The Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry (L&I) recently awarded Goodwill of the Southern Alleghenies a $9.5 million U.S. Department of Labor’s First Step Act grant.
The organization will use the funding to support ReSTART Statewide Reentry Program, a reentry program designed to help individuals formerly incarcerated in federal prisons pursue employment. The goal is to reduce recidivism.
Goodwill of the Southern Alleghenies will be the lead agency for the statewide program. It will lead a system of job training, skills development, and support services within minimum- and low-security federal prisons and reentry centers.
The organization will partner with PA CareerLink offices and reentry specialists to help participants restore financial independence, successfully transition back to their communities and positively contribute to the workforce.
“Reentry programs that support individuals returning to the community benefit everyone, including that person’s family and their greater community,” L&I Acting Secretary Nancy Walker said. “On behalf of L&I, I look forward to collaborating with Goodwill of Southern Alleghenies and applaud their commitment to improving self-sufficiency and reducing recidivism in Pennsylvania while breaking down barriers to gainful employment.”
Goodwill of the Southern Alleghenies is a Johnstown-based nonprofit organization. It is one of eight independent Goodwill affiliate agencies that make up the PA Goodwill Collaborative.