On November 11, 2023, Levi was assigned to a halfway house in Paducah. Following his assignment, he started searching for career-readiness opportunities so he could prepare himself for his release on November 11, 2025.
That’s when he learned about the programs and services offered at Goodwill’s Paducah Opportunity Center.
“Everybody was telling me about the classes,” he said, “and that all the women here were really nice.”
Paducah Opportunity Center Manager Margie Silva said Levi hit the ground running after he became a member of the center. In just six months, he has already completed the Reintegrating Individuals Successfully Every Day (RISE) program, has earned his Work Ready Certificate and earned his IT Support Certification through a grant program funded by the Caterpillar Foundation. He’s currently working on his Cybersecurity Certification all the while attending Western Kentucky Community and Technical College for welding.
“We have put him through just about everything,” Silva said. “And he’s done it with grace. … He dedicates a lot of time to his work because he wants to be geared up and ready to go as soon as he can.”
Levi said the programs and services offered at the Paducah Opportunity Center helped him gain confidence for the job application and interview processes. He learned how to properly write a resume and cover letter, how to conduct himself during an interview and how to deliver an elevator speech. He said Sasha, his career coach, has helped him reintegrate into society.
“She’s great,” he said. “She helped me get my birth certificate. All the ladies here are great. They helped me get my stuff for welding school.”
Once released from the halfway house, Levi plans to move back to his hometown of Owenton, Kentucky. He said the Paducah Opportunity Center will connect him with resources at the Louisville and Lexington Opportunity Centers when he moves. Prior to his assignment, he had no idea Goodwill offered the resources they do. But now, he’s proof of how impactful they can be.
“It’s a great place,” he said. “They’ll help you get a job, housing. Once you have a job for 90 days, they help you get a car. It’s just great up here. If you’re looking for a job and need stuff for that job, they’re going to help you get it.”