Photo by Transformer18/FlickrCC
People who have served time behind bars for mistakes they made in the past continue to face enormous obstacles once they finish their sentences.
Although they have done their time, punishment continues to follow them – their ever-present criminal record makes it very hard for ex-offenders to find meaningful employment and secure housing, and impedes every effort to turn their life around.
A national, bipartisan consensus is emerging that recognizes we must address the growth of incarceration and its lifetime of punishment.
In order to expand economic opportunity and address unemployment and substance abuse we must address the myriad of collateral consequences incarceration visits upon families and our communities.
This year, a proposal will be put before the West Virginia State Legislature that removes some of these obstacles for ex-offenders, and makes it possible for them to return to the workforce and create a stable future for themselves and their families.
In Charleston this Thursday, February 9, the Employers’ Breakfast for Second Chances will give business leaders and legislators an opportunity to discover the enormous untapped potential of formerly incarcerated individuals and further understand how bringing them into the workforce would benefit our economy and state.
Visit this Eventbrite page to learn more, and register.
There will also be information about resources available to businesses interested in getting started with “Second Chance Employment,” from risk mitigation to financial incentives.
The event is hosted by the Kanawha Community Re-Entry Council & Call to Action for Racial Equality (CARE) Coalition, and sponsored by a broad cross-section of statewide organizations.
A delicious breakfast will be provided by local business Ms. Groovy’s Catering, but you must register!
Speakers include: Secretary Gayle Manchin, Dana Eddy (Public Defender Services), Pastor Matthew Watts (Hope Development Inc), Sue Julian and Barbara Steinke (Laotong Yoga), Amber Miller, Laura Jones McGuire, and more.
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