While incarcerated for drug charges, James learned about Goodwill Industries of Kentucky’s Aspire program, which provides inmates within 90 days of release from prison with pre-release job training and supportive services.
To take advantage of the program, James transferred his parole to Louisville. After receiving the pre-release training, his career coach guided him through barrier-removal services once he was released. He also participated in a work-and-learn experience, studied to earn credentialing, and participated in mentoring, mental health, and job-readiness workshops at Goodwill’s Opportunity Centers.
In just six months after his release, James earned his forklift certification, was awarded a laptop through Goodwill’s digital literacy program, was hired at the Goodwill 2nd Chance Outlet in Louisville, and received a promotion. He also completed the Goodwill Housing program. On January 1, he moved into his own apartment after experiencing years of homelessness. James said his next goal is to further his education.
“I would have went back to what I was doing (if I didn’t have the Aspire program),” he said. “The Aspire program gave me every reason to stay on the right track. It kept me away from all the negative things that got me locked up in the first place.”