St. Paul, MN — For his selfless volunteerism to help students succeed, Goodwill Industries International has designated Roger Michael the 2019 Volunteer Mission Leader of the Year. Since 2005, Michael has contributed more than 2700 hours of volunteer time to tutor individuals who are a part of Goodwill-Easter Seals Minnesota (GESMN) FATHER (Fostering Actions to Help Earnings and Responsibility) Project.
As a former high school teacher, Michael excels in teaching all four subjects offered through the program: science, social studies, math and English. Students say they enjoy working with him because he breaks down complicated concepts and provides step-by-step procedures to solve each question. He often creates personalized problem-solving methods for each student to meet their specific needs and ensure that they understand the lessons.
Michael’s efforts yield great success among his students. Many of them have earned their GEDs because of his commitment to teaching and to connecting with students. In addition to teaching, he acts as a mentor, friend and role model. When students feel that a tutor is genuinely invested in their success and progress, they are more motivated to succeed. Without the personal attention Michael provides, students might drop out or not show up to sessions. His approach to building personal connections with students provides that additional source of motivation and the confidence they need to make a change in their lives.
To set a good example and further support Goodwill®, Michael frequently attends GESMN events, helps recruit and train other volunteers, and provides opportunities for program participants to present at community events.
“Roger is one of our best and most dedicated leaders within the FATHER Project, and Goodwill-Easter Seals Minnesota in general,” said Michael Wirth Davis, president and CEO of GESMN. “His impact on students is evident in their positive response and educational success attained after attending his tutoring sessions. Roger’s humanistic persona and approach is the difference in receptiveness and unreceptiveness among our students.”
The Volunteer Mission Leader of the Year award recognizes an outstanding volunteer leader who works to support the programs of a member Goodwill organization and helps further the mission of Goodwill Industries® through volunteer activities.
Michael will receive his award at Goodwill Industries International’s annual meeting of the Delegate Assembly this June in Pittsburgh, PA.
CONTACT:
Melissa Becker
Director of Marketing and Communications
Goodwill-Easter Seals Minnesota
Phone: (651) 379-5955
[email protected]
Savanna Mickens
Public Relations Specialist
Goodwill Industries International
Phone: (240) 333-5293
[email protected]
ABOUT GOODWILL-EASTER SEALS MINNESOTA
Serving Minnesota for 100 years as a leader in employment services, Goodwill-Easter Seals Minnesota provides education, job training and placement services to eliminate barriers to work and independence. Revenue from 50+ retail stores ― along with grants, fees and other financial contributions ― supports programs throughout Minnesota. Goodwill’s nonprofit model diverts more than 60 million pounds from landfills annually and helps connect four people to jobs every day. www.gesmn.org
ABOUT GOODWILL INDUSTRIES INTERNATIONAL
Goodwill Industries International (GII) is a network of 160 community-based, autonomous organizations in the United States and Canada with a presence in 13 other countries. GII is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that is recognized by GuideStar with its Platinum Seal of Approval, the organization’s highest rating for charities. For the past three years, Goodwill was ranked in the top five brands that inspired consumers the most with its mission in the World Value Index, commissioned by the creative agency, enso. Goodwill has been on Forbes’ list of top 20 most inspiring companies for three consecutive years, the only nonprofit featured on that list.
Local Goodwill organizations are innovative and sustainable social enterprises that offer job placement and training services, and other community-based programs by selling donated clothing and household items in more than 3,300 stores collectively and online at shopgoodwill.com®.
Goodwill helps people facing challenges to finding employment, including people with disabilities, veterans and military families, youth and young adults, older workers, people reintegrating into society, and others working to advance their careers. Local Goodwill organizations build revenues and expand employment opportunities by contracting with commercial, state, government and non-government organizations to provide a wide range of business services, including janitorial and grounds maintenance, flexible staffing, food service, manufacturing and contracts packaging, reverse logistics, document imaging and shredding, and laundry services.
Last year, local Goodwill organizations collectively placed more than 288,000 people in employment in the United States and Canada. In addition, more than 36 million people used computers and mobile devices to access Goodwill education, training, mentoring and online learning services to strengthen their skills, and more than two million people received in-person services.
Goodwill is both an icon and accessible neighbor: more than 82 percent of the U.S. population resides within 10 miles of a Goodwill location.
For more information or to find a Goodwill location near you, visit goodwill.org, or call (800) GOODWILL. Follow us on Twitter: @GoodwillIntl and @GoodwillCapHill, and find us on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube: GoodwillIntl.
