EmployIndy is proud to celebrate our partnership with OneAmerica Financial, a company demonstrating its commitment to workforce equity and economic mobility. Having recently been certified through EmployIndy’s Good Wages Initiative (GWI), OneAmerica has pledged to provide competitive wages that support the financial stability of their employees. By committing to paying at least $18 per hour and offering health insurance benefits that promote long-term career growth, they are setting a strong example for employers across Indianapolis. 

“We believe every OneAmerica Financial associate should have a path to achieve financial certainty through a career that enables their overall success,” said J. Scott Davison, chairman, president, and CEO of OneAmerica Financial. “Our vision is to build financial security for today and generations to come, which applies to our associates as much as our customers.” 

Beyond their commitment to fair wages, OneAmerica is also partnering with EmployIndy’s Modern Apprenticeship Program (MAP) to take a proactive approach in addressing their talent pipeline needs through youth apprenticeship. Having hired five apprentices to date, two of which have completed the program, they provide students, like Zion Peterson, with hands-on experience in financial services while they complete their high school education. By fostering early career pathways, OneAmerica is not only equipping young professionals with valuable skills, mentorship, and opportunities for long-term success, they’re finding a strategic solution to close the skills gap and co-develop their next generation of workers. 

“The partnership between OneAmerica and EmployIndy is invaluable, as it exemplifies a shared commitment to supporting a quality workforce and economic mobility,” said Jay Styles, Senior Vice President of Partnerships and Talent Connections at EmployIndy. “By providing competitive wages and fostering early career pathways, OneAmerica is setting a powerful example for other employers and creating meaningful opportunities for the community.” 

To learn how your company can partner with EmployIndy to build workforce equity and economic mobility in our city, send us a note at businesspartnerships@nullemployindy.org to get the conversation started. 

When Patrick Evans first connected with Edna Martin Christian Center (EMCC) in August of 2024 he had recently been released from prison and had never held a job before. But with the support of EMCC and EmployIndy, Patrick found a path forward—one paved with opportunity, training, and unwavering support.   

At EMCC Patrick enrolled in a work readiness program where he honed his interviewing, resume, and professional skills. He showed up every day, committed to learning and building a foundation for his future. After completing the program, he even took an additional customer service class to further prepare for employment.   

Having gained important employability skills and looking to take that next step towards a career, EmployIndy’s Talent Bound Manager, Dwayne Donigan, coordinated a fully funded four-week paid internship work exchange (WEX) opportunity for Patrick at Gleaners Food Bank of Indiana. His training in customer service and the skills developed at EMCC made him a strong candidate, and Gleaners took notice. 

“Patrick showed up to the interview right on time, and he came prepared with all his certifications and an updated resume. He was not only professional and polite but also greeted us with a friendly smile,” said Stephanie Dodds, Recruiting and Retentions Specialist for Gleaners. “We were really impressed with him throughout the interview process.” 

Fast forward and Patrick has continued his remarkable stride. Now past his 90-day mark, his supervisors at Gleaners have had nothing but praise for his attitude and performance. He has transitioned from a WEX participant to a valued employee in their warehouse shipping department. “Patrick has become a fantastic addition to our team, and we couldn’t be happier with his performance so far, “said Dodds. And after receiving an outstanding achievement award from EMCC, he had the privilege of delivering a heartfelt speech to his peers at EMCC over the holidays. 

A community-based organization (CBO) in YES Indy’s network of CBOs, EMCC's support extended beyond training. When Patrick faced car troubles, they went above and beyond, waking up early to ensure he could get to work on time. Now, they are assisting him in securing a reliable personal vehicle, further solidifying his independence and stability.   

Gleaners, inspired by Patrick's growth and professionalism, is eager to collaborate with EmployIndy again in the future as they seek to recruit and fulfill their talent needs.   

In 2024, 10,923 clients and participants enrolled in coaching and training through EmployIndy programs and initiatives, with 275 certifications earned in advanced trainings across the YES Indy network. If you’re an employer looking to build or diversify your talent pipeline, reach out to businesspartnerships@nullemployindy.org to get connected. 

When adults struggle to find the next step in their careers or feel stuck in their professional journey, adult education providers and community-based organizations can play a vital role in providing necessary education and training to help them advance. Often, this is made possible through the funding and support provided by intermediaries, like EmployIndy, who serve as strategic workforce development leaders, funders, and conveners in their regions.  

For MSD of Warren Township’s Program of Adult and Continuing Education, American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding provided by EmployIndy helped them connect Vincent Oliver to a training opportunity that’s provided him with growth and stability. Looking for steadier employment and having an interest in construction, Oliver enrolled in the BY Construction Training program located at Warren’s Adult and Continuing Education center, earning his OSHA 10 Certification and NCCER Core Credential. Not long after completing the program, he was hired by HG Metals where he’s training to be a welder. 

As a workforce intermediary, EmployIndy invests over $20 million in public, private, and philanthropic funds annually to support our partners and create economic opportunity and remove barriers to employment for both youth and adults, like Oliver.  When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, workforce intermediaries across the country were tasked with helping distribute financial aid that would “extend a lifeline to the unemployed” through bolstered reemployment, education, and training efforts. In addition to using ARPA funding to support a cohort of local adult education providers, like MSD of Warren Township, EmployIndy also began hosting a community of practice to provide guidance as these providers aimed to keep their programs and services going amid a national crisis. To date, these providers have used EmployIndy’s guidance and ARPA funding to help 594 Indy adults earn HSE diplomas, 918 earn training credentials, and 1,543 earn job placements. 

Do you have stories of impact because of EmployIndy’s support? We would love to share them with our workforce partners. Send us a note at social@nullemployindy.org to start the conversation.