[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 145 (Friday, October 7, 1994)]
[Senate]
[Page S]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: October 7, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
                        THE GOLDEN DOOR PROGRAM

 Mr. CAMPBELL. Mr. President, while the debate over the crime 
bill is finally over, the problems of crime are still with us. We must 
continue our search for creative and effective ways to confront these 
problems.
  I have a unique perspective, from being on every side of the law, so 
to speak, as a youngster headed for trouble, as a sheriff's deputy and 
prison counselor, and now as a legislator. I know we have to lock up 
the violent criminals and keep them there.
  I also know we simply can't ignore the other side of the question--
prevention. Let's look at it realistically. When's the best time to go 
see the dentist--regularly, throughout your life, or after your teeth 
have all rotted out and your mouth is screaming in pain? Common sense 
tells us that preventative maintenance is a more efficient, cost-
effective way to manage our lives and societal problems.
  We must also realize that the problem is too big and too complex for 
government to handle alone. I want to tell you about a private sector 
initiative that works by putting ex-offenders and the educationally, 
economically, and socially disadvantaged to work. It provides 
opportunity and alternatives to folks who need it most.
  This program, called the Golden Door Program, is offered by Coors 
Brewing Co., in Colorado. For 25 years the Golden Door has given people 
a second chance.
  The Golden Door teaches people to be more productive, reliable 
employees, providing participants the training and education needed to 
get and keep well-paying, full-time jobs. It's not a classroom training 
program--participants are paid an hourly wage for meaningful and 
responsible work at Coors' investment recovery facility. They learn how 
to operate fork lifts, pallet nailers and denailers, cutting torches, 
grinders, and other industrial equipment.
  The Golden Door Program participants also receive counseling and 
other related services. Those without high school diplomas are required 
to complete GED certification through an on-site program. State and 
nonprofit agencies identify candidates for the program.
  Golden Door graduates are eligible to compete as internal candidates 
for open positions at the company. Since 1977, 180 graduates, or almost 
80 percent of the trainees, have taken regular production and office 
jobs with Coors. These folks have become loyal employees--about 75 
percent are still with the company.
  The Golden Door is a self-supporting program, with costs offset by 
the savings and income generated by the completed work. Of course, the 
real benefit is what it does for the individuals who return to a 
productive role in society.
  The Coors Golden Door Program shows there is another group--
business--ready, willing and able to partner with government to combat 
crime and its root causes. As Members of Congress, we should continue 
to look at ways to encourage this kind of private-sector creativity 
that allows us to help those who need a second chance.

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