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News & Events
Investing in the Future of Minnesota
Fall 2025 Newsletter
YouthBuild Helped Michelle Find a Career Path to Engineering
“I was working full time at places where I felt like I was overqualified,” Michelle said about her customer service jobs before joining Goodwill- Easter Seals Minnesota’s (GESMN) YouthBuild program. “YouthBuild encouraged me to overcome a lot. It’s been an eye-opener to be honest. It helped me realize that there’s so much more I can do. It got me really excited.”
At YouthBuild, Michelle participated in academic lessons, hands-on automotive training, drafted a resume and engaged in mock interviews with employer partners.
“It’s been really beneficial for me,” Michelle reflected. “The program helped set a routine, get a foot in the door with potential employers and really made me understand my skills and how to make them useful – not just for myself but for employers.”
Michelle’s dedication led to major achievements. She earned her GED, along with safety, automotive, and digital literacy certifications. She passed the Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) entry-level exam, a key step in advancing her career in the automotive service industry.
“I want to do some more school. I think it’s my best option, which YouthBuild helped me realize. I really like electronic engineering and computer stuff like cybersecurity,” Michelle said, excited for what’s next.
YOUR GIFTS IN ACTION:
Impacting youth
- 988 youth served this year (and counting)
- Partnered with 62 schools to help youth explore career interests, build skills and gain experience through work-based learning.
- Worked with 18 colleges and universities to help youth develop post-secondary pathways.
Your Support Matters
Gifts from you help to offer critical services for career seekers in Minnesota.
COMING THIS FALL:
New Career and Services Center
This fall we’re excited to open our new Career and Services Campus in St. Paul’s Energy Park neighborhood to expand our services in the community.
This new space will bring together our Twin Cities-based Career Training & Education programs and provide a safe, welcoming space for program participants, employees and community members. The campus will include:
- Three dedicated computer labs and updated technology
- Ample partner and community areas for collaboration
- Training space for new courses in solar panel installation, heat pump installation and electric vehicle support equipment repair
“The new GESMN Career and Services Campus will meet the needs of a changing workforce. I’m excited that our new facility and its design will help us create career possibilities together with employer and community partners to serve even more people for years to come.”
— Michael Wirth-Davis, President and CEO
VOLUNTEERISM:
A powerful expression of generosity
Volunteering doesn’t just benefit others, it’s good for you, too! Studies show that volunteering can lower blood pressure, reduce stress, and ease symptoms of depression, anxiety, and loneliness.
It’s a powerful way to connect, give back and feel good doing it. At GESMN, volunteerism reflects the heart of our mission, and we’re proud to announce a new Volunteer Services Program.
Employment Services helped Justin support his Family with a Welding Career
After high school, Justin enrolled at Ridgewater College, where he earned a welding certificate through hard work and dedication.
Though welding was always a goal, Justin was open to any kind of work if it meant supporting his family. When Jennifer, his career navigator at GESMN, heard a local welding company was hiring, she told Justin about it. At first, he was hesitant and had some self-doubt. “We worked through it and did some role playing. We did interview skills together beforehand,” Jennifer added.
“They made things a lot easier for me – helping me build my resume and providing contacts of people to help me find my current job.”
Justin secured employment as a full-time associate welder, doing something he’s passionate about while helping the people he loves most – his family. He comes from a close-knit household with four siblings and his parents. Giving back to them has always been important to him.
Looking back, Justin shared, “I wouldn’t have the current job I have now if it weren’t for this program.”
YOUR GIFTS AT WORK:
Removing Barriers to Success
Work is a pathway to purpose and financial freedom. But for many people, it’s a daily battle just to secure life’s essentials, get to work or access basic technology. Your generosity helps provide stability and dignity for our neighbors.
- $25 = Driver’s License Fee
- $45 = 1 Month of Public Transit
- $50 = Grocery Card
- $100 = Work Clothes or Refurbished Smartphone
- $200 = Laptop with office software
Disclaimer: All gifts are symbolic and will go towards the greatest need.
SHOP FOR GOOD AT GOODWILL
Goodwill store proceeds, coupled with your generosity, help fund nearly 20 customized services that create career possibilities for Minnesotans. Donating and shopping sustainably at Goodwill stores also helps slow the impact of fast fashion to keep Minnesota green.
65 million pounds diverted from Minnesota’s landfills every year.
16 stores across the state offer services and programs.
60% of stores have electric vehicle charging stations.
75 million donated items processed every year.
Participant Stories
Discover How Sam Found His Talent for Computers and Customer Service via Goodwill’s Employee Development Services
Sam was looking to gain work experience and build his confidence. With guidance from his vocational…
GESMN’s disability services offer everyone a chance to reach career goals
October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month. Nearly three-quarters, 73%, of the people…
Learn how Jason built a new future with GESMN’s FATHER Project
Jason faced barriers to stability including homelessness, lack of transportation, unemployment,…
Make a Planned Gift
You can help ensure support for our community for years to come with a planned gift.
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