Rice Lake Programs and Services

The Rice Lake Retail Store and Training Center is involved in a contracted collaborative initiative with the Barron County Restorative Justice Program (BCRJP), based at the Goodwill store.  This multifaceted program is a departure from the traditional ways of the justice system.  At the core of restorative justice are three principles:  1.) to get offenders to understand the full impact of their behavior, 2.) to empower victims in their search for closure to the crime perpetrated on them, and 3.) to promote restitution to victims and communities.   Examples of these activities include facilitated victim/offender conferences, teen courts, victim impact panels and restorative discipline in the schools.  BCRJP staff are employees of Goodwill, and Goodwill has representation on the BCRJP Board of Directors.

Goodwill also collaborates with Ventures Unlimited, Inc., Aurora Community Services and the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation in providing adults who have learning and developmental disabilities with comprehensive job assessments and temporary paid work experiences to assist them in gaining competitive employment.

In addition to these programs, Goodwill also provides services to the following agencies and community partners through its Rice Lake Retail Store and Training Center:  

• Rice Lake Public Schools – School-to-Work Transition Program

• Barron County Circuit Court - Adult Community Service Program

• Barron County W-2 Wisconsin Works Program

• Community Corrections Employment Program (CCEP)

• Senior Citizens Employment and Training, Inc.

• UW-Stout - Projects with Industries