Meijer has donated $250,000 to the Industrial Sewing and Innovation Center (ISAIC), a Detroit-based, national nonprofit organization.
ISAIC focuses on training the next generation of textile and apparel manufacturing industry talent through an innovative curriculum that combines technical skills, soft skills and digital literacy. Its work, in partnership with local employers, creates pathways to sustainable careers for many who likely would not have those opportunities.
ISAIC launched in 2020 to tackle two major challenges in the sewn goods industry: the shortage of skilled workers and the lack of innovation in U.S. domestic textile and apparel manufacturing. Today, the organization benefits from the generosity of longtime Meijer partner Carhartt Inc., which has provided the third floor of its flagship Midtown store, spanning approximately 12,000 square feet, as a dedicated space for ISAIC’s operations.
“We are incredibly grateful to Meijer and their generous contribution to our mission of empowering people and transforming communities,” said Jen Guarino, president and CEO of ISAIC. “This donation will immensely help us not only expand our space, but also increase our reach to connect with more individuals who are seeking new opportunities and skills in this growing sector.”
The Midwest retailer’s donation is part of its ongoing commitment to enriching lives in the communities it serves. Meijer has been a longtime supporter of education and workforce training in Detroit and across the Midwest.
“We are proud to support ISAIC and their efforts to create access to high-quality training and employment opportunities for the Detroit community,” said Maureen Mitchell, regional VP for East Michigan at Meijer. “ISAIC is making a positive difference in the lives of many people and contributing to the economic vitality of Detroit.”
ISAIC will host its inaugural ISAIC Honors event at The Madison Loft + Auditorium located on Broadway Street in Detroit on May 2. The public event will be a night of celebration for outstanding achievements in the field of apparel and textile manufacturing, as well as recognizing the donation from Meijer.
To learn more about how Meijer has recently supported its communities, visit meijercommunity.com.
About Meijer
Meijer is a privately owned, family-operated retailer that serves customers at more than 500 supercenters, grocery stores, neighborhood markets, and express locations throughout the Midwest. With more than 70,000 Meijer team members, Meijer is consistently recognized as a Great Place to Work and annually donates at least 6 percent of its profit to strengthen its communities.
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