Meet Gerald: From Prison to a Positive Impact

Gerald, a Goodwill Acadiana team member

💙 Meet Gerald - a man putting positive energy back into the world!

Before coming to Goodwill, Gerald was in prison for 20 years. He didn't have any family connections, so he invested his time into his community and education. He realized that if he could make a positive impact while in prison, he could make an even bigger impact once he got out.

After getting out, he recognized that time is his most valuable asset, saying: "We need to invest in ourselves... if I've invested time in myself, then I can give to others."

In Goodwill, Gerald found a stable income, a consistent work schedule, and a platform to talk to people and share his story! He's able to support himself and his wife and live the simple life.

"I've been home for 5 months. Not free, not out, home. I've always wanted the simple life. When I was in prison, I wasn't dreaming about big cars and a lot of money. I was dreaming about being tired from work and still having to go out to get something to eat for the family. I'm living that, and I love it."

"Me being here [Goodwill] - I'm putting some positive energy back into the world, and that's all it's about for me."

When you donate and shop at Goodwill Acadiana, you support local people like Gerald 🫶