April 27, 2023
SHREVEPORT, LA – Goodwill Industries of North Louisiana (GINLA) is helping young adults impacted by the justice system transition into the workforce thanks to a $4 million dollar grant awarded to Goodwill Industries International (GII), funded by the US Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration (ETA).
GINLA is one of five Goodwill organizations in the country selected by GII to receive part of the funding to offer the Growth Opportunities program, alongside Goodwill organizations serving Greenvillle/ Spartanburg, SC; Houston, TX; Santa Ana, CA; and Tacoma, WA.
Goodwill organizations in all five service areas will partner with state and local justice systems and employers to enroll clients in Goodwill job training and placement programs and offer occupational skills training, ultimately making them eligible to fill in-demand jobs.
With this funding, GINLA will be able to work with seventy 18-24 year old, young adults who live in the City of Shreveport, or within Desoto or Red River parishes. With this funding, participants will also benefit from other critically needed supports, including wrap-around supportive services, violence prevention, conflict resolution, mentorships and leadership development.
“We are honored to be chose as one of the Goodwill subgrantees of the Goodwill Growth Opportunities program to continue our work to provide second-chance opportunities to young adults impacted by the justice system,” said David Tinkis, GINLA’s President/CEO. “By providing career and other supportive services to these young adults, we are helping unlock the potential within them and open doors to opportunities they never though were possible.”
This funding aligns with the Biden-Harris Administration’s efforts to advance public safety by reducing violent crime and smoothing the path for young adults to successfully return to their communities with the resources they need to succeed.
“This is a great way to celebrate all our projects during Second Chance Month, ” said Lynn Stevens, GINLA’s Director of Workforce Development. “Goodwill staff participated or helped host more than five Second Chance Job Fairs, along with distributing 230 books, titled The Master Plan, a real life story of Chris Wilson and his journey from prison to finding purpose. We look forward to enrolling young adults in the very near future.”
For more information on the Growth Opportunities program, or to learn more, please contact our office at 318-868-4701.
