National ReEntry Week 2017
Goodwill-Easter Seals Minnesota believes fiercely in second chances. The team running our ReEntry Program walks that talk every day by working one-on-one with returning individuals and connecting them to the right resources — education, job training, housing assistance, medical services, mentoring and so much more.
People involved in the criminal justice system face daunting problems, often decades after they’ve paid their debt to society. A criminal record bars motivated people from employment, housing, higher education and credit. Ultimately, these barriers can contribute to a cycle that makes it difficult for people to stay on the right path and out of the criminal justice system.
The power of our program is clear: the recidivism rate among GESMN ReEntry Program participants is just 11 percent after 3 years, compared to the national average of 68 percent after 3 years. [DOJ]
Some more stats on our ReEntry Program:
- 132 participants were enrolled over a 36 month period
- 82% earned a credential by completing a job training program, such as GESMN construction and automotive training programs
- Participants went on to obtain employment at an average hourly wage of $12.05/hour
U.S. Department of Labor Training to Work Grant, PE273831560A27
Successful reentry leads to meaningful second chances for individuals, healthier families and safer communities. That’s why we celebrate the accomplishments of our ReEntry Program participants and staff during National Reentry Week — and every week.
“I know for a fact I wouldn’t be where I’m at if it wasn’t for Goodwill. We wrote goals when we first started automotive classes and sealed them in an envelope. At the end, we opened them up. I’d completed some of those goals. I’d completed automotive training. I’d gotten a good job. That’s when it dawned on me that I this was real.”
Jason, ReEntry and Automotive Training
Ernest was looking to complete his GED after incarceration and enrolled in our ReEntry Program. He reached his goal of finding permanent, full-time work when he got a job as a machine operator in Brooklyn Center. He’s gone on to become a mentor to other Goodwill participants, helping them enroll in the program and coaching them on their way.
Ernest, ReEntry
“They didn’t treat me like a criminal. They didn’t treat me like an ex-con. They didn’t treat me like a girl who doesn’t know how to do this stuff. Goodwill was the positive support I needed, that I didn’t have anywhere else in my life. I can take care of my daughter now. It absolutely means the world to me.”
Jennifer, ReEntry and Construction Training