News Release
| Goodwill Youth Director Lives and
Teaches the ‘Power Of Work’ |
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| Grand Rapids, MI, Man Distinguishes
Himself As Edgar J. Helms Staff Award Winner |
| June 28, 2005 |
Rockville, MD — Arvin Anderson began his work as Director of Youth Services for
Goodwill Industries of Greater Grand Rapids (MI) more than 10 years ago, but his
record of commitment to the youth in his community originated long before his
Goodwill tenure. For 33 years prior to his work with Goodwill, he was a guidance
counselor, teacher, and football coach in the public school system.
Under Anderson's direction, Grand Rapids Goodwill's youth services have
tripled. He has led with a "hands-on" approach, balancing supervisory duties
while maintaining his own caseload, which gives him a clear perspective about
necessary program improvements. He also networks with numerous community
organizations, with resulting collaborations that have included a program for
special education students transitioning from high school to employment, a
Certified Nurses Aide program for at-risk youth, a WIA youth program, and a
program for inner city at-risk youth with disabilities.
"Arvin
Anderson's passion for young people and helping them reach their fullest
potential earns him Goodwill Industries International's Edgar J. Helms Staff
Award," says George W. Kessinger, President and CEO of Goodwill Industries
International. "Emphasis on today's youth is increasingly important for Goodwill
as it is critical for young people to learn the value of work, education, and
independence at an early age."
The award recognizes a Goodwill
employee who has exemplified the mission of Goodwill Industries and Rev. Helms'
values of unselfish service to people with disabilities or other disadvantaging
conditions. The Edgar J. Helms Staff Award is given to an employee of Goodwill
Industries who has not been a recipient of Goodwill services at any time in the
past, except for the organization's usual employee training. Arvin Anderson will
be honored at Goodwill's annual meeting on Tuesday, June 28. |
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