At a time when job openings are hitting record high levels, Goodwill Industries of the Valleys remains more committed than ever to helping people re-enter the workforce or learn new skills to better position job seekers for future employment. And there is no better time to help people than during Second Chance Month. Second Chance Month takes place every April and helps raise awareness of the barriers and opportunities for people with justice involvement.
The National Reentry Resource Center (NRRC) hosts Second Chance Month. The NRRC was established by the Second Chance Act and funds work to improve reentry outcomes nationwide. Recently released data of a study of formerly incarcerated people revealed that a third (33%) of persons in the study population did not find employment at any point during the 16 quarters after their release from prison from 2010 to 2014.
“All month, we are highlighting our ongoing job training and social service offerings that help people who have justice-involvement find jobs and support their families when they return to their communities,” said Stephanie Hoer, Vice President of Mission Services. “We know from our programming when people return from correctional facilities and then find and keep good jobs, they are empowered and build brighter futures for themselves and their families as well as strengthen and inspire their communities. Goodwill is proud to do its part to help people transition from justice involvement to advancing in their careers.”
Goodwill believes individuals deserve a second chance and the best way to help them be successful is to offer work-related programs allowing them to become self-sufficient. Goodwill’s GoodStart Reentry program gives individuals the tools and supports to transition to a stable, productive life.
