Goodwill Industries of Kentucky, in partnership with Goodwill Industries International and by way of the U.S. Department of Labor Young Adult Reentry Partnership Grant, will provide job skills and career training to adults ages 18-24 who were recently involved with the justice system as part of the Goodwill LifeLaunch: Ignite reentry program.
Goodwill Industries of Kentucky and three subgrantees of Goodwill Industries International will collaborate on the program, which will aim to prepare and support 415 young adults who were recently involved with the justice system in earning industry-recognized credentials and meeting talent demands of employers. Goodwill Industries of Kentucky will assist 105 of these individuals. Collectively, the four Goodwill organizations provided 1,626 individuals with reentry services in 2019.
Participants will build skills through educational opportunities at local community colleges and other resources in each community (Louisville, Atlanta, Pittsburgh and Muskegon, Mich.). Jefferson Community and Technical College will serve as the community college partner for Goodwill Industries of Kentucky and will offer credentialing in welding, automotive mechanics and information technology.
The success of this program, including enrollment, education and employment, credential attainment and recidivism, will be tracked. Among the goals are to keep recidivism at or below 20 percent, help 60 percent of participants attain a credential and to assist 75 percent of participants in gaining measurable skills.
Goodwill Industries International chose four local Goodwills to operate the program based on community need, experience in reentry and young adult services and strong partnerships with community colleges, justice systems and employers.
For more information, reference this press release from Goodwill Industries International: