A second chance focus at Kentucky Goodwill Opportunity Centers this month

A weekly community partners’ event at Lexington’s Goodwill Opportunity Center carried a slightly different meaning on Thursday.

Tables filled the New Circle Road central room with representatives from various assistance agencies. This day was also set aside to recognize second chances for justice-involved individuals. Jennifer Bergman is the regional director of career services with Goodwill. She said sometimes it’s Goodwill where employment advancement occurs.

“Individuals who are in those kinds of positions that started out ten to fifteen years ago at the very bottom. They’re in our top leadership for Goodwill retail. So, it’s exciting to see what someone can do when you get a second chance,” said Bergman.

Bergman said similar second chance events are being held this month at the other 11 Opportunity Centers statewide.

The event also included assistance for clients working through drug recovery, or with low income. Opportunity Center Manager LaRee Jacobs said sales at Goodwill retail stores support career assistance.

“90 cents 9-0 cents of every dollar that is made in the retail stores comes back to the career services side. So, that we can offer these services to our clients,” said Jacobs.

Jacobs said that might come in the form of career coaching, supporting classes, and reducing barriers to employment.

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