BRADENTON, FL – Goodwill Manasota recently received a grant of $7,500 from M.E. Wilson to support its Veterans Services Program, which provides full case management and vocational services that address barriers to employment, disabilities, mental health issues, housing, education and training. The program, which was created in 2013, helps veterans to navigate a wide array of available programs and to secure the benefits to which they are entitled.
“M.E. Wilson and its employees are proud members of the Sarasota-Manatee community and we firmly believe in giving back,” said Robin Moch, CIC, a partner with M.E. Wilson. “We are confident that Goodwill will put our contribution to very good use in serving our returning heroes and their families.”
The Veterans Services Program was created to help eliminate barriers to employment, provide opportunities for higher-paying positions for veterans and their families, and connect veterans with needed social services. The program is staffed by veterans, ensuring those who seek help are receiving it from those who understand the challenges they face.
“Goodwill Manasota is so proud to be able to honor and assist the men and women who have so bravely and selflessly served our country,” said Margie Genter, vice president of mission services. “We thank the team at M.E. Wilson for this generous donation, which will be used to help area veterans with needs regarding housing, family, education and other challenges while also helping them to become more self-sufficient and productive members of society.”
For more information about Goodwill’s veterans program, go to experiencegoodwill.org or call (941) 355-2721, ext. 451.
About Goodwill Manasota
Goodwill Manasota is an industry-leading, 501(c)(3), not-for-profit organization that changes lives through the power of work. With the sales of donated goods and philanthropic donations, Goodwill is able to assist people with disabilities and other barriers to employment by providing job skills training and employment opportunities. In 2017, Goodwill Manasota served 11,672 people, placed 555 people in jobs, assisted 360 veterans as they reintegrated back into the civilian workforce, and provided 19,540 hours of on-the-clock training for its employees. Goodwill Manasota’s economic impact back to the community is worth $92.1 million. Goodwill is one of the pioneers of the reduce-reuse-recycle movement and this past year diverted more than 41 million pounds out of the landfill. Goodwill Manasota is accountable to a local Board of Directors. Goodwill Manasota, in essence, belongs to this community and is not owned by any individual or company. For more information, visit www.experiencegoodwill.org.