OVERVIEW

Network of 184 independent, community-based organizations in the U.S., Canada, and 14 other countries.

Provides job training and employment services, job placement opportunities and post-employment support.

Strengthens communities and families by training people to become independent, tax-paying members of society.

2007 HIGHLIGHTS

1.1 million people benefited from Goodwill career services.

140,056 people placed in competitive jobs – that’s every 53 seconds of every business day.

$3.2 billion total revenue.

84 percent of revenues funded employment programs and support services.

2,200+ retail stores and an online auction site, www.shopgoodwill.com.

65 million donors.

Second Chance Act Will Help Stop Criminal Recidivism

Goodwill Applauds House of Representatives for Taking Action

November 14, 2007

Rockville, MD – Goodwill Industries International applauds the U.S. House of Representatives for passing the Second Chance Act, which will allow hundreds of thousands of people with criminal records to rejoin the community successfully.

“The Second Chance Act will help stop the downward spiral of criminal recidivism through the integration of drug treatment and mental health services, job training and family strengthening programs,” says George W. Kessinger, President and CEO of Goodwill Industries International. “It provides for long-term and ongoing employment solutions and a criminal justice system that helps people find a path to self-sufficiency and financial independence through work.”

Recent statistics show that of the 650,000 people released from jails and prisons each year, seven out of 10 will commit new crimes within three years. According to the Re-Entry Policy Council, the vast majority of ex-offenders do not get the help they need to transition to a life of freedom. For many former prisoners, that help may mean substance abuse treatment and health services, as well as skills training, job placement and post-employment support. In 2006, some 100 local Goodwill agencies helped more than 54,000 current and former prisoners through a variety of programs, including job readiness, mentoring, housing, job placement and retention services.

“This legislation is long overdue. It’s time for the Senate to pass it and the President to sign it into law,” says Kessinger. “Let’s give the thousands of Americans who have paid their debt to society the second chance they deserve.”

View a Goodwill-produced video on ex-offenders.

For free broadcast qualityvideo content from Goodwill Industries, please visit www.thenewsmarket.com/Goodwill

Lauren Lawson
Manager, Media Relations (Media Calls Only)
Phone: (240) 333-5266
Cell:	(240) 388-8309

Charrisse Lyons
Manager, Media Advocacy (Media Calls Only)
Phone: (240) 333-5288
Cell:	(240) 678-7411

Charlene Sarmiento
Specialist, Media Relations (Media Calls Only)
Phone: (240) 333-5590
Cell:	(240) 620-7703