(Middle Tenn) — The Mayor’s Advisory Committee for People with Disabilities recognized Goodwill Industries of Middle Tennessee for its commitment to improve the lives of persons with disabilities. The Employer Award recognizes a business that hires, accommodates, supports, develops and retains employees with disabilities. Betty Johnson, Vice President and Chief People Officer and Debbie Grant, Development Director were on hand to receive award on Thursday, October 17 during a reception at the Nashville Farmer’s Market.
Goodwill Industries of Middle Tennessee has both served candidates with disabilities and employed individuals with disabilities since its inception in 1957. In 2007, Goodwill began the Transitional Employment Services Program. The goal of this program is to provide up to six months of paid work experience for candidates with disabilities. At the end of the six months, case managers assist the trainees as they apply for jobs both at Goodwill and with community employers.
“The proof of Goodwill’s success is in the increase in number of employees who have a disability,” said Betty Johnson, vice president and chief people officer. “Today, our Goodwill employs more than 600 people with disabilities. That’s up from 300 just two years ago.”
Goodwill Industries of Middle Tennessee is one of Tennessee’s largest employers of persons with disabilities.
