Goodwill Industries of Kentucky is hosting its inaugural Second Chance Conference on Wednesday, April 28 in support of the thousands of previously justice-involved Kentuckians who have paid their debts to society and now want to rebuild their lives.

CONFERENCE INFORMATION:

WHO: As we celebrate Second Chance Month, this virtual conference is for anyone who needs a second chance and businesses and service providers interested in supporting the second-chance population. Governor Andy Beshear will give a brief welcome and second chance message. Keynote Speaker will be Ashley McCarty from the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce. Presenters and panelists will include individuals from the Department of Corrections, GE Appliances, Apprisen, Volunteers of America, Kentucky Career Center and many other employer and community partners.

WHAT: The free conference will feature workshops that help people with criminal records understand how to successfully pursue career opportunities and inform them about useful reentry services that are available to them. Individuals in this track will also take part in an expungement clinic. A second set of workshops will be conducted for business and service-provider representatives interested in supporting the second-chance population.

The event, which is presented by MolinaCares Accord and sponsored by the LG&E KU Foundation, Park Community Credit Union and Clean Slate, will feature laptop and gift card giveaways for some attendees to help improve their ability to successfully reenter the workforce.

WHY: April is Second Chance Month, and we believe in the power of second chances! Our stores help us with our mission to serve those who need a second chance – through the power of work. Goodwill gives a hand up to these individuals, helping them achieve and maintain employment to gain a better quality of life. As a workforce services organization, our staff members have placed thousands of Kentuckians into jobs in our stores and with hundreds of employers throughout the commonwealth.

WHERE/HOW: View agenda here | Register for free here

WHEN: April 28 | 8:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. EST

About Goodwill Industries of Kentucky

In the 2020 fiscal year – despite a pandemic – Goodwill partnered with 751 community employers to place Kentuckians into 2,073 jobs across the state – both inside and outside of Goodwill. Goodwill’s career path programs and employment services, which serve Kentuckians who have disabilities or other challenges, are funded through a combination of grants, corporate and individual giving, and its retail stores, which sell donated clothing and household items at 66 locations across Kentucky.