The Minnesota Legislature awarded $1.5 million to Goodwill-Easter Seals Minnesota’s (GESMN) FATHER Project over the next two years as part of the final budget bill. This continues the funding the state granted to the program in 2023 that helped expand services to include the Twin Cities metro, St. Cloud/central Minnesota and Rochester/southeast Minnesota areas.
Senator Mark Koran (R–North Branch), co-author of the bill, released the following statement
“I've been blessed since 2017 to be a part of this bill,” said Sen. Koran during the bill’s senate hearing. “The FATHER Project supports men and their reintegration with their children and supports them in every facet of their role. They get mentorship and then become mentors themselves and leaders not only in the organization but in their families and communities.
FATHER Project assists parents to overcome barriers that prevent them from supporting their children economically and emotionally by offering various services including job search support and career development, case management with a professional advocate, parent support groups, child support services, and family activities.
About FATHER Project
Founded in 1999 by the City of Minneapolis, the FATHER (Fostering Actions To Help Earnings and Responsibility) Project became a program of Goodwill-Easter Seals Minnesota in 2004. Since then, the FATHER Project has served thousands of fathers through an extensive network of community partners with services in Minneapolis, St. Paul, St. Cloud and Rochester. For every dollar invested in the program, it returns $3.41 back to the community in increased wages, jobs and child support.
About Goodwill‑Easter Seals Minnesota
Goodwill-Easter Seals Minnesota is a 501(c)3 nonprofit that offers job training and customized career support to eliminate barriers to work and independence with proceeds from thrift retail, e-commerce, grants and financial contributions. GESM has helped connect people to jobs since 1919 and every year it serves over 5,500 people in the community who deserve equitable access to jobs and stable careers. It provides free customized job support, training programs and resources to help people enter and advance in the workplace.