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December 18, 2007

Goodwill awarded Michigan Prisoner Re-Entry Initiative Grant Funding to support programs to create safer neighborhoods and better citizens

Grand Rapids, MI- Goodwill Industries of Greater Grand Rapids, in partnership with Goodwill Industries of West Michigan, was recently awarded a Michigan Prisoner Re-Entry Initiative (MPRI) grant from the state of Michigan. The grant will provide funding for prisoner re-entry programs servicing a nine-county territory.

Both Goodwill's will provide Workforce Development Services in their respective Goodwill territories. (GIGGR serves Ionia, Montcalm, Gratiot, Isabella, Mecosta, and Osceola counties; and GIWM serves Lake, Newaygo, and Mason counties.)

Governor Jennifer Granholm has proposed a significant reform of Michigan's prison system to address both the rising population and skyrocketing costs by changing intake policies, reducing lengths of stay, and enhancing prisoner reentry programs. (from the state of the state address)

MPRI is a statewide initiative that has been a collaborative effort administered through public and private partnership including the Department of Labor and Economic Growth, Department of Corrections, Department of Community Health, Department of Human Services, Department of Education, Public Policy Associates, and the Michigan Council on Crime & Delinquency. MPRI is one of few programs with bi-partisan support from legislators.

The primary goal of MPRI is to promote public safety by increasing the success rates of prisoners transitioning from prison to the community. Goodwill Industries will facilitate programs including financial and job seeking training programs, transitional employment experiences, daily life skills, and other support services.

Goodwill's MPRI program works solely with the Muskegon County Correctional Facility. Inmates discharged to one of the fore mentioned nine counties will go to the MPRI InReach facility in Muskegon. While in the two-month InReach program, prisoners go through an initial re-entry program consisting of behavioral management, financial classes, and prep classes. They also receive prisoner re-entry support and with a wrap-around transition team they map out a plan for successful transition into every day life. Once through the program parole officers will recommend services to be provided by Goodwill.

"Goodwill Industries is known for putting people to work," says Kathy Crosby, President and CEO of Goodwill Industries of Greater Grand Rapids. "Our success with job training and other programs will help achieve the vision of MPRI to give prisoners the tools to succeed in the community."

"We're excited to expand our MPRI involvement by collaborating with Goodwill Industries of Greater Grand Rapids in providing pre-release planning and employment services for prisoners re-entering our communities," said Goodwill Industries of West Michigan President and CEO Richard Carlson.

Michigan lawmakers agree that the cost of training programs is more effective than the cost of returning to prison. Goodwill Industries has been a part of MPRI since inception and part of the advisory committee that began the program three years ago. This MPRI grant for northern services area completes the three-year initiative of covering the state of Michigan with MPRI programs.

CONTACT
Jill Wallace - VP of Community Relations (GIGGR)
(616) 532-4200, ext. 1108

Liz Witzler - Marketing Director (GIWM)
(231) 722-7871, ext. 223

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About Goodwill Industries of Greater Grand Rapids
Goodwill Industries of Greater Grand Rapids, Inc. is a non-profit organization dedicated to changing lives through the power of work. Since 1968, the organization has offered a wide range of employment and training programs free of charge to assist those with disabilities and other barriers to employment in developing their marketable skills in order to find meaningful employment. Its efforts are supported by revenues from its 12 retail stores in a five-county area, as well as from monetary donations.

About Goodwill Industries of West Michigan
The mission of Goodwill Industries of West Michigan, Inc. is to provide work opportunities and skill development for people with barriers to employment. Established in 1950, GIWM offers a wide range of programs and services all with the common theme of helping people train for, find, and keep good jobs. In 2006 alone, GIWM provided employment services to 6,388 people in West Michigan.