Goodwill's Employment First Program helps ex-cons get their lives back on track.
COLUMBIA (WACH) -- Goodwill Industries is trying to help people recently released from prison get their lives back on track.
The organization is offering that help through its Employment First Program which is available only in Richland County. A U.S. Department of Labor grant is funding the program.
Over the next two years, Goodwill will work with 400 individuals. The goal is to get them employed within 90 days of their release from a correctional institution and to provide them mentoring services for a year. The program is being called a lifesaver.
“They have no resume, some of them don't even have an ID or social security card where they can get a job and so since we're able to work together with the individuals for up to 90 days before they're released. We have time to create a plan, arrange for the some housing, get them the things they need to become employed once they're released,” said Goodwill Program Manager Robin Ebert.
To sign up or recommend someone for the Employment First Program contact Robin Ebert at 803-448-0690. The program is also looking for mentors to help with the program.
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