Goodwill teamed up with other Jackson County-based organizations and launched a new solution in 2019: Goodwill 180. The goal is to support local individuals with legal history in finding and retaining employment, and moving towards self-sufficiency, thereby preventing violence.

Goodwill of Western Missouri and Eastern Kansas (Goodwill) will provide employment services for individuals working with Probation and Parole, including essential skills training, skill and interest assessments, individual career plan development, benefits planning, case management, and paid transitional work experience. Goodwill has partnerships with Probation and Parole, Veterans Community Project (serving low-income, homeless veterans), and Healing House (serving individuals overcoming substance abuse disorders); these organizations are all referral sources for our program. Goodwill staff already visit each of these organizations regularly to provide essential and digital skills development in a classroom setting, and to work one-on-one with participants.

Goodwill is unique because we are not just a service provider - we are an employer. We have set aside seven paid work experiences for participants. Work experiences are available in computer recycling or the warehouse, both providing transferable skills. Each work experience will be between 30 and 60 days, and during that time Goodwill will provide transportation to and from work and coordinate schedules with Parole Officers, overcoming these barriers to employment. During the work experience and continuing after, Goodwill will support the participant in securing long-term employment. We will also fund and provide situational support for each participant to receive a market value asset (credential or certification) to improve their job readiness.

Goodwill 180 is a pilot project and we have several goals. We will provide intensive services for 75 people annually. 100% will complete essential and digital skills training, create a career development plan, and conduct a paid work experience at Goodwill. 75% of individuals who complete their work experience will earn full time employment, either with Goodwill or another community employer. Our goal is less than 30% recidivism for those who earn employment, and we will monitor that for three years in partnership with the Missouri Department of Corrections.

The ultimate impact of this project is self-sustainability through the power of work, and a reduction in violent actions performed by these individuals. We will support those reentering from incarceration in developing essential skills, creating a career path, and acquiring employment that aligns with their goals and needs. We will ensure there is no gap in support as individuals finalize their housing plans and fully transition back into their community. These individuals can and will be productive Kansas City residents - supporting themselves, their families, and their community. Earning and retaining employment is critical to reducing recidivism; the Missouri Department of Corrections reports that only 23% of offenders who have full time employment return to prison within two years, compared to 67% of offenders who do not have consistent employment. And, individuals with legal history who are better prepared to fulfill their obligations to their children can reduce the intergenerational cycle of crime.

COMBAT Funding: $32,000.00