A Second Chance to Succeed: How Goodwill is Rebuilding Lives Across Central Oklahoma
Every year, more than 650,000 people are released from state and federal prisons across the U.S., often with little more than hope and the clothes on their backs. The path forward is rarely easy. With limited resources and countless doors closed to them, the odds of rebuilding a life from scratch are steep. But what if we chose to see potential instead of a past? What if we gave more people a second chance?
At Goodwill Central Oklahoma, Second Chance Month isn’t just a time on the calendar—it’s at the heart of who we are.
Breaking Barriers, Building Futures
More than 70 million Americans carry the weight of a criminal record. That label often blocks access to stable employment, education, housing, and dignity. But studies—and stories—tell us something powerful: when people are employed, they’re less likely to return to prison. In fact, high-quality, stable jobs are among the most effective ways to reduce recidivism.
That’s why Goodwill is committed to opening doors that were once closed, offering wraparound support that goes far beyond a paycheck.
Our Work in Action
In 2024, Goodwill Central Oklahoma delivered Re-Entry Preparation programs across five state prisons—Joseph Harp, Clara Waters, Union City, Mabel Bassett, and Howard McLeod. Through these programs, 82 inmates received over 240 hours of training, preparing them to reenter society with new skills, confidence, and goals.
Our support extends to justice-involved youth, too. With more than 30 hours of training provided to 174 young people in detention and court services, we’re helping set a new course for the next generation—before the cycle of incarceration has a chance to begin.
We’ve also supported 140 individuals with self-disclosed justice involvement, guiding them with tools to succeed in life and work through:
- GED preparation and ESL classes
- Basic and occupational skill development
- Employment readiness training
- Job placement assistance
- Life skills and supportive services
Second Chances Start with Opportunity
Britney Pascoe, now a store manager in Weatherford, knows firsthand the power of a second chance:
“I struggled to find a job as a felon. A lot of people say they’re felony-friendly, but when they run the background check, they’re not. Goodwill accepted me and gave me a chance. They’ve helped me in ways they’ll never know.”
“I’m looking at myself as a leader now—that has changed me a lot.”
Isaac Blalock, another Goodwill success story, puts it simply:
“Second chances are offered, and that’s why Goodwill is so great… We all make mistakes and we all need forgiveness. Just saying ‘yes’ can make anything possible for a person. I’m a living witness to that.”
These are just a few among countless stories of resilience, growth, and renewal that begin with one simple belief: Everyone deserves a fair chance.
📺 Watch Britney’s Story | Watch Isaac’s Story
Empowering Change from the Inside Out
Our mission at Goodwill is to transform lives through the power of work—and that includes our own team. Through RISE (Resources for Individual Success and Empowerment), our employees receive career coaching, training, and personal development support from Career Navigators. We also partner with WorkLife Partnership to connect staff to critical resources like childcare, food assistance, and housing support.
Because second chances shouldn’t just be extended to people reentering society—they should be part of every workplace.
Looking Ahead: Policy and Purpose
Goodwill is not only on the ground doing the work—we’re also shaping the systems that make this work possible. Nationally, Goodwill has supported landmark legislation like the First Step Act and the Second Chance Act, while advocating for expanded reentry employment opportunities across the country.
“Goodwill wants to help remove those barriers so that everyone is treated with a fair chance,” says Lisa Dillon, VP of Workforce Development.
“There are 70 to 100 million individuals with justice involvement who are ready to work. They are full of potential.”
Join the Movement
Second Chance Month is more than a campaign. It’s a call to action.
At Goodwill Central Oklahoma, we believe in futures, not pasts. We believe that redemption is real, that growth is possible, and that everyone deserves the chance to rise.
Support our mission. Share these stories. Hire with an open heart.
Together, we can break cycles and build legacies of hope, one job at a time.
📽 Explore More Stories of Hope and Impact