Duluth's Goodwill Given Grant that will Add More Jobs

DULUTH – Goodwill Duluth has been awarded a grant that will help the nonprofit to expand services to a target population among Duluth residents.
The Minnesota Organization on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome has funded a one-year grant of $30,000 to support job training programs for people living with the effects of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD).

Caused by the consumption of alcohol during pregnancy, FASD can result in a wide variety of physical, mental, behavioral, and learning disabilities with possible lifelong implications.

According to MOFAS, people living with an FASD may have a difficult time finding and maintaining work, yet their high IQs often prevent them from qualifying for many job programs.

Programs like those at Goodwill help to fill in the gaps.

Goodwill will use the grant to expand services and develop expertise in working with people with an FASD.

Project goals are to provide services to 18 people with an FASD, resulting in their successful employment with help and support from Goodwill's vocational rehabilitation staff.

"We're looking forward to working with MOFAS as we work toward our goal of expanding services to greater numbers of people," said Goodwill Vocational Services Manager Brad Gustason.

Goodwill's mission is to create meaningful work and training opportunities for people with disabilities and others with barriers to employment, allowing them to realize their full vocational potential and to enjoy all of the benefits that come with having a job.

Donations of gently used clothing and household goods provide the main means of support for this mission.

MOFAS' mission is to eliminate disability caused by alcohol consumption during pregnancy and to improve the quality of life for those living with an FASD.

It's estimated that nationally, FASD affects about 1 percent of all live births. About 8,500 babies are born in Minnesota each year with prenatal alcohol exposure.