The Green River Area Development District (GRADD) has received a 2024 Aliceann Wohlbruck Impact Award from the National Association of Development Organizations (NADO) for its role in three regional projects – the Skills to Succeed Program, the Aging and Disability Vaccination Collaborative, and the Green River Wellness Mission Innovative Readiness Training.
“GRADD is honored to be recognized for its partnership and work throughout the region,” said Executive Director Joanna Shake. “Every GRADD county was impacted by at least one of these projects.”
Shake said the Skills to Succeed (S2S) program was utilized beginning in July 2022 to address the economic hardship caused by layoffs at Century Aluminum. The Green River Workforce Development Board utilized funding from a National Dislocated Worker Employment Recovery Grant to provide employment and workforce training services for dislocated workers in Daviess, Hancock, Henderson, McLean, Ohio, Union, and Webster counties.
“S2S helped vulnerable displaced workers transition to new careers in highly-in-demand fields through both training and career services as well as supportive services, addressing social barriers to employment,” according to a release from GRADD. “Through the program, 50 individuals participated in work-based learning opportunities, 168 received occupational skills training and 147 job-seekers received career services such as one-on-one help searching and applying for jobs.”
FRADD joined the Aging and Disability Vaccination Collaborative (ADVC), led by USAging, to remove financial barriers prohibiting older adults and people with disabilities from getting vaccinated by offering vaccination clinics at no cost to people aged 55+ or with a disability. GRADD partnered with local pharmacies and organizations serving seniors and disabled populations to host 14 vaccine clinics, during which 239 vaccines were administered.
The Green River Wellness Mission Innovative Readiness Training (IRT) was a joint-service training mission for 168 Armed Services personnel.
The mission provided medical troops and support personnel with hands-on readiness training to prepare for future deployments while providing medical and veterinary care for the people of Henderson County and surrounding counties, according to the release.
Additionally, community agencies came together to provide extra information and resources to patients at the clinic. The Green River Area Wellness Mission was held from June 15-25, 2024. The GRADD release says that during the mission:
- 1,642 patients received medical, dental, and/or vision care;
- 34,161 medical procedures were performed;
- 917 pairs of eyeglasses were fabricated and/or distributed;
- 591 veterinary patients received care;
- 168 Armed Service members received training over 11 total days, equating to 21,710 total training hours; and
- $1.6 million total in services were provided to the community.
NADO is a Washington, D.C.-based membership association of regional development organizations that promotes programs and policies that strengthen local governments, communities, and economies through regional cooperation, program delivery, and comprehensive strategies.
“NADO’s Impact Awards program offers an opportunity each year to celebrate the meaningful contributions our members make in the regions they serve,” said 2023-2024 NADO President Chris Brown. “This year’s awardees demonstrate the broad spectrum of services provided by regional development organizations. We thank our members for continuing to do this important work that helps build strong, vibrant, and resilient communities.”
