Northwestern Mutual grants promote job training

The Northwestern Mutual Foundation announced nearly $700,000 in grants to 14 Milwaukee-area nonprofits that provide job training, business development and access to crucial community resources.

“Job training courses and business development programs provide more than new life skills – they also give people hope,” said John Kordsmeier, president of Northwestern Mutual Foundation. “Connecting people to in-demand career opportunities is another powerful way for Northwestern Mutual to continue strengthening the community we live in.”

One recipient of a Northwestern Mutual grant is Journey House in Milwaukee. The organization bills itself as a “community-based opportunity oasis” where men, women, and children on Milwaukee’s near south side can build vital skills and reach their goals. Northwestern Mutual funds will support Journey House’s Financial Opportunity Center program (FOC).

The Northwestern Mutual grant will enable the program to continue through 2012.

“The Northwestern Mutual Foundation grant will go a long way in helping us grow the offerings and opportunities available to our Financial Opportunity Center participants,” said Michele Bria, chief executive officer, Journey House. “In 2011, we helped 65 chronically unemployed participants obtain jobs and provided financial counseling to 89 individuals. This year, we look forward to increasing the financial literacy of our clients and training our staff in benefits coaching so that we can provide this service on-site.”

Other organizations receiving Northwestern Mutual neighborhood revitalization and job training grants include: COA Youth & Family Centers; Goodwill Industries of Southeastern Wisconsin; Growing Power Inc.; Journey House; Layton Boulevard West Neighbors; Legal Aid Society of Milwaukee; Local Initiatives Support Corp.; Milwaukee Community Services Corps.; Milwaukee Habitat for Humanity; Public Policy Forum; Safe & Sound; United Migrant Opportunity Services; Wisconsin Women’s Business Initiative Corp.; and YWCA of Greater Milwaukee.

The Northwestern Mutual Foundation is the largest corporate giver in the state of Wisconsin.