A Fair Chance for a Sustainable Career Path

A group of partners on the Fair Chance Pipeline pilot project pose for a photo at Goodwill Industries — Left to right: Jessica Justrabo, Mary Ellen Matsui (Goodwill), Juli McGrenere (JHSLD), Shea Jackson (Goodwill), Taghrid Hussain, Mark Tutu (JHSLD)

Goodwill Industries, Ontario Great Lakes partners with the John Howard Society of London and District (JHSLD), John Howard Society of Ontario (JHSO) to pilot an innovative talent pipeline, helping individuals with criminal records overcome systemic barriers to employment.

For Canadians with a criminal record, finding a job can be an uphill battle. Employment provides structure, purpose, and a sense of belonging, making it a key factor in successfully reintegrating a justice-involved individual into society. Despite this, a 2024 report by the John Howard Society of Ontario revealed that Canadian employers often exclude justice-involved individuals from consideration when reviewing candidates, including those who are qualified and ready to work. This lack of opportunity not only limits their potential but also increases the risk of homelessness, addiction, and reoffending.

The Fair Chances project, supported by a $109,500 Community Vitality grant, aims to change that. Over 18 months, JHSLD will identify 30 justice-involved individuals who are “job ready” and provide them with wraparound supports, including housing assistance, mental health services, and criminal justice support. These participants will then be referred to Goodwill for job readiness training, before being hired for meaningful roles within Goodwill’s London operations. This is a demonstration of Goodwill’s mission in action, transforming lives and communities through the power of work.

“JHSLD and Goodwill collectively bring decades of experience in delivering similar programs, ensuring the necessary capacity to successfully implement this program,” said JHSLD Executive Director Taghrid Hussain. “This partnership leverages the complementary strengths of JHSLD and Goodwill to provide integrated, client-focused support.”

The John Howard Society of Ontario will develop an evaluation plan that measures outcomes, such as employment rates, job retention, and satisfaction among both participants and Goodwill as the employer. If the pilot is successful, the program has the potential to be scaled locally and replicated further afield.

London Community Foundation’s Community Vitality grant will cover staff costs for the project as it aims to create a more equitable and compassionate community, where everyone has a fair chance of succeeding.

A woman in a blue Goodwill t-shirt sorts clothes at a donation centre.

A young man in a grey long-sleeve shirt and blue baseball cap stands next to a forklift in a warehouse.

Goodwill’s Role

Goodwill serves as the primary employer, bringing decades of experience supporting people with complex barriers at work. Placements will be offered at Goodwill’s London locations in retail, logistics, donation services, administration, and career centres. Our goal is to prepare participants for stable and sustainable employment either at Goodwill or with other employers.

Why It Matters

Providing employment with fewer barriers is at the core of our mission to transform lives and communities through the power of work. This partnership strengthens our commitment to inclusive hiring and creates a clear pathway for people who experience systemic stigma when seeking work.

Participants will have access to Goodwill’s wraparound supports including employment coaching, skills development, scholarships, emergency loans, counselling, and connections to health and housing resources. These benefits are offered at no cost to ensure participants can focus on stability and success in their roles.