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Meritus Health recognized at ‘Power of Work Awards’
HAGERSTOWN, Md. — Meritus Health was named the 2022 Employer of the Year during the 68th Annual Power of Work Awards presented by Horizon Goodwill Industries, Inc.
“The partnership we have with Horizon Goodwill is one that benefits the community as a whole. We are two community-focused organizations and have many of the same goals, so it was a natural fit,” said Dave Lehr, chief strategy officer.
In a workforce development initiative, the two organizations partnered, along with Maryland Physicians Care, to launch the Pathway to Healthcare Careers program in fall 2022.
The program has proven success, with applicants who were hired in the fall obtaining a retention bonus of $500 in April. Additionally, all of the team members hired through the Pathway to Healthcare program were impacted when Meritus raised its minimum wage to $17/hour.
“We are working together to find positions to suit the skills of some of the clients at Goodwill,” Lehr said. “We’ve hired food and nutrition aids, environmental services workers, receptionists and more,” he added.
The team members are provided great benefits and pay, while gaining access to career advancement opportunities. Goodwill provides transportation when needed, and support to ensure the team members have a good work- and home-life.
“We’re honored to receive this award from Horizon Goodwill, but we’re even more honored to be able to share the outcomes of our initiatives that demonstrate not only the power of work, but the power of working together,” Lehr said.
