North Louisiana — Each year in April, the U.S. Department of Justice celebrates Second Chance Month, recognizing the importance of helping individuals, communities and agencies across the country that support the safe and successful reentry of the millions of people released from incarceration each year. Second Chance Month highlights the many opportunities for service providers to build meaningful second chances for our returning community members.

Goodwill Industries of North Louisiana  is one of those agencies committed to helping individuals reenter the workforce and learn new skills to better position themselves for future employment opportunities. Second Chance Month is supported by the National Reentry Resource Center (NRRC), established by the Second Chance Act, which works to improve outcomes for people experiencing justice involvement nationwide.

For those who have been impacted by the justice system, there can be many barriers to adjusting back to public life, including drug dependency, illnesses, debt and limited work options. Just getting a second chance may seem almost impossible at times. Goodwill Industries of North Louisiana offers services and programs to adults and youths who are trying to get back on track after experiencing justice involvement.

“Goodwill Industries of North Louisiana is committed to providing educational and employment opportunities in our community. One way we are doing this is by providing skills training and services to those re-entering society after incarceration,” said David Tinkis, President & CEO, Goodwill Industries of North Louisiana. “Our EXIT-318 program, which assists returning citizens in the Shreveport, Bossier, Monroe and Alexandria regions, is designed to reduce recidivism and provide a pathway towards success to help our community members thrive.”

Through various partnerships, Goodwill is uniquely positioned to offer skills training for everything from basic digital skills to truck driving. In addition, Goodwill makes it possible for participants to earn career certificates for new career paths in information technology, project management, data analytics, social media marketing and more.

As part of Goodwill’s commitment to Second Chance Month, the organization will co-host or participate in the following activities: 

April 3:  Greater Minden Chamber Job Fair & Resource Expo, Minden, 10am to 2pm

Minden Civic Center, 520 Broadway

April 9 and 10:  Work Natchitoches Summit, Natchitoches, 2pm to 6pm

                                Natchitoches Events Center, 750 Second Street

April 10:  Return for Good Job & Resource Fair, Monroe, 10am to 2pm

                   Monroe Probation & Parole Office, 24 Accent Drive

April 17: Return for Good Job & Resource Fair, Alexandria, 10am to 6pm

  Alexandria Mall, 3437 Masconic Drive

April 23:  Return for Good Job & Resource Fair, Natchitoches, 10am to 1pm

                   Ben D. Johnson Educational Center, 400 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive

April 24:  KSLA Career Expo, 8am to 5pm

                   Bossier Civic Center, 620 Benton Road

“Even with more available jobs, we’re seeing an ongoing and widening skills gap that is preventing many from reentering the workforce,” said Lynn Stevens, Director of Workforce Development. “That’s why job training and re-training programs, along with industry based Job Fairs and Hiring Events, offered continues to be an important and essential way to help people navigate past these obstacles.” To learn more about any of Goodwill’s training programs or services, visit www.goodwillnla.org.

About Goodwill Industries of North Louisiana:

Founded in 1926, Goodwill Industries of North Louisiana is a nonprofit social enterprise whose mission is provide education, training and career services to individuals who face barriers, disadvantages or have a disability.  Since 2005, Goodwill has helped 58,000 achieve their full potential through the dignity and power of work.  

Goodwill Industries of North Louisiana’s, nine retail locations provide not only affordable goods and services, but also employment to those in need and a revenue stream to support Goodwill’s charitable mission.  In addition, a wide range of business services, including janitorial and grounds maintenance, allows Goodwill to expand further employment opportunities by contracting with federal, state, governmental and non-governmental organizations.

Goodwill also offers multiple job resource centers, equipped with job-search experts, computers, Internet access and telephones.  Goodwill believes that work has the power to transform lives by building self-confidence, independence, creativity, trust and friendships. Everyone deserves this chance. For more information on Goodwill Industries of North Louisiana programs or services, or to find a location near you, visit www.goodwillnla.org.