Greater West Town Project (GWTP) is delighted to spotlight Polk Bros. Foundation as a steadfast supporter of our programming. We had the pleasure of meeting with Channing Lenert, Polk Bros. Foundation's Program Officer, to discuss their impactful contributions to our community for this blog.

Since 1993, Polk Bros. Foundation has championed GWTP’s mission and programming via our Occupational Skills Training (OST) program, which provides Woodworking, and Shipping & Receiving training at no cost to participants. The Foundation and GWTP share a commitment to workforce development and community empowerment.

Channing named the Foundation’s enduring motivation to support GWTP over the years as being: the impact speaks for itself; over 80% of OST participants complete training and embark on successful careers. GWTP’s commitment to creating educational and economic opportunity aligns with Polk Bros. Foundation’s focus on fostering strong communities, particularly in workforce development. Channing appreciates GWTP’s large facility, adult basic education, and the program’s proactive approach to addressing barriers to training and employment, especially for the reentry population and those seeking opportunities in thriving industries. This work goes hand in hand with the Polk Bros. Foundation’s work building safe, cohesive, and strong communities.

“The mission of Polk Bros. Foundation is working to make Chicago a place where all people have the opportunity to reach their full potential, and the work that GWTP does perfectly exemplifies that.”

We are excited to continue our partnership with Polk Bros. Foundation and explore new avenues for collaboration. Thank you, Polk Bros. Foundation, for your unwavering support and belief in our mission!