Ex-Offenders Programs
Facts
Facts About Ex-Offenders
Workforce Alliance and our partners have been working for many years to devise new ways to assist ex-offenders in their re-entry to the world of work. Some of the projects have been pilots, and others are regularly offered to all ex-offenders.
What kind of jobs are ex-offenders most likely to get?
- Manufacturing
- Warehousing & stock work
- Construction
- Lawn and tree maintenance
- Trades apprenticeship
What kind of employees do ex-offenders become?
- Loyal
- Dependable
- Honest
- Hard-working
Targeted programs to increase the success of ex-offenders in the mainstream:
- Out-of-School programs targeting youths involved in the Juvenile Justice System
- “Fresh Start Program” a pilot funded to serve 15 ex-offenders
- “TimeZup” anti-gun campaign
Common barriers to employment, in addition to ex-offender status, include:
- Homelessness
- Substance Abuse
- Mental health issues
- Lack of training and education
- Lack of employment history
Facts About Ex-Offenders
Funding is needed to expand the training and job related services that can be offered to Ex-Offenders, such as:
- Dedicated Case management, career counseling and job skill development
- Occupational Skills Training
- On-the-Job Training
- Customized Workshops, e.g. “Expunging Your Record”, “Job Search and Interviewing Strategies”
- Life Skills Training
- Support Services
- Transportation Assistance
- Child Care Assistance
- Identification Document Access (Social Security Cards, driver’s licenses, etc)
It costs taxpayers $30,000 per year to house offenders. For the cost of 8 prisoners, $240,000, we could train and place hundreds of people in employment. People with jobs don’t go back to jail.