Goodwill Industries held a small ceremony for the first graduating class of their LifeLaunch Program, an initiative offering, among other opportunities, support and stabilization services for residents who will reside in the Louisville area after their release from the Diersen Substance Abuse Program. Funded by the U.S. Department of Labor, the pilot Adult Reintegration Project, also exposes the residents to education and training, employment and advancement in hospitality, manufacturing, construction, health care, customer service, residential placement, and legal assistance with identification and expungement. They also offer job readiness for the residents. A total of 20 residents participated in the program, 10 of whom have secured employment or continued their education. Attendees included Steve Durham, Assistant Director of Louisville Metro Correc-tions; Martin Baker, Offender Services Manager at Metro Corrections; Dr. Marsha Berry, Vice-President of Goodwill, and Rena Sharpe, Chief Operating Office at Goodwill. “We (Goodwill) want to help beyond you getting a job,” said Sharpe. “We believe that everyone deserves a second chance.” Light refreshments were served.
