meet aLEX FLOWERS TEO program GRADUATE
Congratulations to our TEO graduates! Recent graduations
After facing the chal- lenges of incarceration, Alex Flowers knew he wanted more for his life and his family. But like many individuals reentering society, he faced significant barri - ers to employment and stability. That’s when he connected with Goodwill Industries of Arkansas’ Reentry Pro- gram—a turning point that helped him reclaim his future. Through Goodwill’s Reentry Services, Alex received job training, employment readi-
Little Rock + Feb. 14, 2025
northwest arkansas + march 4, 2025
northwest arkansas + march 4, 2025
conway + march 24, 2025
northeast arkansas + april 11, 2025
hot springs + april 25, 2025
ness support, and the mentorship needed to navigate the difficult transition back into the workforce. More than just skills, the program gave Alex what he needed most: hope and opportunity. “The staff believed in me when I didn’t believe in my - self,” Alex shared. With their support, he secured stable employment and began to rebuild not just his career—but his confidence and sense of purpose. Goodwill’s Reentry Program is designed to break down barriers for justice-involved individuals by offering paid transitional job training, career planning, and access to community resources. It’s part of Goodwill’s broader mis- sion to change lives through education, training and em- ployment. Alex’s story is a testament to the power of second chances. Thanks to programs like Reentry Services—and the support of donors and shoppers like you—success stories like his are possible every day. ALEX MISSION MOMENT VIDEO DID YOU KNOW? The recidivism rate for graduates of our Transitional Employment Opportunity (TEO) program is less than 6%, compared to the state average of 46%.
second chance month
April marked Second Chance Month, and Goodwill Industries of Ar- kansas took action to create real opportunities for individuals reen- tering society. Our Reentry Team connected with more than 1,200 incarcerated individuals across the state, sharing life-changing in- formation about programs and services designed to support their successful transition. In addition to outreach, GIA hosted several community and recovery events, reinforcing our commitment to sec- ond chances and brighter futures. • National Association of Reentry Professionals Conference: “A Wholistic Approach to Reentry” • Arkansas Department of Corrections and Arkansas Community Corrections visits: • Central Arkansas Community Correction Center in Little Rock • East Central Arkansas Community Correction Center in West Memphis • McPherson Unit in Newport • Northeast Arkansas Community Correction Center in Osceola • Pulaski County Jail • White River Correctional Center in Batesville
learn more at goodwillar.org/reentry
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mission magazine / volume 2 / sUMMER 2025 mission magazine / volume 2 / summer 2025
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