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Mobile Goodwill Easter Seals Honored as the 2012 Goodwill Volunteer Program of the Year
Mobile, AL — The volunteer tutoring program at Goodwill Easter Seals of the Gulf Coast (Mobile, AL) helped more than 540 individuals improve their literacy skills by providing one-on-one instruction in schools, libraries, churches, and other convenient locations in 2011. Goodwill Industries International honors Mobile Goodwill Easter Seals as the 2012 Volunteer Program of the Year.
More than 100 active volunteers contributed 8,000 hours to the program during weekdays, in the evenings and on weekends, ensuring access for all participants who needed help. After six months of instruction, participant reading skills increased 1.5 grade levels. More than 85 percent achieved their personal literacy or educational goals as stated during the intake process and 100 percent said they experienced positive changes in their work or personal lives after being tutored.
“Mobile Goodwill Easter Seals understands the value in bringing services to diverse locations to reach the people who need Goodwill’s help the most,” said Jim Gibbons, President and CEO of Goodwill Industries International. “With improved literacy skills, individuals are better able to reach their career and personal goals.”
Louise Wilber, a retired school teacher and one of the tutors, helped start a GED program at the Mobile County Metro Jail using a 100-percent volunteer staff. Two inmates took the test on its first administration in June 2011. Both passed and participated in a graduation ceremony attended by Goodwill staff and volunteers. One of the GED graduates now mentors other inmates who wish to pass the GED prior to their release.
The award will be presented during Goodwill’s annual Delegate Assembly in Miami, FL, on Sunday, June 24, 2012.
ABOUT THE AWARD
The Volunteer Program of the Year Award recognizes an outstanding volunteer-driven program at a member Goodwill organization that is mission focused and outcomes oriented. The winning program has a lasting impact on the people Goodwill serves and is a model for other Goodwill organizations to replicate.
