11 Mar Youth Building Goodwill

Goodwill Industries of Middle Tennessee just kicked off an exciting new program aimed at helping youth and young adults receive the tools they need to succeed. “Youth Building Goodwill” will provide educational, vocational and financial training to 17 to 25-year-olds who are out of school and unemployed.

This new venture began late last year when Goodwill Industries of Middle Tennessee submitted a proposal to the Bank of America Charitable Foundation for its Neighborhood Builders Award. Goodwill found out in late November it had won the regional award, which included a grant to be used to create the “Youth Building Goodwill” program.

A celebration of this award, held on February 13, 2014 on Goodwill’s corporate campus, included local business leaders, members of Goodwill’s board of directors and several Goodwill employees. John Stein, Tennessee president of Bank of America, presented a $200,000 check to Goodwill in honor of receiving the award. “We are pleased and thrilled for the Bank of America Charitable Foundation’s confidence in and support of us and this program,” said Betty Johnson, vice president and chief people officer for Goodwill. “We look forward to educating and empowering this under-served population.”

Goodwill has already started working with other agencies to make sure this program is a success. A pilot project with the YMCA Youth-Build Program has resulted in several young men obtaining employment, and they will continue to receive guidance from Goodwill staff. Johnson said, “We will assist these young adults in mapping out a life plan that allows them to accomplish their goals, earn an income and become contributing members of the community.”

“Youth Building Goodwill” is currently being offered in Davidson County. However, there are plans to extend the program to other areas including Rutherford, Wilson and Williamson Counties. For more information about the program, call Brenda Hines at (615) 346-1634.