CAREER DEVELOPMENT SERVICES
Reentry & Justice-Involved Support
From Incarceration to Independence
A steady job can change everything. It builds confidence, creates stability, and helps break the cycle of recidivism. That’s why Goodwill of Silicon Valley’s Reentry & Justice-Involved Support offers a hands-on pathway back into the workforce for individuals with criminal backgrounds in Santa Clara County.
Through immediate paid transitional employment, job readiness training, and wraparound support, our programs empowers participants to take the next step with purpose. Funded in part by the Santa Clara County Office of Reentry Services and the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the program includes a 90-day, part-time, subsidized job placement at Goodwill, helping individuals transition from short-term employment to long-term career success.
WHAT YOU RECEIVE
- 90 days of part-time, paid transitional work at Goodwill of Silicon Valley
- Hands-on job experience in retail, warehousing, or logistics
- Weekly job-readiness workshops, covering
- Resume writing
- Online job applications
- Interview preparation and mock interviews
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Cognitive-behavioral therapy to address criminal thinking and
strengthen ethical decision-making
- Biweekly one-on-one meetings with Case Managers to identify and overcome personal or professional barriers
- Ongoing guidance from an assigned Employment Specialist, including a career readiness assessment and employer referrals
- Continued post-program support, including monthly check-ins with Peer Mentors to ensure job retention and offer additional placement assistance if needed.
Who We Serve
The Reentry & Justice-Involved Support Program serves adults with criminal backgrounds referred by the Santa Clara County Reentry Resource Center.
Program Impact
Since the launch of the Reentry & Justice-Involved Support program, Goodwill has successfully placed 70% of participants who complete the program into full-time jobs.
Interested in joining the program?
Getting started is simple. View the brochure to learn more and take the first step.
START MY JOURNEY
Here’s how to take the first step:
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Obtain a referral through the Santa Clara County Office of Diversion and Reentry Center or from one of their reentry partner organizations
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Complete an intake and employment assessment
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Commit to participating in a 90-day transitional
employment placement
EMPLOYERS:
Let's Build a More Inclusive Workforce
Give qualified, job-ready individuals a second chance, while strengthening your team. To learn how to hire our graduates or become a workforce partner, contact us at nowprogramstaff@goodwillsv.org.
SUCCESS STORY:
Anthony Rodriguez
“I believed gang life was the only path, but the NOW Program showed me I could build something real. Today, I work as a Crew Supervisor, helping others take the same step I did.”
Anthony Rodriguez grew up in a troubled home, surrounded by gang influences and instability. His choices eventually led to a 21-year prison sentence. While incarcerated, he realized he needed to change his life.
Anthony joined Goodwill’s NOW Program after his release. He completed electrical training with ABC NorCal, took a business course, and gained the skills needed to thrive.
Today, he mentors others as a Crew Supervisor in the same program that helped him turn things around, a powerful reminder that with support and determination, second chances create lasting change.
Mission Services, LLC