We, the Goodwill Adult Reentry Program, met Gregory in Feb 2021 through Exodus Community Services Inc. Gregory was working at a local car wash that he had been working at off and on for a number of years. In getting to know Gregory it became clear he had a strong desire for opportunities to learn new skills and grow both personally and professionally. It was also clear that his past held him back, he felt due to his felony charges he’d have a hard time finding new opportunities, which is why he kept ending up back at the car wash. In his plan Gregory identified two long term goals; one, to find a new job/company where he can learn, grow and move up in and two, to earn his GED. In June of 2021 Gregory got assistance with updating his resume and had an informal meet & greet with a manager at one of the Goodwill stores. The initial meeting went well and the manager encouraged
him to fill out an application online. He went back for a formal interview and ended up getting hired on as an associate and started working mid-June. In this short time of employment Gregory as done an outstanding job, per feedback from the manager and some associates he’s working with. During his orientation Gregory learned there are Employee Development Specialists who can help him map out his career at Goodwill or elsewhere. They will assist and guide him in finding trainings that can help him grow/move up into other positions. He also learned these career development services include but are not limited to referral to GED classes, overall career guidance and advice, referral and funding assistance to attend Community College and/or other approved training programs and support services. Gregory was thrilled to learn of all the opportunities ahead of him that he can get assistance with and plans on taking advantage them.
Lisa Larivee, Reentry Case Manager