LOUISVILLE, Ky. (MTN) — Goodwill Industries of Kentucky and Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield have announced a partnership to launch Pikeville’s Reintegrating Individuals Successfully Every Day (RISE) program, a job-readiness training program aimed at connecting low-income Kentuckians with resources to find and sustain employment.
According to a release from Goodwill officials, RISE-Pikeville will benefit at least 40 low-income Kentuckians in 2020. This expansion is a result of Anthem’s $25,000 financial investment to the program.
Participants will have the chance to receive a better understanding of health and nutrition literacy, consumer literacy, digital and financial literacy as well as learn skills in effectively communicating, mock interviewing, resume-writing, job searching and more.
Those who graduate the program are awarded a Work Ready Certificate, meaning they will be reintegrated back into applicable jobs. Also, graduates have the chance to earn a Chromebook, a gym membership and a stipend.
To participate in this program, you must meet the following requirements:
- Must be Medicaid eligible
- Transitioning from the justice system and/or have a history of substance abuse
- Gain Goodwill Soft Skills Academy training prior to being selected by a Goodwill staff member for the cohort
Soft Skills Academy training consists of six modules critical to sustaining full-time employment: dependability, attitude, self-preservation, conflict resolution, team building and safety, the release says.
“Goodwill seeks to eradicate poverty across the Commonwealth and RISE-Pikeville gives us the opportunity to place Kentuckians on career paths while addressing their barriers at the same time. We feel this mission aligns well with Anthem’s goal to help low-income Kentuckians overcome common challenges they face,” said Dennis Ritchie, director of reentry services for Goodwill.
For more information about RISE-Pikeville, email dennis.ritchie@goodwillky.org.