Learn and Earn Prepares Students for Future CareersFor youth, having a job is not only an important step toward adulthood and prosperity, but also a key component of a successful future.

Goodwill SWPA was instru-mental in plac-ing more than 200 students at its vari-ous locations as part of the Pittsburgh Summer Youth Employment Learn and Earn Initiative. The initiative pro-vides youth ages 14 to 21 with academic support, work readi-

ness coaching, and on-the-job skills train-ing. A collaboration between the City of Pittsburgh, Allegheny County and the Three Rivers Workforce Investment Board, the $4 million program is a means of developing a future workforce that is better prepared to secure meaningful employment.

“This summer program is the first of its kind for the region,” said Pittsburgh Mayor Bill Peduto. “The Learn and Earn Initiative will hopefully provide more jobs, more choices, and a wider range of learning opportunities that open the pathways to great careers.”

Approximately 2,700 applications were received for this year’s program and a total of 1,900 participants were served during the inaugural season. As it continues to grow in coming years, the hope is to serve every youth who applies to the Learn and Earn Initiative. (Additional photo on page 5.) l

GoodWORKSFALL 2015 – Volume 34 Number 3

One of the Learn and Earn summer youth program participants working at Goodwill’s Retail Operations Center.

Goodwill Unveils New Website This fall, Goodwill SWPA unveiled a newly redesigned website aimed at enhancing the user experience.

The layout features a clean and contem-porary design with improved navigation and content. Better navigation makes it easier

for visitors to find what they are search-ing for, whether it is the closest Goodwill Store and Donation Center or the most appropriate human service program to meet their needs.

Additionally, Goodwill’s website is now 100 percent mobile-friendly for the first time. Visitors are able to access the site from any device and from any location.

Check out the new site today at www.goodwillswpa.org. l

A Transformation Is Taking Place at GoodwillBy Michael J. SmithPresident/CEO

Strategic planning is the lifeblood of any successful organization, and it is no different at Goodwill SWPA. We are currently in the process of moving forward with diligent and thoughtful planning so we can continue to serve those in our community well, now and in the future.

There are a number of transformative initiatives underway from our strategic planning that will make Goodwill SWPA an even stronger organization. Some things on our plate right now include:

l A service delivery model project that offers an innovative approach to workforce services with a focus on the individual while being responsive and relevant to, informed by, and closely aligned with the labor market, employers, and job creators. We currently have a committee consisting of community leaders, funding source agents, service

delivery professionals and public policy leaders to advise and oversee this pilot project.

l Increased green initiatives.

l Additional services for veterans, ex-offenders, people with autism and an increase in community-based options for people with intellectual disabilities.

l Investment in software and systems to help our staff be as successful as they can be with an emphasis on improvements in technology, safety and communications.

l A commitment to strengthen our ability to recruit new program participants while continuing to improve and generate revenue through our store systems and fundraising.

l Creation of a new nonprofit social venture.

I am proud of our staff and how they have responded to our strategic planning process. The Foundation community has been equally supportive. But, most importantly, the strategic plan will be the basis for a true transformation for those who are entrusted to our programs and services as we confidently move forward into our exciting future. l

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Carnegie Library Teams with Goodwill to Offer Next Chapter Book ClubGoodwill and the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh recently launched the Next Chapter Book Club to provide meaningful opportunities for lifelong learning, social connections and community inclusion for people with developmental disabilities.

Over the summer, six clients from Goodwill SWPA’s Elderberry Junction program participated in the community-based literacy program at the Carnegie Library in Lawrenceville. They attended meetings over a six-week period, where they read short stories from the book Lucky Dogs, Lost Hats and Dating Don’ts.

Additional book club groups will be offered at various Carnegie Libraries in the coming months. l

Carnegie Library employee LeeAnn Anna works with Joanne, one of six Elderberry Junction clients at the Next Chapter Book Club.

www.goodwillswpa.org

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Golf for Goodwill Brings in the GreenMore than 200 golfers hit the links on August 17 to raise $153,000 for Goodwill SWPA at the 15th Annual Golf for Goodwill, which was held simultaneously at the Pittsburgh Field Club and Fox Chapel Golf Club.

