A Century of Change and Future of Possibilities

A message from President & CEO, Michael Wirth-Davis

Goodwill-Easter Seals Minnesota has been connecting people to career possibilities since 1919 and I’ve marveled lately at how much the world has changed over a century.

In 1919, the pop-up toaster (invented in Minnesota), fortune cookies, and short-wave radio were new innovations. Today’s innovations look more like artificial intelligence, VR technology and smart home devices.

The one constant in the last century has been change. Being resilient to change and nimble is critical for nonprofits to continue their service in the community. Resilience is defined by successfully adapting to changes or challenging life experiences.

Resilience in times of change

We have successfully navigated events in the U.S. since our founding (a partial list of events: the Great Depression, World Wars, Civil Rights focus, inflation, Y2K in 2000 to the global financial crisis of 2007, at least 19 different U.S. Presidents and more). During the COVID pandemic, we shifted to offer remote services and pivoted to meet community needs. As workplaces shifted to be more digital, we offered a computer lab with skills training; as the automotive and construction industries evolved, we tailored our training programs accordingly. Ou resilience has been the constant through all these changes.

We served over 5,600 people last year, and the people we serve embody the spirit of resilience. Combining their resilience with our services and programs helps them overcome barriers.

FATHER Project's new St. Cloud location sees first participant graduate

Meet Nick, the first graduate of FATHER Project’s expansion into the St. Cloud area, who attended weekly support groups and got support with his employment goals. Initially, he didn’t see his daughter for six months and now sees his daughter every other weekend. Nick’s resilience helped him strengthen his family connections and create a brighter future.

It’s our purpose and an honor for us to help create career possibilities with Nick via FATHER Project, and through nearly twenty other programs we have that help eliminate barriers to work and independence.

While our world will always be changing, the resilience of Minnesota’s service organizations and the people we serve remains steadfast for centuries to come.

Pictured: Nick, the first graduate of FATHER Project's expansion in the St Cloud area.