Goodwill Commercial Services Manufacturing Division employee, James Clements, had been impacted by the criminal justice system on and off throughout most of his life. A little over two years ago, however, after thirteen years of incarceration, James was first introduced to Goodwill of Central & Southern Indiana. Goodwill leaders began visiting him and other incarcerated individuals to share an exciting work opportunity available to them after incarceration. 

At the end of his time at Heritage Trails Correctional Facility, James was told he had a job waiting for him at Goodwill Commercial Services if he wanted it. Despite this, Goodwill still needed to earn James’s trust. “They came in and they said, ‘Trust us. We are going to help you,’” James said. “We’ve been sold a bill of goods on a lot of different [things], you know, in every possible plane and issue. It’s hard to trust,” James continued. But, with time, James’s trust was earned.

Goodwill leaders routinely visited Heritage Trails to talk with James and others about a new opportunity at Goodwill Commercial Services working with LabCorp, a manufacturing partner of Goodwill Commercial Services. Jason Wiley, Director of Plant Operations at Goodwill Commercial Services, visited often, ensuring that James’ questions were answered while building important rapport. Upon leaving Heritage Trails, James started as a forklift driver at Goodwill Commercial Services’ Tremont facility. “They hired me and 10 other guys to see if it would take off, and it took off and skyrocketed really,” James said.

James entered the Goodwill New Beginnings program shortly after starting work at Goodwill. Goodwill New Beginnings provides individuals who have been involved in the justice system an opportunity to readjust to life after incarceration and reenter their communities. A three to 18-month program, Goodwill New Beginnings focuses on acquiring technical and soft skills for previously incarcerated individuals. Every participant is assigned a coach who provides support along the journey. James graduated from Goodwill New Beginnings last summer, after fulfilling the program’s requirements.

Today, James continues to excel at work as a box truck driver and a forklift team lead. “I would tell people to definitely trust Goodwill, ‘cause they will definitely help you find your way,” James said. He encourages others in a similar position as he was to seek out Goodwill.  “[Goodwill’s] wraparound services are more like a one-on-one [experience]. [Goodwill staff] talk to you about whatever you’re going through, whether it’s impatience or boredom, or just orienting to authority structures.”

James has been successfully rebuilding his life for over two years since his release. He has since started college, pursuing a degree in business. He also has his own apartment, a nice car, and he recently purchased a Harley-Davidson Motorcycle. He looks forward to taking life one day at a time. “Right now, it's just to be happy on a day-by-day basis,” James said when asked about his future goals. “I have a lot, and I want what I have today.” 

To learn more about Goodwill New Beginnings or employment opportunities at Goodwill, please visit www.goodwillindy.org.