Goodwill Cornelia Career Center to host Second Chance career fair

CORNELIA — Goodwill of North Georgia’s Cornelia Career Center will host a career fair Tuesday, April 28, as part of Second Chance Month, an initiative aimed at helping people with criminal records find employment opportunities.

The event will take place at the career center, 308 Habersham Hills Circle, and is designed to connect returning citizens with employers and training resources.

According to Goodwill of North Georgia, the Cornelia Career Center has served 887 returning citizens over the past decade, placing 508 into jobs. Across all of its locations, the organization has served more than 31,000 returning citizens and placed more than 15,000 into employment during that time.

“Our support to citizens with justice backgrounds isn’t new,” said Jenny Taylor, vice president of career services. “Just over the past decade, the Cornelia Career Center alone has served 887 returning citizens, placing 508 of them into employment.”

Second Chance Month highlights the need for employment pathways for the more than 70 million Americans living with a criminal record, according to organizers.

Goodwill officials said the Cornelia center offers training programs aimed at preparing participants for in-demand industries, including welding, retail customer service and forklift operations. The programs provide certifications at no cost to participants, along with job-readiness support such as résumé writing and interview coaching.

“Second Chance Month is a reminder that our mission is not just about putting people to work; it’s about restoring dignity,” said Keith T. Parker, president and CEO of Goodwill of North Georgia.

Officials said the programs serve a wide range of ages, from teenagers to older adults, and include wraparound services for those not yet ready to enter the workforce.

One participant, Christian Drawdy, completed a welding certification program through the Cornelia center and was hired within two months by a Homer-based company, according to Goodwill.

Goodwill leaders cited data from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce showing unemployment among people with criminal records is about 30%, more than seven times the national average.

For more information or to register for the career fair, visit goodwillng.org/events or the Cornelia Career Center.