Cook Medical And Goodwill Partnership To Benefit Indy Eastside

A new partnership aims to offer more opportunities in a long-disadvantaged Indianapolis neighborhood adding jobs, education and other services. 

A new medical manufacturing hub will bring about 100 new jobs to the northeast side of Indianapolis. Cook Medical will open the new facility to make medical supplies and hire people through Goodwill. 

Indianapolis Joe Hogsett said the investment is needed.

"We can reunite some of the manufacturing might that residents of the eastside once relied on for stable and prosperous lives," Hogsett said. 

At the hub, Goodwill and community partners will provide employees and families with wrap around services including mental health, substance abuse treatment, housing and education advancement.

President of Cook Group Pete Yonkman said the partnership is committed to growing equity.

"All of us together, working towards a common vision, is the only way we see forward," Yonkman said. 

Excess proceeds from the facility will be used for additional community development.

Indianapolis City-County Councilor Keith Graves represents this district and says the project will make a positive impact.

"It will bring opportunities for minority businesses to participate in the construction. It will bring a beautiful building to the east side and the 38th Street corridor," Graves said. 

The Indianapolis Foundation and the United Northeast Community Development Corporation also partnered in the effort.