Forget being considered a place to donate that vintage lamp or pick up your ‘80s party costume.
Since 2019, Goodwill Kentucky has been ensuring people leave their doors with something more lasting – gainful employment and hope.
Serving people facing multiple barriers in achieving employment, RISE teaches communication, financial education, digital literacy and resume-development skills, as well as providing mock interview experiences. More than 5,700 clients have completed the curriculum to date.
“The RISE program is connecting people re-entering the workforce with vital resources,” said Marta Self, executive director of the Regions Foundation. “Through its classes, interactive interview approach and more, Goodwill Kentucky is doing more than helping people land meaningful jobs – it’s empowering them to thrive in them.”
Gail Hayes, manager of Regions’ Mayfield, Kentucky, branch, has taught financial education classes to RISE participants at the nonprofit’s Paducah Opportunity Center for two years. She focuses on delivering real-world insights during the budgeting and saving sessions.
Through its classes, interactive interview approach and more, Goodwill Kentucky is doing more than helping people land meaningful jobs – it’s empowering them to thrive in them.
Marta Self, executive director of the Regions Foundation
“Managing money on a tight budget can be intimidating,” Hayes said. “We discuss the bills that come first – rent, utilities, food, loans. After that, how much is left? Can 10 percent of that be put into savings? The most important skill is developing a savings habit – whether it’s $1, $5 or $10.”
Along with sharing practical applications, Hayes tells every RISE client something else.
“You can do this,” she said. “You deserve to have a savings account; you deserve to have peace of mind.”
After completing the program, RISE clients earn certificates recognizing their achievements and offering them the opportunity to obtain Work Ready Certification while receiving job placement assistance.
Brandy Mitchell, Consumer banking manager and Paducah market executive with Regions Bank, was on hand to celebrate those achievements Feb. 20, presenting the Regions Foundation donation to Goodwill Kentucky and delivering remarks to the latest RISE graduates.
“This program is transforming lives,” said Mitchell. “We are incredibly grateful to our Regions Foundation colleagues for this generous gift making a lasting impact for RISE graduates and across Western Kentucky.”
Chad Spencer credits the generosity of community partners with helping RISE clients take their next employment steps.
This investment will help more people build stable, successful futures, and directly advance Goodwill Kentucky’s mission of helping Kentuckians find pathways out of poverty.
Chad Spencer
“We are grateful to the Regions Foundation for their support of the RISE program and our mission to empower individuals through education, training, and employment,” said Spencer, regional director of Career Services with the nonprofit. “This investment will help more people build stable, successful futures, and directly advance Goodwill Kentucky’s mission of helping Kentuckians find pathways out of poverty.”
The same potential Gail Hayes sees firsthand every month.
“The Opportunity Center fosters hope and community,” she said. “I’m proud to be part of the group offering a network of resources for RISE clients. And I am available to them not just today, but also in the future.”
Hear firsthand from graduates about what they’ve gained from the program:
About Regions Foundation
The Alabama-based Regions Foundation supports community investments that positively impact communities served by Regions Bank. The Foundation engages in a grantmaking program focused on priorities including economic and community development; education and workforce readiness; and financial wellness. The Foundation is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) corporation funded primarily through contributions from Regions Bank.
About Regions Financial Corporation
Regions Financial Corporation (NYSE:RF), with $160 billion in assets, is a member of the S&P 500 Index and is one of the nation’s largest full-service providers of consumer and commercial banking, wealth management, and mortgage products and services. Regions serves customers across the South, Midwest and Texas, and through its subsidiary, Regions Bank, operates approximately 1,250 banking offices and more than 1,750 ATMs. Regions Bank is an Equal Housing Lender and Member FDIC. Additional information about Regions and its full line of products and services can be found at www.regions.com.
About Goodwill Kentucky For more than 100 years, Goodwill Kentucky has helped Kentuckians find pathways out of poverty through the transformative power of work. Operating in 103 of Kentucky’s 120 counties, Goodwill Kentucky places over 3,000 Kentuckians into jobs each year through its 1,400-plus employer partners and its own retail stores. These life-changing opportunities are made possible through donations to our stores and community support. The organization reinvests approximately 90 cents of every dollar earned in its retail stores into job training and workforce programs. When you give to Goodwill, you do a lot of good.