Thanks are extended to our generous sponsors for this year’s event:

Presenting Co-SponsorsBurns & ScaloFifth Third Bank

PlatinumNewmark Grubb Knight Frank

GoldAllied Building ProductsHuntington Insurance

SilverAccel Sign GroupAmerican Land AbstractBluming & Gusky, LLPClimaTechComDocHighmarkSMP – Systems Management PlanningUPMCWesBanco

AwardEnergy Innovation Center and World-Class Industrial NetworkRobert C. McCarthy AgencyTucker Arensberg, P.C.Wilson Marketing Group

For more information on Golf for Goodwill, contact Development and Special Events Specialist, Brittany Reno, at brittany.reno@goodwillswpa.org. l

Jim and Jack Scalo share an award on behalf of

presenting sponsor Burns & Scalo.

Golfing on behalf of PricewaterhouseCoopers were Michael Aluciano, Daniel Waltman, Shawn Hanlon, Vice Chairperson, Goodwill SWPA Board of Directors, and Jonathan Roos.

Robert Foley, Senior Vice President at Fifth Third Bank, accepts an award in honor of the bank’s presenting sponsorship.

The view overlooking the Pittsburgh Field Club on the morning of the golf outing.

Mark Your Calendars16th Annual Golf for Goodwill

August 15, 2016

Pittsburgh Field Club & Fox Chapel Golf Club

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Goodwill Literacy Initiative Gives Bonita a Second ChanceBonita began her professional life earlier than most, leaving school at a young age to help her mother with the family. After 30 years in the workforce, she was recently laid off and found her employment options limited with-out a high school diploma. Bonita decided to advance her education when she saw a flyer at a bus stop about Goodwill SWPA’s free GED® preparation classes.

Bonita is one of many individuals working to obtain their GED® through the Goodwill Literacy Initiative (GLI). Like other program participants, she hopes to brush up on her academic skills and earn her high school credentials to obtain a better job or pursue post-secondary education.

“My teacher is very encouraging and everyone at Goodwill is so helpful. These classes are giving me a positive outlook and are bringing out the best in me,” said Bonita.

GLI offers assessment, academic remediation, test preparation and test-taking strategies, as well as education and career planning services through summary case management. Classes are free, open to the public, and offered at several locations across Allegheny County aiming to help community members become more self-sufficient.

To learn more about the Goodwill Literacy Initiative or the free GED® preparation classes, please call 412-632-1841 or visit www.goodwillswpa.org/education. l

Bonita has already passed two of four components of the GED® test and hopes to attend graphic design classes at CCAC once she receives her high school credentials.

Dave Finds Success in Job Readiness ProgramWhen Dave was still very young, his parents were told he would probably be institutional-ized for life due to inappropriate behavior. After trying numerous programs, Dave joined Goodwill’s Retail Training Program, where he received one-on-one support from a job coach. As he learned how to better communicate with others and his self-esteem grew, Dave transi-tioned to the Job Readiness Program with a goal of obtaining employment.

“Every day, I participate in classes and build new skills so I can someday live a more independent life,” said Dave. “Goodwill gave me a chance and changed my life for the better.”

The Job Readiness Program provides individualized and unique opportunities to adults with disabilities. Participants engage in interactive classroom instruction to learn about proper behaviors, competencies and proficien-cies needed to succeed on the job. They practice and demonstrate their skills in a Goodwill store, where they are assigned duties based on their abilities and interests so their experience is both realistic and fun.

Their success not only raises their self-esteem but prepares them for independence. In fact, many program participants, including Dave, have successfully gone from needing one-on-one support to independently completing job tasks without guidance from a job coach.

To learn more about Goodwill’s Job Readiness Program, contact 412-632-1706 or train@goodwillswpa.org. l

Goodwill SWPA has helped Dave to become more self-sufficient. He is now employed, has a YMCA membership, and attends events like the Butler Fair and Farm Days.

www.goodwillswpa.org

5

Hotel Indigo Offers More than Just a Place to Rest The newest hotel in the East Liberty is not only offering a nice place to stay in the area, but it is also offering numerous opportunities for individuals from Goodwill’s programs to find gainful employment.

