Research studies agree: ex-offenders are less likely to return to crime—and prison—if they have jobs, a place to live, and a serious commitment to succeed. But, more often than not, even a serious commitment is not enough for success, unless paired with an equal-or-better dose of support, from every corner of society. An indispensable ‘corner’ is represented by private- and public-sector employers willing to hire ex-offenders who are struggling to achieve a crime-free life.
Recently, the Work Participation, Placement, and Support Services Program, KRA-operated for the Baltimore City Department of Social Services, made a small—but economically and socially significant—dent in the area’s recidivism, when 10 area employers attended an Ex-Offender Job Fair, organized by the KRA Job Development Team.
Ernestine Chambers, KRA Operations Manager, reported, “The employers that attended came with open, realistic job opportunities for a population that has been chronically and historically considered ‘hard-to-place’.
Naturally, we were hoping for positive results—at least 50% placements—but the final figures far surpassed our projection! Of the 20 ex-offenders interviewed, 17 were offered full time jobs—85%!! Needless to say, KRA/Baltimore is extremely pleased with the outcome, and will continue to strive for successful job placement for our ex-offender customers.”