This October, Goodwill Industries of Fort Worth highlights the contributions of American workers with disabilities during National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM).
This year’s theme—“America’s Workforce: Empowering All” —aligns with Goodwill’s defining mission of providing all workers, including those with disabilities, with job training and placement services.
“We believe that awareness leads to empowerment,” said David Cox, president & CEO of Goodwill Fort Worth. “If you’re facing hurdles to finding a job or advancing your career, we want you to know that Goodwill Fort Worth can provide the support you need. From résumé preparation to educational credentials and employment placement, we offer an array of services and programs for people who are looking for work.”
The origin of NDEAM dates back to 1945, when Congress established a week of recognition for workers with physical disabilities. The period was expanded to a full month in 1988, and now spotlights the employment needs and contributions of workers with all types of disabilities. NDEAM is overseen by the U.S. Labor Department’s Office of Disability Employment Policy.
“A workforce that empowers everyone is good for job seekers as well as job creators,” said U.S. Secretary of Labor Alexander Acosta. “Continued steady job creation will provide even more opportunities for all Americans to get hired and provide for their families.”
The unemployment rate for people with disabilities has fallen steadily since 2009. But it remains more than double the rate for people without a disability—8.5 percent versus 3.9 percent in July 2018.
Goodwill Fort Worth has a 69-year history of commitment to providing support for job seekers, regardless of ability or circumstance. Last year, Goodwill Fort Worth touched the lives of 9,562 people through 20 unique job training and placement programs, turning lives of dependence into lives of independence through the power of work.
For more information on NDEAM, visit: www.dol.gov/ndeam. To view local testimonials regarding Goodwill Fort Worth’s programs and services, please visit www.thankyougoodwill.org.
ABOUT GOODWILL INDUSTRIES OF FORT WORTH, INC.
Goodwill is more than a thrift store. The largest employer of people with disabilities in the world, Goodwill believes that work has the power to transform lives by building self-confidence, independence, creativity, trust and friendships. Everyone deserves this chance.
Goodwill Fort Worth’s 23 retail locations provide revenue through the sale of donated goods to support Goodwill’s mission – job training and career services for people with disabilities, such as physical or mental disabilities and other barriers to employment including lack of education or work experience and homelessness. For more information on Goodwill Industries of Fort Worth, please visit www.goodwillfortworth.org.