Hotel Indigo opened its doors at 123 North Highland Ave. in September, providing 135 nicely appointed rooms, meeting space and a full-service bar and restaurant that is decked out with a theater theme. When General Manager Jordan Bartels started looking for employees to staff the hotel, he turned to Goodwill, offering open interviews on site at the Goodwill Workforce Development Center. He hired two people from that session and will continue to offer positions for servers, cooks, housekeepers, front desk, maintenance personnel and other jobs for which candidates are qualified.

Jordan was impressed with the candi-dates from Goodwill.

“They were well prepared for their inter-views, had the right attitude and work ethic,” remembered Jordan. “This is a people-based

business and it helped that Goodwill has pre-pared them for readiness in the workforce.”

Jordan said he will continue to come back to Goodwill when he needs candidates for open jobs. He would like to do some hir-ing events but also provide job shadowing.

“We look forward to continuing and furthering our relationship with Goodwill,” states Jordan. “I am sure there are more things we can do to give back to Goodwill in the future.” l

Recent Grants Awarded to Goodwill SWPAA special thank you is extended to the

following foundations for their recent support:l Allegheny Foundation for renovation of the

Goodwill facility on the South Side.l Anonymous foundation for the YouthWorks

program.l BNY Mellon Foundation for Goodwill

SWPA’s new social enterprise called Mission Logistics.

l FISA Foundation for employer education on Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.

l Highmark Foundation for the YouthWorks program.

l Massey Charitable Trust for the PASSAGES program for young adults with autism.

l PNC Charitable Trusts for the Financial Oppor-tunity Center at Northside Common Ministries.

l Walmart Foundation for the food pantry at Northside Common Ministries. l

The Hotel Indigo in East Liberty.

Jerome Bettis Visits with Learn and Earn Initiative Participants

Former Pittsburgh Steelers running back and Pro Football Hall of Famer Jerome Bettis visited with Learn and Earn Initiative participants to discuss their experiences working as camp counselors at the Duquesne-West Mifflin Boys and Girls Club.

6

GoodNews from GoodwillMore news at www.goodwillswpa.org/news

GETC Celebrates AccreditationSince 1996, the Goodwill Employment Training Center (GETC) has prepared stu-dents to successfully enter the contemporary world of work through quality vocational and educational programs. The Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC) recently recognized the educa-tional quality and integrity of the GETC’s career-oriented programs.

A celebration was held at the Lawrenceville Workforce Development Center to announce this accreditation. At the event, GETC sponsor First Niagara and GETC graduate Tamika Duck were hon-ored. A new partnership with the Energy Innovation Center Institute (EICI) was also announced at that time.

Fall Craft Show Raises Funds for GoodwillThe Fayette Friends of Goodwill hosted a fall and holiday-themed craft show at the Uniontown Mall in October. Proceeds of more than $725 raised by the show will benefit the train-ing and program needs for

individuals served by Goodwill in Fayette County.

Actor David Conrad Supports Elderberry Junction

Pittsburgh native David Conrad, known for his starring role in the television series Ghost Whisperer, purchased a work of art at the 18th annual Art All Night event to benefit Elderberry Junction, a center for senior citizens with developmental disabilities. He also visited the Lawrenceville Workforce Development Center to meet with Elderberry Junction staff and the clients who cre-ated the unique painting.

Goodwill Participates in Hiring Our Heroes Event

Goodwill SWPA was proud to be one of several employ-ers and service organizations to participate in the one-of-a-kind Hiring Our Heroes event at PNC Park. The employment workshop is a nationwide initiative to help veterans, transitioning service members, and military spouses find meaningful employment opportunities. l

Attending the GETC accreditation celebration were, left to right, Robert A. Meeder, Ph.D., President and CEO of EICI; Ella Holsinger, Goodwill Vice President of Human Services; Tamika Duck, GETC graduate; Lorretta Reed, Director of GETC; Todd Moules, Regional President at First Niagara; and Mike Smith, Goodwill SWPA, President/CEO.

www.goodwillswpa.org

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Mercy Bus Brings Health Care Services to South SideGoodwill SWPA continues to partner with Pittsburgh Mercy Health System to bring convenient, local health care services to underserved and rural communi-ties. The Mercy Mobile Health unit is stationed at the Goodwill Center in the South Side every other Tuesday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Individuals can stop by for routine physical exams, diagnostic testing, preventive screenings and other health care services. l

