Circles of support

Jebb Filz has a job, a place to live, and most importantly acceptance.

These three things don't seem that extraordinary but because Jebb is a ex-convict they mean a lot.

"I had a serious drug problem. And was dealing a lot of drugs," said Jebb Filz.

Jebb spent 6 years in prison. He says during that time he thought a lot about how he wanted to turn his life around.

" I didn't want to sit around and look at 4 walls for the rest of my life," said Jebb Filz,

When Jebb was released, he struggled to find a job. That's when Jim Miller stepped in. He's a volunteer for Goodwill's Circles of Support Program.

"We try to form a re-entry plan in the community after often times we will help them connect with resources that may provide some concrete needs such as clothing, food, and housing," said Jim Miller.

Circles of Support is one of several programs through Goodwill's industries in north central Wisconsin. It benefits people like Jebb, trying to re-enter the real world after incarceration.

"There was a tremendous amount of anxiety. Most people will see that application and throw it in the trash," said Jebb Filz.

Miller says Circles of support eases that fear by giving participants opportunities for work and something else.

"A feeling of hope. When they come out of incarceration after many years you don't see a lot of hope out there," said Jim Miller.

He says if participants are willing to work hard and stay out of trouble they can find success.

Miller says he can understand why some people are against programs like this- since it's helping people who have committed crimes. But he says if they got to know the person, they may change their mind.

Volunteers with Circles of Support say the program doesn't only help those who have been in prison but the community as a whole.

"We see this as a win win for the participants because if they succeed the community is safer. They become a good citizen, they contribute to the community." said Jim Miller.

Through the program, Jebb has worked his way up from a team member at The Shriner Goodwill Center in Appleton to a team leader. He says it feels good to work for an organization helps so many people.

"I've done a lot of damage to the community in the past so I feel I can give something back now," said Jebb Filz.

Jebb says Circles has completely changed his life, and encourages you to donate to help change others.