Silicon Valley nonprofit opens first store inside jail

Goodwill has opened a new store in the most unexpected location — and for the employees it could be a life-changing experience.

Goodwill of Silicon Valley launched its first-ever store at the Elmwood Correctional Facility in Milpitas last week, providing incarcerated women hands-on training in using a cash register and how to select and sort items. The small store is stocked with shoes, backpacks, pants, shirts, sweaters, underwear and socks. It’s open Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1-3 p.m., and women who are getting released will be scheduled to stop by the store to pick out free clothes.

Goodwill has opened a new store in the most unexpected location — and for the employees it could be a life-altering experience. Goodwill of Silicon Valley launched its first-ever store at the Elmwood Correctional Facility in Milpitas last week, providing incarcerated women hands-on training in using a cash register and how to select and sort items. The small store is stocked with shoes, backpacks, pants, shirts, sweaters and underwear and socks. It’s open Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1-3 p.m., and women who are getting released will be scheduled to stop by the store to pick out free clothes. Learn more at SanJoseSpotlight.com.

The idea to put a store in the jail emerged as Goodwill staff and the Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office discussed how to better serve incarcerated people. Goodwill partners with the county’s Reentry Resource Center and has been working with people transitioning out of the criminal justice system for more than a decade.

“So as a part of that … this idea emerged that maybe we can bring a store here and do some training and provide the clothing for the women as they’re exiting,” Trish Dorsey, vice president of mission services at Goodwill of Silicon Valley, told San José Spotlight.

Women who have shown good behavior at Elmwood, such as attending classes, will operate the store twice a week. Goodwill hopes to offer the job training to incarcerated men at a later date.

The store is particularly valuable for 30-year-old Myra. This is her first job.

“This program is really important for me,”she told San José Spotlight. “I’ve never had any work experience. Having a cash register, having a store to help me to see what I will be dealing with as far as working at a store, it’s a good opportunity for me. I’ll be released with a lot of work experience.”

Other incarcerated women expressed how this opportunity is a stepping stone for transitioning back into the workforce with employable skills — something they can put on their resumes. Working at the facility could help the women find work at a Goodwill store in the county once released.

“​​To get that experience while in jail, it’s unheard of,” Sinica, 46, told San José Spotlight.

Not only will this program provide a pipeline for employment when the incarcerated women get out, but those who are getting released will also have the opportunity to pick out clean clothes. On release, women will be allowed to take home two tops, two bottoms, a pack of underwear, a pack of socks, shoes and a backpack for free to allow an easier transition back into society.

“I think this is priceless for them,” Jessica Castello, Goodwill of Silicon Valley’s vice president of retail, told San José Spotlight. “Not only are we giving them the tools that they need to reenter society with work skills, but we’re also showing them that they matter. We’re giving them clothing to be able to go out and hold their heads high. I’m hoping that they select something for a job interview.”

The store utilizes clothing donations that Goodwill of Silicon Valley receives, and the Elmwood Correctional Facility is allowing the nonprofit to use the space for free. Castello wants to get other Goodwills around the country to implement similar programs.

“I’m going to start talking with other Goodwills and see if it’s something that they would like to work through with any of the facilities that are in their jurisdiction,” Castello said.

Contact Joyce Chu at [email protected] or follow @joyce_speaks on X, formerly known as Twitter.