Renewed support from a longtime partner is helping Goodwill Industries to find inclusive employment for those in need.
The RBC Foundation has announced a new $525,000 commitment to expand Goodwill’s WorkFirst program.
The renewed funding will help over 2,000 employees over the next three years by supporting 875 new paid employment opportunities for those facing systemic, personal, or social barriers.
“Surveys show that many people are not out of work by choice. They want to work, but real-life barriers like mental health challenges and disabilities, childcare gaps and limited transportation are holding them back,” said RBC Regional Vice President Tanja Wilkins in a news release. “Providing these individuals with paid work opportunities, paired with meaningful supports, will not only help them stay employed, but ultimately help them maintain greater life stability.”
Nearly a quarter of those supported by the program are expected to advance into career-aligned roles, using the skills and experience gained through WorkFirst.