Congressman Don Bacon Visits Goodwill Omaha

Congressman Don Bacon Visits Goodwill Omaha

On Monday, February 4, 2019, Congressman Don Bacon visited Goodwill Omaha to learn more about YouthBuild AmeriCorps and congratulate the team on being awarded an $895,437 grant from the U.S. Department of Labor on January 31, 2019.

Congressman Bacon had the opportunity to visit with Goodwill staff including President & CEO Mike McGinnis, Director of Mission Advancement Tobi Mathouser and YouthBuild AmeriCorps Manager Norman Barnes.

During Congressman Bacon’s tour on the YouthBuild AmeriCorps program, he heard first-hand experiences from YouthBuild AmeriCorps Alumni Breona Morrison and current YouthBuild AmeriCorps Member Lori Sayles.

The group discussed topics such as program structure and curriculum, how YouthBuild AmeriCorps makes an impact on youth in our community, and the aspirations of the two young women he met who have experienced YouthBuild AmeriCorps.

“I appreciate all the great efforts that Goodwill is bringing to our community.  The YouthBuild AmeriCorps program is a shining example of how to give our youth and young adults a second chance on life through a structured environment that teaches needed life and job skills they can use to overcome the adversities of their past and succeed in the future,” said Congressman Bacon.

YouthBuild AmeriCorps is an education and training program with a strong pre-apprenticeship component that helps at-risk youth complete high school or state equivalency degree programs. While doing so, participants earn industry-recognized credentials for in-demand occupations, and undergo training to build housing for low-income or homeless individuals and families in their communities.

Congressman Bacon visits with YouthBuild AmeriCorps Alumni Breona Morrison.

Left to right: Dr. Michael McGinnis (President & CEO), Michael Sachar (IT Manager), Breona Morrison (YouthBuild AmeriCorps Alumni), Lori Sayles (YouthBuild AmeriCorps Member), Norman Barnes (YouthBuild AmeriCorps Manager), Jennifer Rohr (Human Resources Director), Congressman Don Bacon, Jim Rich (Goodwill Board of Trustees), Tobi Mathouser (Director of Mission Advancement), Janelle Ellis (Acting Retail Sales Director), Alyssa Beebe (YouthBuild AmeriCorps Construction Trainer), Denise Maddock (Finance Director).

Congressman Bacon visits with YouthBuild AmeriCorps alumni, members and staff.