DaimlerChrysler Corporation's World of Work Program Celebrates 10-Year Anniversary
17 October 2000
DaimlerChrysler Corporation's World of Work Program Celebrates 10-Year Anniversary
Educators and Employee Volunteers come together to recognize the importance of
making a difference in public education
DaimlerChrysler Senior Staff Attorney works with the company's original World
of Work partner, Glazer Elementary School
AUBURN HILLS, Mich., Oct. 17 DaimlerChrysler Senior Staff
Attorney Steve Goodrich has been a fixture at Detroit's Glazer Elementary
School for the past 10 years -- not for his legal expertise, but for his
commitment to the students as a volunteer with the company's World of Work
program.
On Tuesday, October 17, Goodrich, his fellow volunteers and educators will
be recognized as part of the 10th anniversary World of Work celebration at the
Charles H. Wright Museum of African-American History.
Established by Chrysler in 1990 with one school and eight volunteers,
World of Work has now been integrated into more than 75 schools in eight
states, reaching over 20,000 students and involving nearly 5,000 employee
volunteers. The program focuses on preparing today's kindergarten through
twelfth grade school children for the workplace and life in the 21st Century.
World of Work links Chrysler Group employees with specific public schools
located in DaimlerChrysler plant cities. Program volunteers help students
relate the skills they learn in school to the ways they will use those skills
in their lives and, later, on the job.
The specific objectives of the World of Work program are to encourage
responsible behavior, improve school attendance, stress job completion and
develop effective learning skills.
The heart of the World of Work program is in the human resources that are
made available to the schools. Volunteer employees spend a minimum of one
hour a week during the workday for volunteer activities at the school.
"DaimlerChrysler understands that businesses need a quality work force and
an employed population to buy its products. A strong public education system
is the key to success for this company and all others across the country,"
said Frank Fountain, Senior Vice President of Government Affairs. "Through
World of Work, our goal is to improve the potential for all young people to be
successful in their future life experiences and reflects DaimlerChrysler's
commitment to giving back to the community."
Steve Goodrich's Story
A 28-year DaimlerChrysler employee, Goodrich started at Glazer, the
company's original World of Work partner, after a coworker was injured and
couldn't continue with her assignment. What was supposed to be a two-week
commitment turned into a 10-year relationship.
"Being with the kids makes you want to stay involved," said Goodrich.
"The kids are so appreciative of your time and effort. They actually listen.
And through your efforts, you can see how you may be making a lasting and
positive impact on their lives."
Goodrich's involvement has ranged from helping first graders with reading
and math skills to using his legal background to help the school secure
government grants.
Five years ago, Goodrich and four other company employees coached Glazer's
second and third grade students in the Math Pentathalon, a national
competition. With the help of DaimlerChrysler and Focus: HOPE, a Detroit
civil and human rights organization, the students took top honors.
For the past three years, Goodrich and his colleague, Kris Krueger, have
sponsored a chess club for fourth and fifth grade students at Glazer. Through
chess, students learn socialization skills, logic and discipline, all while
having lots of fun. Goodrich also conducts an airbag demonstration every year
to reinforce safety messages with the students.
In addition to his work with the children, Goodrich's contribution to the
school can also be seen with a visit to the school's gym.
When Steve got married in 1998, he and his wife didn't want gifts, so they
suggested to their guests that they make a contribution to their favorite
charity or to Glazer. With the money the Goodrich's received, Principal
Florene McMurtry commissioned a mural from Habiba, a prominent local African-
American artist, for the gym.
Community Adds Support
Goodrich's commitment to Glazer has become a family affair. His wife,
Valerie, has also been recruited, providing much needed support in a time of
crisis.
When a severe storm wiped out much of the landscaping surrounding the
school a few years ago, Goodrich's wife, human resources director for the City
of Dearborn, convinced Dearborn Mayor Michael Guido to donate a truckload of
trees and a crew to help revitalize the school grounds.
And the beautification continues. With the help of a $10,000 grant from
the DaimlerChrysler Corporation Fund and others, Glazer will transform a
barren cinder lot into a green playscape for the kids at the school and in the
neighborhood.
Through the World of Work program, DaimlerChrysler and Goodrich have made
a difference at Glazer Elementary School.