This week’s EchoChamber podcast reflecting on the storytelling attributes of 92-year-old former major league pitcher Carl Erskine revealed another part of the Erskine story that we have not told to this point. Our thanks to Sally Morris, assistant director of advancement for The Arc of Indiana, for listening and sharing the following:

The Arc of Indiana Foundation founded Erskine Green Training Institute (EGTI) in 2016.  EGTI is a one-of-a-kind postsecondary training program for people with disabilities, housed at the Courtyard Muncie at Horizon Convention Center.

EGTI is named in honor of Carl Erskine and former Indiana University and Indiana Pacers basketball star Steve Green.  While they were building their careers, Carl and his wife Betty, and Steve and his wife Lana, also worked to make a significant impact in the lives of people with disabilities, inspired by their children, Jimmy Erskine and Jessica Green, who were born with Down syndrome.

In 2012, Carl authored The Parallel (representing the similarities in former teammate Jackie Robinson breaking major league baseball’s color barrier and the challenges faced by Jimmy Erskine). Carl republished his book in 2016 with all proceeds benefiting EGTI.  Copies of the book are shared with those who donate $25 or more to EGTI at  

www.erskinegreeninstitute.org/giving/donate-and-receive-erskines-book-the-parallel

EGTI provides training in hospitality, food service, health care and inventory distribution. During the 10- to 13-week training sessions, students attend class, master key job skills and gain valuable work experience through an internship.  In addition to hands-on job training, the curriculum addresses critical soft skills like appropriate work place etiquette, teamwork, taking direction and effective communication skills.  EGTI’s programming is designed for individuals whose academic, social, communication and adaptive skills are affected due to a disability. Over 80% of EGTI graduates have secured employment in communities throughout Indiana.

You can learn more about EGTI at www.erskinegreeninstitute.org/about-us/about-the-erskine-green-training-institute

Read the BizVoice® article on Erskine as the first installment in our 2019 Indiana Icon series.

Tom Schuman is the senior vice president of communications & operations for the Indiana Chamber. He is also the editor of the Chamber’s award-winning BizVoice magazine and has been with the organization for 20 years.