Volunteers Recognized for Good WorkCongratulations to Mary Taylor, Dee Tolbert, Bertie Matthews Tripp and Janie Zeigler for being chosen as 2015 Jefferson Award winners for their volunteer service at Northside Common Ministries (NCM). These hard working volunteers were nomi-nated by Jay Poliziani, NCM Executive Director. l

Ceremony Honors Fifteen Recent GraduatesGoodwill celebrated the accomplishments of 15 individuals at a combined gradua-tion ceremony in October at its Workforce Development Center in Lawrenceville. Among those honored were eight graduates of the GED® preparation and testing pro-gram conducted by the Goodwill Literacy Initiative, two new U.S. citizens, and four graduates of the Goodwill Employment Training Center. Speaking at the cer-emony was graduate Tia Batemon and Denise Buice, an Employment Specialist at Goodwill SWPA. l

GED® Tutor Makes a Difference in the Lives of ManyThough electrical engineer Ben Myers has a good job, he understands that others can sometimes experience barriers to employ-ment. Recognizing the difficulty individu-als without a high school diploma face in gaining employment, he decided he wanted to help.

Ben became a tutor with the Goodwill Literacy Initiative to help others in their pursuit of obtaining a better job or pursuing college or technical school. For two years, he has volunteered as a tutor in a GED® class that meets on Monday evenings in the South Side.

Ben has discovered that teaching is not only rewarding, but it is also something he really enjoys. Even more, he finds great satisfaction in seeing his students improve their skills and enhance their career opportunities. l

Become a tutor Goodwill is currently in need of tutors for adult education classes in downtown Pittsburgh, Lawrenceville, McKees Rocks, McKeesport, North Side and South Side. Volunteer tutors must have a bachelor’s degree and pass child abuse and criminal background checks. A minimum of three hours per week is required, with a one-year commitment. For more information about tutoring opportunities with the Goodwill Literacy Initiative, please contact Jen Hemme, 412-632-1855 or tutor@goodwillswpa.org or visit www.goodwillswpa.org/volunteer-tutors.

Tia Batemon, a GED recipient, spoke at the graduation ceremony.

GED® student Tanya Walas and Tutor Ben Myers at GLI.

Students Build Bench for NCM

Students in the RISE Program put their knowl-edge to work to build a bench for Northside Common Ministries. The bench combined their carpentry and construction math skills into a hands-on project. Shown here with the finished bench, which is now located outside in the common seating and garden area at the center, are, left to right, Jimaud McKissick, Mark Wilson, Travis Williams, Darwin Parker Jr, Brandon Jones, Cornell Massie, Quenton Owens, Raekwon Blankenship, Tyler Shearer and James Reed Jr.

Minor League Baseball Teams Hit It Out of the Park with Donation Drives Goodwill partnered with two minor league

baseball teams – the Washington Wild Things and West Virginia Black Bears – to host donation drives throughout the summer. Fans were encouraged to

donate gently-used clothing at every Sunday home game at both base-ball parks. Many thanks to these

teams for helping to engage the local commu-nity and to the fans for their generosity. l

Goodwill Hits the Jackpot with Rivers Casino Rivers Casino partnered with Goodwill to host a $10 for $10 promotion. Guests who stopped by the Goodwill booth to donate $10 in cash received $10 in free game play. Throughout the month of September, guests were also encouraged to donate a portion of their winnings to support Goodwill programs and services. These promotions resulted in over $5,000 raised for Goodwill SWPA. l

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Thrival Innovation + Music Festival Was a Great TimeGoodwill SWPA served as an Innovation Sponsor at the 2015 Thrival Innovation + Music Festival. Presented by UPMC Enterprises, the third annual Pittsburgh-based event united innovators, creatives, business

leaders and others for interactive program-ming, innovation-focused events, and an outdoor live music event.

Prior to the concert portion of the festival, leaders of organizations presented over two dozen innovation-focused events. Goodwill SWPA partnered with Construction Junction on a program titled “Environmental and Social Sustainability through Creative Reuse and Recycling” to explain how donat-ing and recycling reusable materials can help someone find a job, strengthen the commu-nity and preserve the planet.

