By Mitch Coppes, Federal Government Affairs Manager, Goodwill Industries International
Many people who have been involved in the criminal justice system, particularly those reentering their communities after a period of incarceration, will face challenges securing safe housing, enrolling in education and training, accessing basic services, and getting a good job. Goodwill® believes in helping people impacted by the justice system find and retain high-quality employment and receive the support they need to achieve their career and life goals. Each year in April, Second Chance Month highlights the many opportunities for community-based service providers to build meaningful second chances for justice-involved people across the country.
President Biden recently issued a proclamation marking Second Chance Month 2024 in which he notes the challenges facing those impacted by the justice system and outlines the Administration’s efforts to improve education and employment outcomes for impacted youth and adults, such as funding the Reentry Employment Opportunities grant program and restoring Pell Grant eligibility to incarcerated individuals who are enrolled in a prison education program. “In total, over 70 million Americans have a criminal history record, which can make it hard to secure a steady job, safe housing, affordable health care, or a good education — all important things to have when trying to build a good life,” said Biden. “That is why, last year, my Administration released a comprehensive strategic plan to improve the criminal justice system and strengthen public safety. We have also invested nearly $1 billion in job training, addiction recovery, and reentry services across the country, and we have expanded access to Pell Grants so people can earn a college degree while they are incarcerated, starting over with new skills.”
Goodwill’s evidence-based reentry services offer participants opportunities to engage in learning, skills development, work experience, and holistic reintegration services. Goodwill makes it possible for participants to earn online career certificates for new career paths in information technology, project management, data analytics, social media marketing and more.
In addition, Goodwill is working to advance policy solutions that help people impacted by the justice system have a second chance for success and a fair chance for employment. By investing in community-based reentry programs, providing greater access to pre- and post-release education and training, promoting fair-chance hiring practices, removing barriers to employment and occupational licensing, and addressing the collateral consequences of conviction, individuals can change their lives through the power of work. Learn more about the ways that local Goodwills can get involved in Second Chance Month here.
