Project Blueprint and Prosperity at Work to be offered by Goodwill Industries of Greater Cleveland and East Central Ohio

Project Blueprint and Prosperity at Work, both formerly United Way of Greater Stark County programs, will now be offered by Goodwill Industries of Greater Cleveland and East Central Ohio. The change comes as United Way is refocusing their funding priorities to families with young children in poverty. This program transfer continues United Way’s commitment to avoid duplication of community services. The change will take effect October 1, 2023.

“We successfully piloted and operated these programs, but we believe that these programs will benefit from Goodwill’s expertise in job training, development and employer support,” explained President/CEO Angela Perisic.

Project Blueprint is a unique program designed to recruit, train, and connect diverse volunteer leaders to policy-making roles and enhance the effectiveness of nonprofit agencies. It ensures that local volunteer leadership on boards and committees is representative of Stark and Carroll Counties, and that diverse perspectives become a greater voice in our community.

“Goodwill looks forward to helping others achieve higher levels of understanding and commitment regarding committee and board work through the Project Blueprint program,” said Ellen McCarthy, VP of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging. “We are calling all aspiring board members to enroll in the Project Blueprint program and gain valuable and applicable knowledge on becoming a volunteer leader on nonprofit committees and boards.”

Enrollment will begin early 2024.

Prosperity at Work is a benefit that connects employees with resources and services to stabilize their finances and households so they can come to work, be prepared to work, and succeed at work. It focuses on employees and the businesses bottom line, such as improvements to employees’ productivity, increased employee satisfaction, building greater longevity which can lead to improved retention, and reduction in absenteeism.

“United Way recognizes that Project Blueprint and Prosperity at Work are valuable for greater Stark County residents and is excited that Goodwill has agreed to continue the programs,” said Perisic. “Both programs align with Goodwill’s mission.”

“Goodwill is honored to work alongside United Way of Greater Stark County to continue to provide services to Stark County,” said Chief Operating Officer Mark Trew. “Already, Goodwill serves thousands of individuals and families through our 28 mission programs. These new programs will provide even greater impact to our community.”

For more information about Prosperity at Work or Project Blueprint, please contact Goodwill at info@goodwillgoodskills.org.