In recognition of Second Chance Month, Goodwill North Central Texas is launching a free Reentry GED Program to help individuals recently released from incarceration build skills, earn their GED and reconnect to the workforce. The program provides GED preparation courses taught by a state-certified instructor and is designed to help participants increase earning potential and pursue further training or college opportunities. Open to eligible residents across Tarrant, Johnson, Hood, Somervell and Erath counties, the program connects participants to the tools and support needed to successfully reenter the workforce.
April is Second Chance Month, a time to recognize the importance of creating pathways to opportunity for people returning to their communities after incarceration. Each year, approximately 650,000 people are released from state and federal prisons, and an estimated 70–79 million Americans (nearly one in three adults) have a criminal record. When barriers to employment and education are reduced, communities are safer and local economies are stronger.
Second Chance Month 2026 centers on the theme of opportunity in action, highlighting how employers, nonprofits and communities can work together to expand access to jobs, training and support services that help people rebuild their lives. Goodwill North Central Texas is demonstrating that second chances are not only a matter of fairness, but a practical workforce and public safety solution.
Recent national research shows that state-level recidivism rates are about 23% lower than in 2008, reflecting the impact of sustained investments in reentry services, job training and community-based supports. These gains underscore what data and lived experience continue to show: access to stable employment is one of the strongest predictors of successful reentry.
“Second chances change lives and strengthen communities,” said Romney Guy, Vice President of Workforce Development for Goodwill North Central Texas. “When people have access to meaningful work and the support they need to succeed, we see lower recidivism, a stronger workforce and safer neighborhoods. Second Chance Month is an opportunity to recognize the progress Goodwill® has made and recommit to expanding opportunity for even more people in 2026 and beyond.” During Second Chance Month, leaders and organizations are encouraged to advance policies and practices that remove unnecessary barriers to employment, support reentry services and open doors for people eager to contribute to their families, workplaces and communities.
For more information about Goodwill’s reentry services and how you can get involved, visit www.goodwillnorthcentraltexas.org/relaunch.
About Goodwill North Central Texas Goodwill is more than a thrift store. The largest employer of people with disabilities in the world, Goodwill provides education, training and job placement and believes that it’s worth celebrating! Goodwill North Central Texas is based in Fort Worth and serves 18 counties in the region. The nonprofit’s 27 area retail locations provide revenue through the sale of donated goods to support Goodwill’s mission to CREATE lives of independence and BUILD a stronger local community. Education, training and job placement programs for individuals with disabilities, the formerly incarcerated, at-risk youth, our veterans and people experiencing homelessness are guided by the organization’s vision of a North Central Texas where every person has the opportunity for maximum independence and abundant living. For more information, please visit www.GoodwillNorthCentralTexas.org.
