Goodwill Industries of Michiana

The workforce innovation and opportunity act ("wioa") in-school program is used to empower high school juniors and seniors to complete high school with a targeted career plan and work experience. The programs are delivered within the high school. In 2022 there was a 87% graduation rate, 31% positive outcome (job, military, or secondary education), 74% of the jobs obtained were full-time and 18% went on to future education. The wioa out-of-school program is designed to assist youth without a high school diploma or postsecondary training to complete their education and obtain a diploma, certification, or degree. Another goal is placement into employment or post-secondary education. A third goal is to help improve basic, academic, and job specific skills. The final goal is to provide them 12 months of follow up services. Youth learn about occupations in demand and employment opportunities throughout northwest Indiana and gain skills needed to enter the workforce through a series of work ready workshops including resume development and interviewing skills. In 2022 we served 457 out-of-school youth, 143 earned an in demand certification, 181 enrolled in training, 135 earned their high school dipolma.

The nurse family partnership program ("nfp") helps transform the lives of under-served, first-time mothers and their babies from pregnancy until the child turns two. Through ongoing home visits from registered nurses, low-income, first-time moms receive the care and support they need to have a healthy pregnancy, provide responsible and competent care for their children and become more economically self-sufficient. Nfp nurse home visitors form a much-needed, trusting relationship with the first-time moms, instilling confidence and empowering them to achieve a better life for their children and themselves. Nfp's evidence-based community health program produces long-term family improvements in health, education, and economic self-sufficiency. By helping to break the cycle of poverty, nfp plays an important role in helping to improve the lives of society's most vulnerable members, build stronger communities, and leave a positive impact on this and future generations. Two nfp teams consisting of 2 nurse supervisors and 16 nurse home visitors can carry a total caseload of up to 400 clients. During 2022, 471 families were served and 380 births. 107 moms and their babies graduated from the program. Over 85% of mothers initiated breastfeeding, and over 89% of children were up to date with immunizations at 6 months.

The senior community service employment program ("scsep") is a training and employment program for workers ages 55 and over who have an income that does not exceed 125 percent of the federal poverty level. Program participants receive an average of 20-24 hours per week of paid training at government agencies or non-profit organizations. Paid classroom training is also permitted to increase job readiness skills. Participants must be paid the higher of the federal, state or local mimimum wage while they take part in community service or other job training opportunities. Employment is the goal of the program for most participants. Some scsep participants are unable to transition to work and may be transitionned to other programs or services, including volunteer opportunities. In 2022 we had 61 participants enrolled in the scsep program, 59 participants in a paid training site or paid job readiness activities to increase work skills, and 21 participants that entered employment in the community.