Practices that work to promote work

March 8, 2024

A Message from Michael Wirth-Davis,

President and CEO of Goodwill-Easter Seals Minnesota

Minnesota has many driven, talented people who are eager for an opportunity to earn higher, family sustaining wages. We see each individual job seeker, and the common barriers that can get in their way: government policies, hiring practices, low income or education, accessibility and more.

Goodwill-Easter Seals Minnesota’s mission is to eliminate barriers to work and independence, and how we approach that has evolved since our founding in 1919.

I want to share some of our current efforts to foster work for everyone:

Government Policies

In March, you’ll find us at the Capitol alongside WorkWell Minnesota, a consortium of 20+ workforce development organizations, to advocate for a more inclusive workforce and process systems changes.

Goodwill-Easter Seals Minnesota, MPLS Regional Chamber, Urban League Twin Cities and St. Paul Area Chamber logos

Hiring Practices

We offer Skills-Based Hiring Accelerator workshops with community partners to help companies ensure their hiring and talent management practices drive accessibility and inclusion. Our next workshop is Tuesday, March 26; learn more.

Accessibility & Inclusion

We’re expanding FATHER Project into St. Cloud to make it accessible to more families. I am launching our second-annual CEO DEI challenge for employees to learn and grow in our inclusion efforts.

Blue and white text saying, "I AM GOODWILL", "Rachel J - Store Processor" "Goodwill treats me very well. I participated in a Goodwill vocational rehabilitation program, & was hired at Goodwill full-time. I have been working for the company for almost 10yr

Our work to connect people to meaningful work is never done, and as an employer we support practices that work for everyone.

“I am Goodwill” employee profiles shine a light on employees who embody our mission.

Rachel was hired full-time as a store processor after participating in Goodwill’s vocational rehabilitation program. She just celebrated her 10-year work anniversary!

Employment is multi-faceted and it looks different for everyone. We see every job seeker and we’re working tirelessly toward a Minnesota economy that works for everyone.