A new city initiative is turning blight into opportunity for Gary residents. This week, 21 local participants began their first day in the Work B.I.G. (Beauty In Gary) program, a workforce development effort aimed at revitalizing neighborhoods while providing job training for residents.
The program, launched by the City of Gary in partnership with the Center of Workforce Innovations (CWI), seeks to address two long-standing challenges: urban blight and unemployment. Work B.I.G. offers paid training that prepares residents for careers in blight removal and related trades.
Mayor Eddie Melton welcomed the first cohort as they kicked off the program. He emphasized the dual impact of the effort—enhancing participants’ job readiness and fostering community pride through visible neighborhood improvements.
“The successful launch of our Work B.I.G. project is the latest milestone in our efforts to revitalize the city,” said Melton during the visit. “Each of you will play an essential part by transforming our neighborhoods while restoring hope among our fellow residents. So, you are not only enhancing your skills and capabilities by taking part in this project, but you are also proving to all how we can truly build a stronger, more vibrant Gary.”
Inspired by a similar initiative in Detroit, the Work B.I.G. program is operated by CWI in partnership with Ivy Tech Community College and Goodwill Industries of Michiana. The project received funding through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), with the Gary Common Council approving the allocation to CWI in December 2024.
“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, president and CEO of CWI.
As part of the program, participants attend in-person classes focused on workplace safety, financial literacy and other career-readiness topics. They also receive hands-on training three days a week at active job sites across the city. The goal is to train and employ 100 Gary residents over the next two years.
Applications are open for the next training session, scheduled to begin July 7. Interested individuals can visit cwicorp.com/workbig or contact (219) 266-6229 or [email protected] for more information.
Work B.I.G. represents a step forward in Gary’s broader revitalization efforts, offering a blueprint for how workforce investment and urban renewal can go hand in hand.