GARY, IND. — This week marks an important milestone for the City of Gary and the Center of Workforce Innovations with the launch of Work B.I.G., an innovative initiative aimed at blight remediation through workforce development. Twenty-one Gary residents reported to their first day of B.I.G. (Beauty in Gary) work, benefiting from paid skills training that prepares them for successful career pathways helping to revitalize the city.
To generate excitement and share the vision for the program, Mayor Eddie Melton stopped by the kickoff to welcome participants, emphasizing the importance of addressing the city’s blight and providing job opportunities and promoting community involvement in revitalization efforts. The mayor invited the group to attend The State of the City address planned the next day at Embassies of Christ.
“The successful launch of Work B.I.G. is the latest milestone in our efforts to revitalize the city,” said Mayor Melton. “Each of you will play an essential part by transforming our neighborhoods while restoring hope among our fellow residents.”
During the State of the City address, Mayor Melton updated the public on the project and invited the trainees in attendance to stand and be recognized. The group stood to roaring applause from an appreciative audience of Gary residents eager to see positive changes in their community.
“They are not only enhancing their skills and capabilities by taking part in this program,” Melton said. “They are proving to all how we can truly build a stronger, more vibrant Gary.”
Inspired by a successful workforce development initiative in Detroit, CWI will manage Work B.I.G. in partnership with Ivy Tech Community College and Goodwill Industries of Michiana. Funding for the project, secured through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), was awarded to CWI in December 2024 after approval by the Gary Common Council.
“Gary is such an important part of The Region, and we are excited to play an active role in fostering new career opportunities while positively impacting the community,” said Lisa Daugherty, CWI’s President and CEO.
During training, employees will undertake in-person courses covering topics from financial literacy to workplace safety. Trainees will report to worksites three days a week for hands-on work experience and on-the-job training. The paid work-experience opportunity aims to train and upskill 100 Gary residents within two years.
The next Work B.I.G. training class will begin July 7, 2025. For more information or to get involved, please visit cwicorp.com/workbig or contact (219) 266-6229 or workbig@cwicorp.com.