Goodwill Awarded Grant for Homeless Veterans
Peoria, IL – June 21, 2017 – Goodwill Industries of Central Illinois has been awarded $230,000 from the Department of Labor to provide training and reintegration services to homeless veterans in Central Illinois. Goodwill is the only downstate Illinois agency to receive funding through this grant, which will allow the non-profit agency to provide veterans with occupational skills training, as well as job search and placement assistance.
“We are honored to be among a select group of agencies awarded these funds,” said Don Johnson, President and CEO of Goodwill Industries of Central Illinois. “Helping these men and women find work and reintegrate back into our community is paramount.”
“These are experienced and skilled individuals and it will be our job to prepare them and match them with local employers. In turn local businesses will get skilled workers and give back by supporting our veterans,” said Lori Johnson, Goodwill’s Director of Program Services.
Goodwill Industries of Central Illinois also operates the General Wayne A. Downing Home for Veterans and on July 7th, 2017 will hold a ribbon cutting to open a 5 bedroom expansion to the home. The expansion will allow a total of 15 homeless veterans a place to call home.
Goodwill of Central Illinois is a non-profit organization that provides occupational training and job placement assistance to individuals and families who are working to better their lives. Goodwill also operates a youth mentoring program for youth ages 12 to 17. For more information on retail stores, donation centers and vocational services, visit www.goodwillpeo.org or call the Administrative Offices at (309) 682-1113.