Why They Do It

• As state budgets are slashed, in-prison services such as job training and literacy programs are being eliminated. Goodwill's leaders believe that unless convicts receive such services -- either while incarcerated or after their release -- they ultimately will return to the prison system. A return to prison robs the ex-cons' local communities of an estimated $11.6 billion per year in lost earnings and costs taxpayers approximately $15.8 billion annually.
  
  

What They Offer

• Goodwill offers ex-cons pre-release services to help them start their job search before they leave prison. This includes basic skill development including GED, ESL and basic education classes, employment training including interviewing and communication skills, occupational training to assist ex-cons in learning a trade, job placement services to connect ex-cons with potential employers, and life skills training including parenting and relationship courses.
  
  

How They Do It

• In order to provide funding for these services, Goodwill sells donated clothing and household items online and in its retail stores, which are staffed by many of its clients. In addition, the organization provides a number of commercial services to local businesses and government agencies, including assembly, food and shredding services.
  
  

The Results

• Goodwill trained 2.4 million clients -- including ex-cons -- for jobs in 2010, according to the Goodwill website. Of those, more than 170,000 people found employment and earned more then $2.7 billion in salaries. This is in keeping with Goodwill's motto, "Every day, someone gets a good job, with help from Goodwill."