In honor of Economic Development Week, this month we are spotlighting creative local initiatives that are helping strengthen Frederick’s business ecosystem. These innovative programs are fostering critical connections and leveraging diverse resources to make Frederick an even better place to live, work, and play.
Here we take a look at:
Workforce Programs at Goodwill and Veterans Services Center
The Program
Goodwill Industries of Monocacy Valley is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to ending poverty through the power of work. In 2022, the organization opened a 72,000 SF facility to serve as the homebase of its programming.
Its expanded job & training services program provides wrap-around support to anyone in need of finding a job or advancing their careers. The program’s services include resume assistance, mock-interviewing, access to local job information, training for industry-recognized certifications, career assessments, and access to online resources. The new facility also includes a 1,200 SF event space which provides opportunities for job fairs and hiring events.
In a partnership with the non-profit Platoon 22, the campus also features a 13,000 SF Veterans Services Center. The VSC brings local community service providers together to provide holistic, life-changing resources to support our veterans (and their families) as they transition to civilian life. The program’s services include career coaching and employment services, veteran peer connection, transportation services, access to counseling and mental health resources, financial education, and more.
A Team Effort
The Job and Training services program relies on close connections with local companies and economic development partners for job-placement opportunities. Goodwill Mission Tours are open to community leaders & members that are interested in becoming involved in the program. These firsthand experiences continue to forge new partnerships that address specific needs across the program.
The VSC program is championed by the Platoon 22 - a non-profit dedicated to combatting the ever-rising veteran suicide rate through successful transitional services. The organization advocates for a population of nearly 400,000 veterans across the State of Maryland (70% of which live within an hour’s drive of the program center). Platoon 22’s Board of Directors is made up of many prominent local business & community leaders. These connections are invaluable to fostering collaborations and reducing redundancy in available community services.
Announced in Jan 2023, Platoon 22 and Maryland Tech Council’s BioHub Maryland are also partnering to offer veterans access to training in the skills life sciences employers value most. This includes BioHub Maryland’s online skills academy that teaches the fundamentals of the industry, such as biomanufacturing concepts, cell and gene therapy and vaccine manufacturing fundamentals, quality control skills, technical writing, and data analysis. In 2024, BioHub Maryland will also offer state-of-the-art lab space where trainees can gain competency-based, “learn by doing” biomanufacturing training.
Success So Far
The campus has created new jobs for both Goodwill and the service providers who occupy the space – with ~40 employees onsite. The campus will also have an indirect impact on employment through its job training programs and employment services being provided at the facility. The scope of this work is significant. In the Year to Date, the Veteran Service Center alone has received over 2,300 visits with ~1000 unique visitors seeking services.
Together, the initiatives are helping to build a stronger and more inclusive workforce for the Frederick community. The programs offer economic opportunity to those receiving the services, while increasing the talent pool for Frederick’s growing businesses in need of human resources.
Learn more about the programs click here.