Goodwill® Receives $4.5 Million Grant From The U.S. Department of Labor

ROCKVILLE, Md., Oct. 4, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) has awarded Goodwill Industries International and five community-based Goodwill organizations a three-year, $4.5 million grant to improve employment options for adults transitioning back into society.

The five Goodwill organizations receiving grant funds are based in Austin, TX; Detroit, MI; Indianapolis; IN; Little Rock, AR; and Louisville, KY. These organizations have committed to more than $1.6 million dollars of leveraged resources, representing 36 percent of the total grant. Examples of leveraged resources include employment services, staff time, occupancy, assessment costs, business development and wraparound support services. The investment will provide 575 adults, ages 25 and over, with education, training and employment activities.

"With this grant award, Goodwill will ensure adults have employment training and links to industry-recognized credentials that are needed in the 21^st century labor market," said Jim Gibbons, president and CEO of Goodwill Industries International. "This includes a high school diploma or equivalent, post-secondary training and paid, work-based learning."

In addition, Goodwill organizations in Atlanta, GA, and Greenville, SC, have been granted direct awards worth nearly $1.24 million as part of DOL's Reentry Project.

"The Reentry Project grant program supports the improvement and effectiveness of research-based, evidence-informed services that lead to better employment opportunities and outcomes for eligible participants," noted the Department of Labor. "These grants give organizations the opportunity to develop new models with a focus on assisting communities with high poverty and crime rates in planning and implementing comprehensive reentry programs."

As a social enterprise comprised of community-based organizations throughout the United States and Canada, Goodwill has helped people reach their full potential through the power of work since 1902. In particular, Goodwill assists people who face challenges to finding employment, providing programs for youth and young adults, seniors, veterans and military families, and those with disabilities or disadvantages, among others.

In 2016, Goodwill assisted more than 139,000 people reintegrating back into society to reach their education and employment goals.

The grants to Goodwill are among nearly $73 million awarded to 32 organizations under the department's Employment and Training Administration to serve eligible adults and young adults.

About Goodwill Industries International

Goodwill Industries International (GII) is a network of 162 community-based, autonomous organizations in the United States and Canada with a presence in 13 other countries. GII is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that is recognized by GuideStar with its Platinum Seal of Approval, the organization's highest rating for charities. GII was also ranked by Enso as the #1 brand doing the most good in the world for two consecutive years, and was the only nonprofit brand rated in Forbes' 20 most inspiring companies for three consecutive years. Local Goodwill organizations are innovative and sustainable social enterprises that create job training programs, employment placement and other community-based programs by selling donated clothing and household items in more than 3,200 stores collectively and online at shopgoodwill.com^®. Local Goodwill organizations also build revenue and create jobs by contracting with businesses and government to provide a wide range of commercial services, including packaging and assembly, food services preparation, and document imaging and shredding. Last year, local Goodwill organizations collectively placed more than 313,000 people in employment in the United States and Canada. In addition, more than 35 million people used computers and mobile devices to access Goodwill education, training, mentoring and online learning services to strengthen their skills, and more than 2 million people received in person services. To learn more, visit goodwill.org.

For more information or to find a Goodwill location near you, use the online locator at Goodwill.org or call (800) GOODWILL. Follow us on Twitter: @GoodwillIntl and @GoodwillCapHill, and find us on Facebook: GoodwillIntl or Instagram: GoodwillIntl.

SOURCE Goodwill Industries International

Related Links

http://www.goodwill.org/