Monday, December 21, 2009

If Not You, Then Who?

When it comes to ex-offenders re-offending, the question is always asked, "Why don't they just get a job at the local grocery store or at McDonald's?". The answer is simple. The local grocery store and McDonald's both conduct criminal background checks and the do not hire convicted felons. So if that is the case, what is the ex-offender to do?

It is so easy to lay all of the blame on the one that "has a past". "It's his own fault." "She shouldn't have broken the law." " They made their bed, now that must lay in it." These are common sentiments as it relates to ex-offenders and the struggles they face on a daily basis. So many people live in the past and hold past transgressions over others' heads. Where does it stop?

I'll pose this question to you, if you were in the business of hiring, would you hire an ex-offender? If your answer is, NO, then you are part of the problem. Why do I say that, you may ask. It is because so many times we choose to ignore the fact that we hinder others with our prejudices and stereotypes, and then turn around and blame the one we are hindering, as if we have no part in the matter. So the next time you consider why crime is so high and why the rate of recidivism is through the roof, ask yourself what role you have in that.

Men and women need a chance. If not you, then who?

Friday, December 4, 2009

Preparing A Workforce

There is a workforce that has been neglected for far too long. That work force consists of re-entrants that have served the required amount of time in prison to satisfy society's penalty and are attempting to find gainful employment. There are several benefits that accompany a re-entrant, if society would only give them a chance. We live in a society that loves to taut that America is the place where dreams become reality, "Only in America". And that mantra is well-known and can be heard time and time again. And it is accepted as true and applies to everyone BUT the re-entrant community.

Re-entrants return to the "free world" ready to reestablish themselves in the community as responsible, tax paying citizens- only to find that no one can see past the fact that the dreaded box (Have you ever been convicted...) has been checked. Application after application, "NO after "NO". Again, this is the land of the free and the home of the brave, where if you can believe it, you can achieve it. Nothing is impossible in America. Try telling that to Sam, who just served a 6 year sentence. He used his time in prison to become the man that he always knew he should be. He has applied for 17 jobs and hasn't received a single call inviting him to an interview. The fact that he has a Ph. D. can't garner him a simple call back. Is America really the place where dreams come true?

The re-entrants that come through LifeLine will be an asset to any company that is LUCKY enough to receive one of our graduates. Why? It's simple, these individuals have proven themselves to our staff by their dedication to our program and their willingness to be taught. They are equipped with a strong support system, that is headed by our staff. And last, but certainly not least, THEY ARE DRUG FREE. These individuals are job ready and "life ready" when they graduate. Along with that, the federal government will bond these individuals free of charge for 6 months. Also, there is a tax credit for each re-entrant that a company will employ, AND THERE IS NO LIMIT to the number of tax credits a company can receive.

This segment of our society has been ignored for far too long. Give them a chance to prove to you and to themselves that redemption is possible. Remember- SOMEBODY GAVE YOU A CHANCE!