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Goodwill store in South Bay jail provides women in custody retail job experience
Some of the women in custody at a South Bay jail are getting some real-world work experience at a first-of-its kind Goodwill of Silicon Valley store. The store in Elmwood Correctional Facility in Milpitas. Its the jails first retail store. Its run and organized by the female inmates.
MILPITAS, Calif. - Update: This story has been updated as the store has now opened and includes interviews from some of the participants and a corrections officer.
A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held in the South Bay last Tuesday for a Goodwill store that has now opened inside a correctional facility. Women in custody are provided real-world retail experience, Santa Clara County Sheriff's Officials say.
The store inside the Elmwood Correctional Campus in Milpitas is being called "groundbreaking" by the sheriff's office.
Women incarcerated at Elmwood Correctional Facility in Milpitas are participants in a one-of-a kind Goodwill store inside the jail.
Women involved in the program get hands-on training in warehousing, inventory and other logistics as part of a three-part training series.
A news release from the sheriff's office says participants are learning essential skills to keep the store running on a day-to-day basis and that they are being trained in a supportive environment.
"This program uplifts the women in our care, enhancing their wellbeing and restoring their dignity," said Holly Child, Director of Restorative Services. "For many, this represents hope, healing, and the opportunity to rebuild their lives."
Clothing, undergarments and shoes are the primary items available at this Goodwill store for women who are about to be released.
Photo courtesy Santa Clara County Sheriffs Office
"It gives us a chance to put on something that actually fits us. Something so we can have some dignity, some self-respect and something to have a new start. And the clothes are good quality," said Sinica Santos, one of the trainees at the store.
The program allows women who are near their release an opportunity to shop for clothes free of charge. This component of the program is described as impactful because it allows them to re-enter society with not only their new job skills, but also with newfound personal confidence.
"When they finish this program, they'll walk away with two certificates and then they'll be ready for a job at their release with a Goodwill store," said Capt. Rita Roland with Elmwood Correctional Facility.
Roland says women are statistically more likely to be caretakers than men. "When you are helping them you're helping them help their children, you're helping them help their parents and even grandparents. So, when you're helping women, you're helping generations. You're helping the community," Roland said.
An inspiring message on the wall says, "Anything is Possible."
Photo courtesy Santa Clara County Sheriffs Office
The sheriff's office has Goodwill of Silicon Valley and Aramark to thank for their commitment to this program as "second-chance employers."
"This collaborative effort marks a significant step toward breaking the cycle of incarceration and creating brighter futures," the sheriff's office said in their news release.
A spokesperson for the sheriff's office said women in custody who are participating in services through the Sheriff's Programs Unit by taking Aramark retail classes or have been trained by one of the women in custody who have been trained as a trainer are allowed to work in the store. In addition, all women who have been released can receive clothing.
The three classes in the Aramark retail series vary in length. Women can work in the store depending on their length of time in the facility.
Photo courtesy Santa Clara County Sheriffs Office
"Goodwill does a train the trainer model for women in custody who will run and operate the store independently. Goodwill will support the overall train the trainer model when needed, but women in custody are leading the store’s success," said Brooks Jarosz, a spokesperson for the sheriff's office.
The women participating in this program are considered minimal risk to the volunteers and the Goodwill staff is very low, Jarosz said. Four women are currently enrolled in the program. Once they are released, more women will be eligible to participate.
Roland says she feels great about this program. "We're not here to punish them, we're here to rehabilitate, restore them. Help them to be better out into society. This program is a pathway for that," she said. "One of our individuals explained when they come to this program, they feel like they're not even in jail, but they feel like they're contributing not just for themselves individually, but as a whole."
"We are offering something powerful: opportunity, dignity, and a fresh start," said Jessica Castello, Goodwill Vice President of Retail. "Together, we are making a tangible difference in the lives of women who deserve a second chance, and we’re showing that it’s never too late to rebuild, to learn, and to thrive."
Roland says the program falls in line with Elmwood's mission and vision to educate and give their population skills that will create a path so they can transition back into the community productively.
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