Building a Village: How Goodwill and the Center for Community Transitions are Creating Second Chances

By: Justin Taylor, Stakeholder Engagement Manager at Goodwill Industries of the Southern Piedmont

At Goodwill, we approach our work with three core values in mind: be bold, listen actively, and build a village. Community partnerships are crucial for us to create pathways for individuals to achieve their goals and improve their lives.

Second Chance Month serves as a powerful reminder of the barriers faced by individuals impacted by the justice system—and the incredible opportunities that second chances can provide. Each April, we recognize the challenges of reentry and reaffirm our commitment to fostering equitable opportunities for success, which is why we partner with the Center for Community Transitions (CCT).

CCT aims to strengthen our community by helping justice-impacted individuals find healthier and more productive ways of living. The Center’s flagship program, LifeWorks!, is designed to support individuals in obtaining and retaining employment.

Together with CCT, Goodwill is committed to helping its participants break down barriers and overcome obstacles. We recognize that it takes a village to achieve this. The collaborative environment at the Goodwill Opportunity Center allows both organizations, along with other partners, to ensure that everyone who walks through the doors has access to wrap-around services tailored to their individual needs.

“We believe in creating pathways for individuals to achieve their goals and improve their lives. Our partnership with the Center for Community Transitions exemplifies this commitment,” said Carola Cardenas, Director of Workforce Partnerships and Outreach for Goodwill Industries of the Southern Piedmont. “Together, we provide essential support and resources to help justice-impacted individuals find healthier and more productive ways of living. This collaboration not only strengthens our community but also empowers individuals to pursue their passions and build a brighter future for themselves and their families.”

The community plays an integral role in supporting second chances for formerly incarcerated individuals by staying open-minded, limiting biases, and fostering inclusive environments. Employers can also support second chance initiatives by reviewing and expanding their second chance hiring policies. Companies that are already second-chance employers should success stories to raise awareness.

“We are all interconnected, each a unique part of humanity. Take your time before judging others, as everyone makes mistakes. Remember, any of us could easily find ourselves in someone else’s situation with just one decision,” said Sherina Richard, Program Director of LifeWorks! at the Center for Community Transitions.

Richard also encourages individuals and organizations to join the Center and its staff when they attend Second Chance Advocacy Day. “It is a time for all who believe in second chances to come together to speak to our lawmakers and lobby for second chance rights. This year, Advocacy Day will be held on May 6, 2025, in Raleigh, NC,” she said.

Goodwill’s partnership with CCT is a testament to the transformative power of collective action. As we celebrate Second Chance Month, we honor the important work being done to support justice-impacted individuals across our community. To learn more about CCT, visit www.centerforcommunitytransitions.org.