An Everyday Mission Supporting Everyday People

November 6, 2023

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A Message from Michael Wirth-Davis,

President and CEO of Goodwill-Easter Seals Minnesota

Since 1919, Goodwill-Easter Seals Minnesota has helped eliminate barriers to work and independence.  What does that actually mean in everyday life for everyday people? 

As President and CEO, I see our mission at work every day.  I often get asked, “So many businesses have hiring signage posted and cannot find workers. Why don’t people want to work; isn’t getting a job easy?” 

My answer is people absolutely want to work.  But not all job seekers have access to the same start line; here is context to consider:

  • The digital divide. Digital literacy, including reliable internet access to apply for jobs, disproportionately impacts seniors, low-income individuals, rural communities, people with disabilities and non-native speakers. We partner with Literacy Minnesota to provide free, one-to-one digital skills tutoring at our computer lab in St. Paul.​​ Read more.
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  • A past affects a future. Chris lost his barber’s license while incarcerated and accessed our Re-Entry services to get his license reinstated, find mentorship support and is now thriving back in the barber shop. Meet Chris.
  • Navigating a disability. One in 4 adults in Minnesota, or 23% of our population, has a disability that can require public benefits planning, job support or workplace accommodations. Leone got support from our job placement program when she was laid off. Meet Leone.
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  • Youth need extra support. Dagme stopped going to high school to provide for his newborn daughter. Catching up and getting a diploma is challenging, but with a little support from our YouthBuild program he went a long way.  Meet Dagme.
  • Equitable workforce opportunities. There are thousands of driven, talented Minnesotans who are often overlooked for careers with family-sustaining wages. Our Employer Accelerator training uses data-driven tools to teach more equitable hiring processes and inclusive resume evaluation to Minnesota’s employers. Learn how.  
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Finally, every day we live our mission as an employer.  I’m launching “I am Goodwill” employee profiles to shine a light on employees who embody our mission. 

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I am Goodwill. Polina is a Brooklyn Park Outlet Assistant Store Manager, working on a U.S. Humanitarian Visa from the Ukraine. She brought her experience managing a thrift store in the Ukraine to our organization as a new American.

“Goodwill gave me my first job in the United States. I can support my family back home in a safer environment. I’m grateful for the opportunity,” Polina said.

Employment is multi-faceted and it looks different for everyone.  We see you.  And we are here to help people who want to enter or advance in Minnesota’s workforce, every day.

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