Additionally, Goodwill SWPA hosted a Stuff the Truck! donation drive throughout the weekend to collect clothing donations from thousands of festival goers. Staff also set up an informational table at the concert site to provide a greater understanding on how donations support Goodwill’s mission and help the environment. l

www.goodwillswpa.org

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A Store Near YouWexford Store: Great Things Come in Small PackagesEvery Goodwill store in the region is a differ-ent size and offers something different to its shoppers. The Wexford store is smaller, but its clientele tend to be people who donate high end brands and goods.

For Lisa McDonough, Junior Manager of the Wexford store, these “cream of the crop” goods offered to shoppers are truly unique.

“Those who shop at our store come here because we are small and they know they will get more bang for their buck when they walk in the door,” said Lisa. “Not a lot of people know we are here, but if they did, I am sure they would stop by and see what we have to offer.”

The small store also makes for a team of five that is more like family than

co-workers. This is appealing to Lisa, who started working in Wexford in April after a year at the Gibsonia store, which is much big-ger. Before coming to Goodwill, she received her Master of Developmental Studies in London. She chose to work at Goodwill to see firsthand a local nonprofit that is also interna-tional. Since then, she has learned about how such a local organization can make a differ-ence in the community it serves.

“What drives me every day is know-ing that what I do goes even bigger than this store,” she said. “It’s not really corporate; Goodwill benefits a lot of people. We aren’t just selling donations, there is a much bigger picture.” l

About the Wexford Storel Location:

10293 Perry Highway Wexford, PA 15090

l Staff: 5 employees

l Store Hours: Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

l Telephone: (724) 933-4520

l Website: www.goodwillswpa.org/goodwill-stores

“ Those who shop at our store

come here because we are

small and they know they will get

more bang for their buck when

they walk in the door.”

Lisa McDonough Junior Manager, Wexford Goodwill Store

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People of Goodwill

Project SEARCH Program Recognized for SuccessProject SEARCH is a one-year training and education program that provides work-place experience that leads to employ-ment for individuals with disabilities. Since 2008, approximately 80 individuals, ages 18 to 21, have participated in the program and nearly 85 percent of them have gone on to full-time jobs. Some great things have happened recently at Project SEARCH. Nearly a dozen Project SEARCH participants gained real life work experience this year through three job training rotations at UPMC Mercy or UPMC Passavant.

Project Search Passavant graduates were, left to right, Jack, Kevin, Tyler, Stephen and Ashley.

Project SEARCH Mercy graduates were, left to right, Kaelyn, Torri, Frank, Alan, Anthony and Brittani.

Longtime Employee Announces Retirement

Linda Kurtz received a congratulatory hug from President/CEO Mike Smith upon her retirement from Goodwill after more than 45 years of service. Most recently, Linda was the Manager of the South Side store for the past 15 years, during which time she earned the title of “Manager of the Month” seven times and helped the store to achieve the “One Million Dollar Club” in sales designation for 14 consecutive years.

GETC Graduate Receives Impressive AwardThe Pennsylvania Association of Private School Administrators recently honored Tamika Duck with the Distinguished Graduate Award, a distinction given to a Pennsylvanian who over-comes barriers to achieve post-graduate suc-cess. A graduate of the Goodwill Employment Training Center’s healthcare office skills program, Tamika is now a full-time employee with UPMC Health Plan.

Board Member Named to Top 25 Banking ListGoodwill Board Member Karen Larrimer, Chief Customer Officer, PNC Financial Services Group, was recently named one of the 2015 Most Powerful Women in Banking by American Banker. l

Holly Opatick, Director of Transition Services at Goodwill SWPA, accepted 80 percent employment awards on behalf of UPMC Mercy and UPMC Passavant at the Project SEARCH National Conference in Glendale, AZ, this July. She is pictured here with Project SEARCH Co-Founders Susie Rutkowski, left, and Erin Riehle, right.

www.goodwillswpa.org

Goodwill Recognized for Dedication to SafetyGoodwill SWPA regularly participates in the Willis Blue Survey to evaluate, compare and receive recommendations for improve-ment to its risk management and safety programs. A continued dedication to safety earned Goodwill a prestigious “blue” rating during a follow-up assessment in July. The diligence of the risk management and safety staff has resulted in a savings of approxi-mately $113,000 on annual workers’ compensation (WC) premiums and savings of $170,000 on the overall cost for WC coverage. l

