The Goodwill Reentry Initiative (GRI) is a non-residential program at Goodwill of Southern New England that provides comprehensive case management and employment services to male and female adult offenders returning to the New Haven area after incarceration. Referrals are provided by the Department of Correction (DOC), Adult Probation, and Federal Probation, as well as through programs in the community that work with this population.

Pre/Post-Release Services: We provide a range of pre-release and post-release services. Post-release services are provided at Goodwill of Southern New England’s Westville location, in the community, and within individuals’ homes.

  • Family Reunification
  • Subsidized Basic Needs
  • Transportation
  • Peer Mentorship
  • Assistance with Benefit Enrollment
  • Education
  • Employment/Volunteer Services Referral
  • Financial Management
  • Substance Abuse Treatment Referral
  • Mental Health/Medical Services Referral

Goodwill Reentry Initiative: Key Services:

  • New Haven Reentry Welcome Center: Our Westville location greets individuals returning home with a “Welcome Home Bag” filled with essentials like hygiene products, bus passes, laundry cards, and cell phones. We also immediately offer referrals for housing, healthcare, and anything else needed for a fresh start.

  • “Good Path” Pre-Employment Training: We conduct monthly classes on the basics: resumes, interviewing, job retention, and even financial literacy. Once the class is finished, our specialist helps with the job search and talks with employers about the benefits of hiring justice-system involved individuals.

  • Transitional Employment Program: Graduates of “Good Path” can receive paid training in our retail stores for six weeks (8 hours a week). It’s a great way to get hands-on experience while working one-on-one with an employment specialist.

  • Intensive Case Management: We work closely with New Haven residents who have been affected by gun violence, providing dedicated support to help them navigate resources and stay on track in the community.

  • Peer Mentorship: Our Community Advocate has “been there and done that” and uses that lived experience to mentor others. They make sure everyone stays up-to-date with their referrals and reach out to offer extra help if someone loses contact.

  • Community Collaborations: We are always visiting local organizations to spread the word. If you would like us to visit your group to talk about what we do, just reach out!

Dedicated Advocacy & Support:

Our Case Manager monitors these referrals to ensure that individuals’ needs are being addressed, while also assisting individuals with advocacy needs.

Community Advocate: The Community Advocate works alongside the Case Manager to provide individuals access to basic needs, facilitate positive interactions with other community members, and provide weekly support groups for men reentering the New Haven community following incarceration. In addition, the Community Advocate provides support to those working in our retail division by way of mentoring, job coaching, and basic skills necessary to seek and maintain employment.

Our Collaborating Partners & Community Support:

  • Cornell Scott Hill Health Center
  • Transitions Clinic
  • The Connection, Inc.
  • New Haven Reentry Roundtable
  • City of New Haven
  • CT Violence Intervention and Prevention
  • Hang Time/Her Time
  • Project Longevity

Hours: Monday – Friday: 8:00am – 4:00pm

Setting: 61 Amity Road, New Haven, CT 06515

For more information about Goodwill Reentry Initiative, call us at (203) 772-6602 or contact us here.