Thank you so much to VitalCore Health Strategies for having Paroled2Pride at your recent job fair! We truly appreciate the opportunity to share employment resources with those who need help transitioning back into their communities. This event was also a valuable networking opportunity, allowing us to gather even more helpful resources to share with our participants and the community overall.
The unemployment rate for formerly incarcerated people is 5 times higher than the unemployment rate for the general population. Employment helps formerly incarcerated people gain economic stability and reduces recidivism rates tremendously. The job market can be difficult to navigate after extensive incarceration. When local companies and organizations come together to empower returning citizens, it indicates a sense of support and welcoming as they strive to rebuild community connections.
Those who want to work should be able to do so, regardless of their history with the justice system. We live in any economy where it is nearly impossible to survive without being financially stable. Job fairs and community empowerment events help formerly incarcerated people to actively stay focused on bettering themselves and taking care of their loved ones.