KENTUCKY (FOX 56) — Goodwill Industries of Kentucky announced its new Aspire program on Wednesday, aimed at assisting individuals transitioning after incarceration.

The Aspire program was made possible by a $3.9 million federal grant. It aims to expand on Goodwill’s reintegration services by providing 400 incarcerated individuals with prerelease job training and supportive services. Once released from prison, Goodwill will assist program participants through barrier-removal services, job placement, career coaching, family reunification, and more.

Aspire will assist individuals within 90 days after being released from prison by going into and providing services to seven Kentucky correctional facilities and two reentry centers.

“This grant will allow Goodwill to connect with people through our Opportunity Centers who will shortly be returning to society from incarceration and ensure that they have the support they need to make a new, strong start,” said Goodwill President and CEO Amy Luttrell. “Kentucky needs the talents of all her citizens, and this will help make that possible.”

After receiving prerelease assistance from the Aspire program, participants will remain in the Louisville area and participate in a work-and-learn program for a minimum of 90 days. Leaders of the Aspire program will follow up with participants up to one year after placement while they get acclimated to their new careers across the Commonwealth.

For more information about this program or to learn more about Goodwill’s reentry services and impact on its Kentucky communities, visit GoodwillKY.org.