Goodwill Community Partner Feature: Community Justice Center

By Alana Sesow

At Goodwill, we believe in the power of community.

Not only does Goodwill create and fund life-changing employment services, like those offered for free at our Job Connection Center, but we also provide funding to peer agencies that help local job seekers overcome traditional barriers to employment. Through our community partnerships, we can better fulfill our mission: “willing workers employed and community resources maximized.”

Providing career resources to justice-involved individuals is crucial for a successful transition back into the community, specifically one that promotes financial stability and reduces the likelihood of recidivism. That’s why Goodwill partners with the Community Justice Center.

The Community Justice Center’s work heals victims, communities and offenders through the transformative process of restorative justice. With funding support from Goodwill, the agency provides restorative justice classes in prisons and probation districts across Nebraska. Upon release, individuals are invited to meet with a Goodwill Employment Specialist for assistance navigating resources and employment opportunities.

“Goodwill has created a tremendous impact,” said Jim Jones, Executive Director of the Community Justice Center. “I was only able to go full time on the project with Goodwill’s support back in 2006. That was the only way we were able to expand and help more people, more victims and more justice-involved individuals. So, it was just instrumental in elevating us to a level where we can [serve] more institutions, more jails and more prisons. If it wasn’t for Goodwill’s financial support over the years, I know we wouldn’t be where we’re at.”

To learn more, watch our interview with Jim Jones or visit communityjusticecenter.org