Goodwill of Central & Southern Indiana is proud to recognize Cook Medical with its Connections Award, which honors a community partner who has demonstrated a commitment to supporting Goodwill’s mission and helping individuals become self-sufficient.
In summer 2019, Goodwill Commercial Services, which provides contract manufacturing and packaging solutions, opened its second production facility in Bloomington. The facility currently employs 23 people — 91% of whom have an employment barrier, like a disability, criminal history or lack of a high school diploma — with plans to add another 20 jobs.
Its first customer, and the driving force behind opening the facility, was Bloomington-based Cook Medical, a leading medical device manufacturer that employs more than 12,000 people worldwide.
In addition to jobs, the new facility offers Goodwill’s New Beginnings, a reentry program for Hoosiers who were recently incarcerated. The 6-month New Beginnings program, which continues to be offered in Indianapolis as well, focuses on the development of technical and soft skills through a paid internship.
“If we’re going to be successful as a community, we need partners like Goodwill,” said Pete Yonkman, President of Cook Medical. “They’re an asset to our community.”
Cook was also an important supporter and advocate for opening an Excel Center in Bloomington. The Excel Center, Goodwill’s tuition-free high school for adults, provides onsite child care, transportation assistance, accelerated courses, flexible scheduling and more. By removing common barriers that may deter individuals from completing their education, The Excel Center offers graduates a college or career path through industry-recognized certifications and dual credit courses.
“To have a leading device manufacturer like Cook Medical as a customer and supporter really validates our work,” said Kent A. Kramer, president and CEO of Goodwill of Central & Southern Indiana. “Their investment in our success has been incredible.”
If you would like to support Goodwill's work, you can make a financial gift today at goodwillindy.org/donatenow.
