers organizations to proactively manage risk, drive compliance, and improve overall corporate performance. With a customer-centric approach, Resolver partners with clients to provide industry-leading solutions that are easy to implement, integrate seamlessly with existing systems, and deliver measurable results. Resolver gathers all risk data and analyzes it in context — revealing the true business impact within every risk. Its Risk Intelligence Platform traces the extended impact of all types of risks — whether compliance or audit, incidents or threats — and translates those effects into quantifiable business metrics. Finally, instead of being disconnected from the business, risk becomes a key driver of opportunity. Welcome to the new world of Risk Intelligence.

For media inquiries, please contact:

Nadine Araksi, Resolver

[email protected]

Media Contact

Nadine Araksi, Resolver Inc., 1 647-494-7707 449, [email protected], www.resolver.com

SOURCE Resolver Inc.