March 17, 2000 Name Address City, ST, Zip Dear Name: When Jerry was released from prison, he knew it would take hard work and determination to straighten out his life. He knew he had made a bad mistake, but despite his commitment to rebuilding his life, he just didn't count on the obstacles that would be thrown up in his path. Reality hit when he was unable to reconcile with his wife and ended up on the street. He went to the Center Township Trustee for food stamps until he could find a job and a place to live. The Trustee referred him to the Blue Triangle where he consulted Goodwill's Career Academy staff for job search assistance. Jerry's Goodwill caseworker found him a job immediately. But Jerry's troubles didn't end there. The seasonal construction job he obtained soon ended, and he returned to Career Academy for help once more. Unemployed, homeless and with a prison record, Jerry now faced going back to prison for failure to pay child support. It took some time and hard work, but with the help of Goodwill, Jerry was able to work out a payment plan with the prosecutor's office, find housing and conduct a more thorough job search. With unemployment at its lowest point in years in central Indiana, many people still have a hard time finding meaningful employment. Of the more than 42,000 people Goodwill served in 1999, over 5,000 of them have multiple barriers to finding and keeping a job. Some, like Jerry, are ex-offenders. Some are blind, deaf or have other physical disabilities. More than 100 were homeless. But Goodwill offers hope even to people with numerous obstacles to overcome, like Jerry. With a promising new job at a plastic injection molding manufacturer, his legal troubles in check and a safe place to live, Jerry can get on with the business of building a life for himself and contributing to his community. For as long as he needs it, Goodwill will continue to help. Your support of Goodwill will provide job training and placement services to help the hardest to serve in central Indiana find meaningful employment. And, with your assistance, Goodwill can help employers develop resources to keep workers on the job. Please make an investment in the stability of our community by sending a gift to Goodwill. Your generosity will help people help themselves. Sincerely, James M. McClelland President