Goodwill of Silicon Valley, in Partnership With Sheriff’s Office, Opens Nation’s First Retail Store Inside Women’s Correctional Facility
Program at Elmwood Correctional Campus offers hands-on retail training, peer mentor opportunities and free essentials upon reentering society
Goodwill of Silicon Valley (GWSV) is proud to announce the launch of a groundbreaking program at Elmwood Correctional Facility in Milpitas, Calif., where incarcerated women will gain valuable job training through a fully operational retail store within the jail. Upon reentry into society, participants will also receive free clothing, empowering them to transition with new skills and a sense of dignity. This innovative initiative was developed in partnership with the Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office Restorative Services Division, marking a significant step toward supporting successful reintegration.
The new store operates just like a traditional GWSV site, providing real-world retail experience in sorting, merchandising, and sales.
Highlights include:
- Hands-on retail training: Women learn to select, sort, and merchandise clothing and shoes.
- Register training: Participants are trained on a fully functional point of sale system, gaining retail skills that can be used to apply for positions at GWSV and other retailers post-release.
- Dignity through essentials: At no cost, each participant receives one pair of shoes, two tops, two pairs of pants, three new pairs of underwear, three pairs of socks, and a backpack.
- Train the Trainer model: Participants are empowered to become peer mentors, further enhancing the program’s benefits within the facility.
By investing in these women, GWSV is not only helping to restore their sense of dignity but also setting them up for long-term success. The organization strongly believes in second chances and prioritizes supporting individuals in their journey to build better lives. The program’s success will be closely monitored, with potential plans to expand into the men’s section of the facility, broadening the impact of this transformative initiative.
“This program is about so much more than just job training; it’s about giving women in the program, the tools and confidence they need to rebuild their lives. By creating this store within Elmwood, we’re providing a tangible experience that translates directly into employment opportunities upon release. It’s an opportunity to help them regain dignity and prepare for a brighter future.” said Jessica Castello, VP of Retail at Goodwill of Silicon Valley.
Founded almost a century ago in 1928, Goodwill of Silicon Valley is dedicated to improving employment opportunities, increasing standards of living, providing economic independence, and restoring our clients’ sense of self-worth. We do this through workforce creation, vocational training, and environmental stewardship. With 17 retail stores throughout Silicon Valley, an online store, an extensive reuse/recycling operation, and many other progressive programs, we help people overcome barriers to employment and build sustainable livelihoods.
For Immediate Release: October 17, 2024