NFL Inspire Change: How the Urban League Helped a Woman Get Back on Her Feet
The road has not been easy for Leesha Gooseberry, but that has never stopped her. From serving over 26 years in Central California Women's Facility for 2nd Degree Murder to surviving domestic violence and rape, Leesha continues to push through and use her life as a guiding light for others.
While incarcerated, Leesha took every opportunity to better herself. This included enrolling and completing several vocational and college courses, hospice training, peer-to-peer education, and self-help classes. When reflecting on her incarceration, Leesha said, “I was a role model to the new inmates that walked through that revolving door. I used my life story to help encourage and educate others about abusive relationships.” Leesha Gooseberry was released from prison on December 12, 2012. Although she knew that she would face many obstacles, she was determined to succeed. “After a long while of working odd and temp jobs that paid very little, I knew that I needed to do something different. I did research and saw that the Urban League of Louisiana offered help to felons, so I decided to apply for their workforce program, “she said.
ResultAfter being laid off from her job due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Leesha took the opportunity to apply for the Urban League of Louisiana’s Adult Reentry Program. She was accepted placed into the Career & Workforce Fundamentals course for professional development.
Due to her dire need for income, Leesha left the program before completion, but not without the connections she needed to find work. During her time in the program, Leesha has the opportunity to connect with several employers and hiring managers through the Urban League of Louisiana’s Virtual Job Fair and their “Behind the Business Tours. The Urban League was instrumental in connecting Leesha to KIMCO. KIMCO immediately hired Ms. Gooseberry as a housekeeper. She is currently earning $12.00 per hour. This opportunity was made possible by the NUL NFL Social Justice Reform Initiative.