This fall, Goodwill Industries of Southeastern Wisconsin received recognition from the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development (DWD) for a successful partnership in supporting individuals with disabilities to gain and retain jobs in the community.
The awards ceremony was held at the James O. Wright Center for Work and Training, on the northwest side of Milwaukee. “Holding the event at the JOW location was important because it is one of our main integrated work and training hubs where we provide real jobs and training through our social enterprises, including Retail, Laundry, Café 1919, and our Custodial Services,” says Laura Romens, Manager of Government Programs. “For many individuals referred by DVR [Department of Vocational Rehabilitation], this location becomes the starting point to develop skills and confidence in their journey to a job out in the community, among our many employer partners,” says Romens.
Chris Hagerup, DWD Deputy Secretary, said one of his favorite parts of his job is the success stories from individuals – like Isabella at Starbucks. He said that she loved her job so much, she would gladly work for free. Isabella is 25 years old and lives in a group home. Her dream was to have a job she could look forward to and be responsible for, every day. Hagerup said of the recollection, “I’m telling you, Goodwill does wonderful things and works in a wonderful realm.” He added that statistically speaking, 16,000 individuals with disabilities are working through the DVR and DWD partnerships every year. In addition, half a billion dollars of earned income, upon which taxes are paid, can be attributed to this group.
According to Dan Depies, Senior Vice President of Mission Services, “There is much work still to be done. Only about two of five working age individuals with diverse abilities are actually working, even though many more want to work. The Goodwill partnership with DVR and DWD, in collaboration with employers like Walgreens (REDI program), FedEx (train and place model), and Milwaukee County (two Project SEARCH sites), have proven a strong model. If we work together, we can do great things. We are grateful to the State of Wisconsin for its continued support of our mission.”
Goodwill’s partnership with the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development is one of our longest and strongest relationships, and goes far beyond advocacy and funding. We are proud to call the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development a trusted and valued partner.
For more information on Goodwill’s Workforce Development programs, please contact Dan Depies, Senior Vice President of Mission Services, at (414) 847-4880 or dan.depies@goodwillsew.com.
Go back to the main page
