March 24, 2016

NEWS. . . FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

OhioMeansJobs received the Collaborative Partner of the Year Award at the Goodwill Industries of Greater Cleveland and East Central, Ohio, Inc. 2016 annual report to the community breakfast held March 17th at Kent State University - Stark.

OMJ and Goodwill have a history of collaboration, as Goodwill has been a partner agency at OhioMeansJobs Centers in Stark and Tuscarawas Counties for many years.  In 2015 their relationship reached a new level of success when they teamed up to introduce the "Dream to Achieve" program.  This program serves parents of children involved in SPARK, a kindergarten readiness program offered to people living in certain zip codes.  The goal of "Dream to Achieve" is to help adults become better role models for their children by offering them employment services and general life advancement opportunities.

According to Goodwill President and CEO Ken Weber, "Dream to Achieve" allows Goodwill to form a long-term relationship with parents for three to four years to help them become people of possibility.

When accepting the award Workforce Initiative Association Executive Director Jennifer Meek Eells said, "collaboration is the key to any successful community initiative.  We are so appreciative of our Goodwill partners and their collaborative spirit in working to serve those most in need.  I am so thankful for our Board Chair Dave Wheeler and the entire Workforce Development Board and our elected officials Tuscarawas County Commissioner Kerry Metzger, Stark County Commissioner Janet Creighton and Canton Mayor Tom Bernabei for their continued support of coming together with community partners to build a strong workforce."

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