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Goodwill Fayette Hosts Participant of the Year Award CeremonySeveral program participants were recognized at the annual Participant of the Year Awards ceremony and reception at the Goodwill Fayette facility in Uniontown. Five individuals from the business, janitorial, transitional and recycling services programs were honored for their out-standing achievement and progress. Three others from different service territories were acknowl-edged for achieving competitive employment. l

Be a Part of #GivingTuesday on December 1While Black Friday and Cyber Monday are days dedicated to getting deals, #GivingTuesday has become a global day dedicated to giving back. #GivingTuesday encourages charita-ble giving during the holiday season to show that the world truly gives as good as it gets. Please participate in the fourth annual #GivingTuesday on December 1, 2015, by making a donation at goodwillswpa.org. l

Recognized as Participants of the Year were, left to right, front row, Kimberly Ferrell, Amber Ziegler and Anita Green; back row, John Hammond, Michael Reynolds, Joseph Sikora and Kevon Ashburn. Not pictured: Tina Wingrove.

Program participants who were congratulated for completing the first module of the Tools of the Trade curriculum were, left to right, front, Lourena Barton, Tomasine Slebodnik, back, Barbara Wagaman and Alex Jenkins.

Goodwill of Southwestern PennsylvaniaRobert S. Foltz Building118 52nd StreetPittsburgh, PA 15201

www.goodwillswpa.org

Non-Profit OrganizationU.S. POSTAGE

P A I DPITTSBURGH, PAPERMIT NO. 2972

Give to Goodwill at www.goodwillswpa.org/donate-money

donate a car: It’s a Win for Goodwill and a Win for You

Are you looking to unload a vehicle but want to avoid the hassle of selling it yourself? Donate it to Goodwill. Visit www.goodwillswpa.org/donate-a-car for more details.

Goodwill of Southwestern PennsylvaniaRobert S. Foltz Building118 52nd Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15201412-481-9005 www.goodwillswpa.org

AffiliatesGoodwill of Fayette County724-437-9878Goodwill of North Central West Virginia304-225-0105Goodwill Commercial Services, Inc.412-913-1982Goodwill Housing412-257-4844Northside Common Ministries412-323-1163

Our MissionWe help people improve their quality of life through work and related services.

Goodwill’s Code of Conduct Goodwill SWPA is committed to conducting its business in accordance with the highest standards of ethical behavior and regulatory compliance and to treating everyone with dignity and respect. The agency’s full Code of Conduct document – “Ethics at Work” – may be viewed at www.goodwillswpa.org.

Non-discrimination StatementGoodwill SWPA and its affiliates prohibit discrimi-nation on the basis of race, color, religious creed, disability, ancestry, national origin, age, sex, or sexual orientation.

Equal Opportunity EmployerGoodwill SWPA is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Program. Auxiliary aides and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities. For more information, call 412-632-1809 or email accommodations.request@goodwillswpa.org

Goodwill SWPA is CARF accredited.

Alternative formats are available upon request.

Your comments and suggestions are welcome.

facebook.com/goodwillswpa@gwswpayoutube.com/goodwillswpa

Fayette Program Helps Individuals Transition to EmploymentRobert Dotsie and Michael Tirpak did not want their disabilities to keep them from work-ing. After contacting the Blind Association for assistance, both men were referred to the Blind and Visual Services department at the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR). It was there they met Gale Bretti, who introduced them to Myra Harrison-Crenshaw and Goodwill SWPA’s Vocational Evaluation Services and Transitional Employment Program.

“If it wasn’t for Gale and Myra encour-aging and supporting me, I don’t think I would be where I am today,” said Robert. “Because of their help, I am happy to be employed as a utility worker at Goodwill’s Belle Vernon store.”

Thanks to a close partnership between OVR and the Vocational Evaluation Services and Transitional Employment Program, individuals like Robert and Michael can over-come barriers, expand upon their strengths, and identify employment opportunities.

Program participants are placed at a Goodwill retail store to explore their voca-tional interests, improve their skills, and learn how to interact with community members. Individuals also have access to assessment, self-directed search, vocational assess-ment, employment planning and transitional employment services. l

Michael Tirpak and Robert Dotsie were two of three participants who obtained jobs this past year thanks to the Fayette Transitional Employment Program.