Ex Felon Finds Redemption Through Goodwill!

Considering the path that his life had taken, Louis Thomas Hinnant's future looked bleak. He often wondered if he would ever live to see another day. This lifelong Washington, DC resident spent many of his prime years immersed in the deadly world of substance abuse and drug sales, which lead to repeated incarceration. All totaled, Louis wasted twenty-two years of his life behind bars.

However, all this time in prison finally led to an epiphany for Louis. Following the completion of his last prison sentence eight years ago, Louis was determined never to return again. He recognized the destructive nature of the lifestyle that he had chosen and understood that his decisions were not only hurting himself and others in his community, but also the rest of his family - especially his two sons, Octavius and Louis, Jr., whose childhoods he largely missed while in prison. This was Louis' biggest regret. Time still remained, though, to restore these broken relationships and his dignity through self-discipline and a renewed focus to head in a new direction.

In an effort to rebuild his life, Louis sought full-time employment. However, as a result of his criminal record, his options were limited. The minimum wage jobs that he was lucky enough to find necessitated overtime work in order to pay his bills. He noted, “I always had little jobs that wouldn't really take me anywhere.” Louis felt caught in a cycle of constant effort with no hope of advancement. He feared that he would fall back into the lifestyle that he had been working so hard to escape.

Then one day last year, a flyer at his local Advisory Neighborhood Commission caught Louis' eye. It advertised a free Construction Pre-apprenticeship training program at Goodwill of Greater Washington. Louis was immediately drawn to the program, hoping to gain the skills necessary to secure a job within a well-paying industry. He believed that he had finally found the key to the future that he so desperately sought. The comprehensive 14-week curriculum gave Louis the skills he needed to become more independent, self-confident and proud. Louis commented, “It was very educational. It prepared me well for where I am today. What I learned in class, I'm using every day on the job.”

Louis worked hard to complete the challenging program, and never once thought about giving up! According to his instructors, Louis was the most determined person in the program. He was not going to fail no matter what was being thrown at him. "Louis was an incredible asset to the class, contributing a passionate and moldable spirit.” said Jennie Kinsfather, Goodwill's Manager of Training & Employment Services. “He led by example as he took full advantage of the instruction and resources that were offered.  His determination is contagious!"

Louis' hard work and dedication immediately paid off. After graduation, he began work for a company that inspects construction sites throughout the Greater Washington area in order to ensure that safety standards are being upheld. He enjoys the work and expresses gratitude that he entered the job equipped to succeed.

When asked to describe his life after graduation from Goodwill's training program, a smile spreads across Louis' face. He exclaims, “This program has not only opened doors for my career, it also provided freedom in the rest of my life.” Now that he is receiving a larger paycheck, the financial pressures of work do not overwhelm Louis' life. As a result, he has the time to balance work, relationships, and most importantly, his family. Louis now sees his two sons regularly. One is in college, and the other plans to start college after graduating from high school. They have both expressed great pride in their father's determination to lead a positive, fulfilling life. In Louis' estimation, this is the greatest gift of all.

If you'd like to help give more people like Louis the dignity they deserve, please make a cash gift to Goodwill of Greater Washington by clicking here. Your generous gift will change someone's life forever!