Success Story

Goodwill Offers Support at Critical Crossroads  

A crossroads can be defined as a crisis situation or point in time when a critical decision must be made. How appropriate then for North Louisiana Goodwill Industries Rehabilitation Center (Shreveport) to use the word to describe its program that helps families move beyond employment and life barriers and find a new path.  

Many times, financial and family stability are just out of reach for those whose pasts include homelessness, addiction, domestic violence, disability or previous criminal records. But the Shreveport Goodwill is proving that consistent community support can dissolve those barriers once and for all.  

This family-centered, holistic program begins with a thorough assessment of the participants’ and their families’ needs. At this stage, the family may receive referrals to other community agencies that can help with basic needs such as shelter and food. Next, the participant takes part in a rigorous training program that prepares them to hold a job, manage their finances and handle the stressors of daily living.  Following training, participants are placed in jobs according to their employment preferences and abilities. Key to the program are the family retention specialists who follow up with employees at 30, 60, 90 and 180 days to ensure they are succeeding on the job and to offer additional supports as necessary. A “Crossroads Membership Card” reminds participants they can come back to the program any time.  

A 180-degree feedback loop ensures that participants can suggest program improvements. Last year, several parents requested a much-needed component for their previously incarcerated children. This intensive case management approach includes job readiness training, GED preparation, mentoring and other basic supports to help teens improve their self-esteem and make a new start. Other family members are invited to participate in the youth’s development unless the family is a detriment to the youth’s progress.

In 2004, Crossroads served more than 500 individuals, 98 percent of whom were at or below the poverty level, and placed 323 in jobs. The economic impact to the community topped $3.6 million in wages paid and taxes generated, but the direct cost per program participant was only $290.

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Winner of a 2005 Families Count Family Strengthening Award, sponsored by Goodwill Industries International and the Annie E. Casey Foundation.