Staff report
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Marion Goodwill was recognized recently for its contributions to adult basic education and literacy.
The Commission on Adult Basic Education (COABE) honored the Marion Goodwill with the Partners in Adult Learning Services Award, which honors an individual or organization that has been a community leader by making a contribution to adult basic education and literacy.
COABE credited the Marion Goodwill for being a valuable partner to the Marion Technical College ABLE program.
“In January of 2012, the MTC ABLE program was informed that the program site located at Lincoln Center and owned by the Marion City Schools would no longer be available after June of that year as an ABLE site. The news was overwhelming. Lincoln Center was a site that was open mornings, afternoons, and evenings. It was located in the heart of Marion’s most economically challenged area and walking distance from many of the agencies and homes in the area. Thankfully, the Marion Technical College offered class-room space to the ABLE program on a relatively short-term basis. But the long range plans for the MTC space would prevent continuous use by the ABLE program. Plus Marion Tech is located on the edge of Marion and is not easily accessed by someone whose only means of transportation is on foot.
In the fall of 2012, Marion Goodwill had purchased a building which had previously been a bank. The plan was to use it for an additional office space for Goodwill staff. However, a chance conversation between a board member and the MTC ABLE Coordinator resulted in the exploration of the concept of the ABLE pro-gram using the building as a learning center along with Goodwill using some of the space for office and training. Exchanges of thoughts and ideas came furiously as the needs of the ABLE program were shared with the architect who incorporated them with the needs of Goodwill. November through January were months of incredible remodeling! The bank space became a computer lab area and two classrooms with the wiring for individual computer stations were incorporated. Doors opened in February 2013 to the staff and students of MTC ABLE. The building is formally known as the Goodwill Education and Training Center. It quickly earned the nickname of the GET Center.
After everything was in place, the coordinator thoughtfully reflected on why she had not sought Goodwill as a partner earlier. The mission of Marion Goodwill Industries, Inc. is to assist individuals with disabilities and other special needs to attain self-sufficiency through employment and training, thus enabling them to reach their maximum potential within the community. The mission of Marion Goodwill aligns perfectly with the mission of ABLE. Goodwill’s specialty is assisting clients to obtain and retain jobs—a measurement of the ABLE program as part of the National Reporting System. ABLE could focus on its strength—helping to improve people’s academic skills and partner with Goodwill to provide the soft skills needed to obtain and retain employment.
To be a good partnership, it should be beneficial to both participants. And this one is. The ABLE program has a location to provide educational opportunities to adults but Goodwill is also able to use the space for their pre-employment program that they offer free to the community. Their clients can use the computers and Internet access when not used by the ABLE students. It is definitely a win-win for the all involved.”
Marion Goodwill will be awarded a $1,000 financial award. The organization has also been invited to attend the COABE’s national conference in Pittsburgh, PA from March 16 to 19 where the Marion Goodwill will be recognized at a ceremony in their honor.
Marion Goodwill Industries serves Marion, Delaware, Union, Crawford, and Morrow Counties.