At Goodwill Industries of Kentucky, we’re always striving to meet the needs of Kentucky job seekers and self-sufficiency seekers. This is made possible through our many programs and services, some of which are products of grants awarded to us. Here is a list of some recently established grant programs that will change lives in the commonwealth:
Kentucky Youth Career Center (KYCC) Operator/Youth Homelessness – We will serve at least 150 disconnected youth in Louisville ages 18-24 by linking them with career counseling, education opportunities and job placement at Kentucky Youth Career Centers (KYCCs). In addition, we will help up to 20 unhoused youths ages 18-24 secure stable housing through comprehensive supportive services. We are partnering with Maryhurst (mental and behavioral health counseling) and YMCA SafePlace (referrals) to strengthen KYCC service delivery.
Reimage (Justice-Involved Youth) – The KYCCs will help at least 90 justice-involved youths ages 16-24 earn their GED, advance skills, access internship and work-and-learn opportunities and achieve employment or enrollment in post-secondary education/credential attainment.
Compass Rose – We are responsible for conducting follow-ups with an estimated 150 Compass Rose participants who have graduated from the Reimage program. Specifically, Goodwill career coaches will track participant progress in entering and/or retaining employment for up to 12 months, offering supportive services if necessary.
Young Adult Reentry Partnership (YARP) – Lexington – We will help 110 justice-involved young adults ages 18-24 in the Lexington area connect with Bluegrass Community Technical College (BCTC), where they can earn credentials in welding, business construction, information technology and culinary. BCTC classroom instruction will be complemented by on-site learning and potential work-and-learn opportunities. Goodwill career coaches will conduct intake, assessments, work-readiness training and case management/supportive services.
Work Incentives Planning and Assistance (WIPA) – We at Goodwill, through a competitive federal grant process, was selected to continue providing counseling and support to at least 525 SSDI and SSI beneficiaries ages 14 and older in 86 counties in the northern, eastern and southern part of the state.
Another Way – Louisville Metro Government recently allocated $279,400 in its recent budget to expand the Another Way program. Through this outreach program, unhoused individuals are picked up by Goodwill and provided $50 for a day’s work, lunch and access to supportive services at the Resource Center.
Creating Structures of Support for System-Involved Youth – Funded by Louisville Metro Government Office of Youth Development, we will continue providing transportation through our Cars to Work & Last Mile to Work programs and peer support to young adults ages 16 to 24 facing disconnection (not in school and not working), and/or involved in the juvenile justice, child welfare system or both.
Isaiah House – Substance Abuse Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) – Isaiah House recently received a grant to serve Kentucky residents afflicted with substance use disorder through treatment and employment support. Goodwill, as a subgrantee, is budgeted to receive $100,000 per year for five years to provide soft skills, job coaching and expungement assistance to 300 participants annually throughout Kentucky.