Congressman Don Bacon Returns to Offutt to Visit Goodwill Program Offices
Bacon voiced support for Goodwill’s AbilityOne program and committed to becoming an AbilityOne Congressional Champion.
OMAHA, Neb., Aug. 9, 2019 — AbilityOne, an employment program offered by the Omaha-based Goodwill Industries, Inc., provides training and part-time job opportunities at federal properties for individuals with disabilities, giving them the chance to experience positive, supportive work environments. On July 29, AbilityOne program leaders and employees met with Congressman Don Bacon when he visited Offutt Air Force Base in Bellevue, Nebraska. During an informal town hall, Bacon even had the opportunity to learn how AbilityOne has improved the lives of program participants.
In talking with Bacon, Goodwill’s AbilityOne employees expressed appreciation for the program and spoke of how valuable it has been for them. Because of the program, they told Bacon, they have found tremendous fulfilment in their work.
AbilityOne provides employment prospects at federal buildings for people with disabilities. Local opportunities include custodial, postal services and ground maintenance at Offutt Air Force Base, the Zorinsky Federal Building in Omaha, the Denney Federal Building in Lincoln, and the VA hospitals in Omaha and Grand Island. Bacon said that he’s an advocate for AbilityOne because the program helps people who want to work find jobs, which he fully supports.
“We’re very lucky to have Congressman Bacon’s attention and support for the AbilityOne program,” said Jennifer Montag, senior project manager for Goodwill Omaha’s AbilityOne program. “Congressman Bacon is working toward becoming an AbilityOne Congressional Champion, and his commitment to achieving that goal is inspiring to everyone involved with the program.”
Bacon’s interest in AbilityOne began when he was stationed at Offutt as the 55th wing commander. During that time, he said, he saw the quality of work and the program’s positive outcomes firsthand. Since then, AbilityOne has been a program he is passionate about.
Nate Gunter, project manager for Goodwill Omaha’s AbilityOne program, added, “It’s wonderful to work with our AbilityOne participants, and watching them succeed in their new job roles is an incredible experience. I’m proud of the work we do, and we appreciate Congressman Bacon’s contributions.”
About Goodwill Industries, Inc.
Goodwill Industries, Inc., Serving Eastern Nebraska and Southwest Iowa, has been a leader in helping people fulfill their dreams through work since 1933. Our mission is to train and employ people with disabilities and others who may be at a competitive disadvantage in the job market. We do this by selling value-priced merchandise at 17 convenient locations in Omaha, Bellevue, Papillion, Fremont, Blair, Gretna and Council Bluffs.
Although many people know Goodwill as a place to donate used clothing and household items, they may not realize that their donations sold in our retail stores fund programs that give thousands of formerly unemployed individuals the opportunity to earn a living and the chance to succeed in life. Goodwill provides opportunities for individuals with barriers to self-sufficiency through a variety of job opportunities and employment programs, including AbilityOne, YouthBuild AmeriCorps, Employment Solutions and Work Experience.
Goodwill is a private, not-for-profit 501(c)3 agency governed by a local board of trustees. We are a member agency of Goodwill Industries International of Gaithersburg, Maryland. Goodwill is also affiliated with the federal Ability One program, which provides jobs for people with severe disabilities at federal facilities. Goodwill is accredited by CARF, the Rehabilitation Accreditation Commission. Learn more at GoodwillOmaha.org.
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For Information Contact:
Amy Goldyn, Marketing Manager
Goodwill Industries, Inc. Serving Eastern Nebraska & Southwest Iowa
402-231-1919
agoldyn@goodwillomaha.org