CEO Column | Goodwill Believes in Second Chances

April is Second Chance Month, a nationwide effort to recognize the importance of helping individuals rebuild their lives after incarceration. At Goodwill San Antonio, we are proud to be a second chance employer, offering justice-involved individuals the opportunity to reintegrate into society with the tools and training needed to obtain meaningful employment.

According to the Texas Department of Criminal Justice, workforce training and job placement are among the most critical factors in helping individuals successfully transition back into their communities. Research has shown that employed individuals exhibit significantly lower recidivism rates than their unemployed counterparts.

As a long-standing workforce development provider, Goodwill is uniquely positioned to connect justice-involved individuals with career pathways that meet the needs of our local economy.

Through Goodwill’s Reentry Program, we provide job readiness support for individuals who have been released from prison within the last five years by connecting them to the training, resources, and jobs they need to rebuild their lives. Participants receive hands-on training and dedicated, one-on-one case management for each certification offered within the program.

Helping individuals gain the skills and training they need to be self-sustaining is a total team effort. Goodwill employs dedicated staff and faculty who partner with transitional residential facilities, such as Crosspoint Inc., to deliver a network of support that creates a more successful pathway to employment. As of the end of March 2026, 81% of individuals who completed training obtained employment within six months of vocational attainment.

By investing in people, regardless of their background, we can create stronger communities and a more inclusive economy. Second chances do not just transform individual lives; they create ripple effects that benefit families, neighborhoods, and future generations.

This work is only possible because of the generosity of our donors and shoppers, whose support fuels opportunity and opens doors for those ready to rebuild their lives with dignity and purpose.If you or someone you know is interested in learning more about our Reentry Program, or any of our other workforce development programs, please visit www.goodwillsa.org or call us at 210-924-8581.

Carlos J. Contreras III is President & CEO at Goodwill San Antonio