Goodwill of Central Arizona receives $955,000 through U.S. Department of Education’s Projects With Industry Program

PHOENIX (October 28, 2008) — Goodwill of Central Arizona, a nonprofit committed to helping individuals overcome barriers to employment, announced today that it received one of 66 grants provided through the U.S. Department of Education’s Projects With Industry (PWI) program. Goodwill’s grant, in the amount of $955,000, will be utilized over five years to help advance the occupational opportunities for individuals with documented disabilities throughout central Arizona.

“We are honored to receive this grant to help individuals overcome barriers and ensure independence through the power of work,” said Lisa Wilham, Vice President of Workforce Development for Goodwill of Central Arizona. “This allocation will assist us with helping more individuals with disabilities obtain employment – not only strengthening Arizona’s workforce and economic vitality but meeting the demand for services in today’s downturned economy.”

The PWI program creates and expands job opportunities for individuals with disabilities by combining participation of business and industry with the rehabilitation process. Job placement will focus on high-growth areas in Maricopa County and the City of Phoenix including healthcare, hospitality and retail and individuals may receive individual skills training to secure specific employment. This program will also focus on transitioning youth with disabilities from school to the work force to help them gain applicable real-world work experience and give them the opportunity for long-term sustainability through the power of work.

In addition to job placement, Goodwill will conduct occupational readiness training, skills training and provide support services to assist individuals with disabilities in their occupational endeavors. Through the five year grant, Goodwill plans on providing these services to more than 450 individuals with disabilities who have been unemployed for six months or longer.

Other Goodwill Industries organizations receiving PWI program funding include: Goodwill Industries of Central Iowa, Goodwill Industries Serving Eastern Nebraska and Southwest Iowa, Goodwill Industries-Suncoast (FL), Goodwill-Easter Seals Minnesota, and Goodwill of North Georgia.