For Father’s Day, many of us spent time with our dads or remembering them in various ceremonies. We bought our dads really bad ties, took them to dinner, or did the chores they would normally do so they could sleep in late or watch a game. But there is one group of dads who experienced Father’s Day very differently this year: those who are currently incarcerated.
Nearly a million fathers are in state and federal prisons, and those re-entering society face challenges reintegrating into the workforce due to their record, limited network and relevant job skills. In addition, some five million children, or roughly seven percent of all children living in the U.S., have a parent who is currently or was previously incarcerated. Consequently, the impact of fathers who are incarcerated extends beyond the individual behind bars. The Goodwill Industries International (GII’s) 2016 Achiever of the Year, Charles Jackson spoke about how his children needed their father while he was incarcerated.
In 2015, local autonomous U.S. Goodwill organizations served 136,626 people re-entering society from incarceration. Supported by the programs authorized under the Second Chance Act, these Goodwills have the opportunity to do more and serve more. Charles told his story to lawmakers last Spring during GII’s annual advocacy event, and now we need your help.
The Second Chance Act, which has 74 cosponsors in the House and 17 in the Senate, enjoys broad bipartisan support. In fact, the House bill was approved unanimously by the House Judiciary Committee back in January. However, both bills remain stalled and time is running out.
Can you help these fathers have a better life? Yes, by contacting your members of congress and urging them to pass the Second Chance Act.
Goodwill Staff and Public Alert
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