The Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired-Goodwill Industries

“Goodwill of the finger lakes, inc. (gfl), a related 501(c)(3) organization provides certain administrative and management services to gve for which gve pays gfl a management fee of $2,742,685. In addition certain gfl employees perform management duties for gve and are officers of gve. Jennifer lake and carolina cordero dyer are officers of both gfl and gve. Total compensation paid these individuals by gfl is reported on gve's 990 part vii column e reportable compensation from related organization and column f.”

“The form 990 is provided to the board, reviewed by management for accuracy and filed upon approval.”

“The agency has a very strong conflict of interest policy. All board members are required to complete a statement at the first meeting of the year stating what, if any conflicts of interest they may have or potentially anticipate.”

“The organization's compensation philosophy is that most jobs are priced within 15% of market rate. Currently, the organization relies most heavily on the rochester business alliance (rba) annual salary survey for data for most positions. The organization also participates with other goodwills in a mercer executive compensation study on a bi-annual basis. National data is also used for senior leadership positions generally obtained from rochester business alliance and the goodwill national survey. The executive board reviews and approves all senior leader compensation. For new positions, human resources department works with the hiring manager to establish a job description that includes essential job functions and necessary experience, etc. Using that information, along with flsa and eeo guidelines, as well as the rba data, the position is then graded and market priced. The base salary amount that is offered is dependent on the applicant's experience. The goal is to hire fully qualified individuals close to the mid-range of the established pay grade (that is the determined market rate) for the position; if less experienced, they are generally hired somewhere between 25% and 50% of the grade. For existing positions, compensation and job descriptions are reviewed on a yearly basis for possible merit increase in april based on job performance. Annual reviews are required to be eligible for an increase. If an employee receives an increase after october 1, or is hired after october 1, they are generally not eligible for the annual increase in april. Executive compensation is determined by the board and performance is reviewed annually.”

“Goodwill vision enterprises, inc. Makes available all non-confidential information to the general public at the agency's main corporate office at 422 south clinton avenue, rochester, new york upon request. This documentation consists of audited financial statements, annual 990 documents, and other information that would enable an individual to make an informed decision about the charitable nature of the organization. Any individual may request to inspect this information for any or all of the last three years. Anyone who wishes a copy is asked to reimburse the agency for reasonable copying charges.”

“Change in funded status of defined benefit pension plan -237,131. Change in interest rate swap 177,449. Fundraising event expenses 33,181. Intercompany rental activity 644,943.”

“The process is consistent with the prior year.”

“Goodwill vision enterprises, inc. (gve) and goodwill of the finger lakes (goodwill) have a very long and successful history. Gve provides comprehensive vision rehabilitation services for individuals of all ages with vision loss in rochester and the greater finger lakes region. Named a center of excellence, gve is nationally and internationally recognized for its world class low vision clinic where individuals learn how to optimize their residual vision by learning adaptive techniques to carry out every day tasks that most people take for granted, travel safely, and obtain or remain on a job. Whether an individual is totally blind or has some useable vision, our comprehensive vision rehabilitation services are geared toward empowering individuals and keeping them independent. Gve is also recognized for its state of the art adaptive technology services whereby individuals are exposed to and taught how to use the latest devices such as tablets, smart phones, computers, video games etc. Individuals are taught software programs that they need for school or work. Our children's programs are designed to teach social skills, technology, self-advocacy, safe travel, and other activities that foster confidence and well-being. Family support programs are offered and recreation events bring children together with their families. An array of programs are offered to adults and youth with vision loss to keep them active, social and healthy. All of the programs are supported by counselling, support groups and case management; a dedicated team of social workers assist individuals dealing with vision loss to adjust and learn to access all of the programs and services they need. In an effort to prevent vision loss before it occurs, gve has active vision wellness programs offered to our community. The early vision screening program reaches children from 6 months to 5 years and has identified many children with conditions that could if not treated lead to serious vision loss or eye disease; vision care for kids screens school age children who do not have insurance and provides free glasses for those who need them; project eye care provides vision exams by volunteer doctors to those without vision insurance and who are socio-economically disadvantaged.”