Published: May 21, 2008 03:09 pm            

County reaches agreement with Goodwill

Pact makes way for job training for seniors

DANVILLE — County Commissioners on Tuesday approved entering into an agreement with Goodwill Industries of Central Indiana’s Senior Community Service and Employment Program.

The group’s goal is to help low-income seniors ages 55 and older receive job training for better employment opportunities.

“Whatever the individuals need and whatever barriers they may face, we work to help them break down those barriers so they can find and keep jobs,” said Juli Woodrum, director of Goodwill Industries of Central Indiana.

The program helped more than 400 workers spanning a year’s time in 2007-08. Wages are paid by Goodwill through a federal grant. Eventually program managers want workers in permanent, unsubsidized jobs. They attempt to accomplish that through work-based training and developing relationships with potential employers in each community.

That’s where county government comes in. Goodwill approached the commissioners about training some of its workers in county offices (most positions being of a clerical or janitorial nature) or at least displaying literature about the program.

“We’ve struggled to find the appropriate income demographic in Hendricks County,” Woodrum said, noting they’ve recruited numerous people at the Avon and Plainfield Goodwill stores, but most don’t meet the income guidelines.

Commissioners agreed to the partnership after ensuring those employees would be from Hendricks County, Goodwill would accept all liability, and that the county could sever ties at any time. There also was assurance that Goodwill would remain in contact with offices and employees about any potential problems.

“You’ll never be stuck with a person who’s not helping you,” said Terry Allen, public relations manager for Goodwill Industries of Central Indiana.

Commissioners liked what they heard.

“It seems like a program that helps people help themselves,” Commissioner Eric Wathen said.

Woodrum drove that point home with an example. Indianapolis east-side native Judy Floyd worked many jobs over the years, but wanted to brush up on her computer skills to make herself more marketable. She accomplished that through SCSEP. She proved to be so valuable that Goodwill gave her a permanent job as an administrative assistant.

“It’s a privilege for me to spend every day with people like Judy — to watch them grow and give back to their communities,” Woodrum said.

In other business County Engineer John Ayers informed the commissioners the sod planted last year in the Ronald Reagan Parkway median south of U.S. 40 will have to be removed and grass planted in its place — at a cost of about $10,000. The sod didn’t take like planned because of the lack of rain last summer.

“That sod didn’t stand much of a chance, it was so dry,” Commission President David Whicker said.

The county won’t be able to recoup any of its losses because the project’s contractor fulfilled all its duties required in the agreement.

wade.coggeshall@flyergroup.com

        

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