Kenneth King Foundation Supports Coloradans’ Career Growth
The Kenneth King Foundation is one of Goodwill of Colorado’s most dedicated and generous donors, targeting mission programs that enhance self-efficacy, independence and wealth creation among all individuals. Most recently, the Kenneth King Foundation awarded Goodwill of Colorado $100,000 to support its BankWork$ program partnership.
Brandon Madrid is a graduate of BankWork$ and though he was working full-time and undergoing hours of dialysis treatment during his participation in the program, his drive to succeed was such that he was never late or missed a day of class. Candice Sporhase-White, Goodwill’s BankWork$ manager, says, “Goodwill and our BankWork$ program make a significant investment in the lives of participants. And I believe we change lives from the inside out.” Brandon adds, “Before BankWork$, I had no real trajectory for my future. I had no security in what I was doing. But coming into BankWork$ and finishing it really changed that in my life. I wouldn’t be where I am without it.” Watch Brandon’s story here.
Among the other Goodwill programs supported by the Foundation’s grants over the years are Career Connection Centers, which offer job seekers search assistance; and Youth Career Development Services, which helps young people focus on their future career aspirations to ensure success. Goodwill staff provide training and wraparound support services to ensure that youth graduate high school and smoothly transition to post-secondary education or the workforce. Goodwill prepares these young adults with life and technical skills and workplace experiences to facilitate direct engagement with employers, who host work site visits, career exploration days, and job shadows in high-demand and high-growth industries.
Partner employers mentor participants throughout the process and Goodwill staff also provide post-secondary readiness training and college persistence supports. Middle school students, opportunity youth, and youth in Goodwill’s mentoring program benefit from social, emotional and academic learning.
Goodwill thanks the Kenneth King Foundation for its generous investment in the “Power of Work”!