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At 43, Jared’s entire life has been shaped by both privilege and struggle. He grew up outside Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in an upper-class family, and by his account, life looked normal and happy: school, family vacations, and the expected milestones. He went to college and earned a bachelor’s degree. But after graduation, the partying continued, and over time it deepened alongside disillusionment and mental health issues he says he did not know how to manage.

For the one in three California adults living with a past conviction, searching for a job is rarely a level playing field. Even when a candidate possesses the exact skills and work ethic an employer needs, the traditional background-check process frequently functions as an automatic barrier to employment. Under current loopholes in the state's hiring laws, qualified job seekers are routinely pressured to relitigate their pasts during interviews—long before a formal, conditional job offer is even on the table.

When Damien first came home after incarceration, life felt unfamiliar. “It was very unreal,” he recalls. “I struggled to find employment. People kept turning me down for basic things because I was fresh out. I had a record. I didn’t want to ask for help and I felt like I had to figure everything out on my own.” Like many people returning home, Damien faced barriers that went beyond employment. Reentry came with pressure, uncertainty, and the emotional weight of trying to rebuild while carrying the experiences of incarceration with him. At one point, it all became overwhelming.

The quiet, tree-lined streets of Palmyra, New York, looked like the picture-perfect place to raise a family. It was an upper-middle-class small town where neighbors left their front doors unlocked. Outside the house, Chad was an energetic, athletic kid who loved playing every sport available. But behind closed doors, reality looked entirely different for him.

When Dion walks through the east side of Detroit on his way to work, it’s not just another commute – the 56-year-old is walking on a sidewalk that he was never meant to walk on again; was hearing sirens that he was never meant to hear again. Dion served 38 years of a life sentence before being released from a Michigan correctional institution 14 months ago. His journey from an upper‑class childhood to incarceration, and now to a life of service and mentoring, is one of remarkable transformation.

When Stephen talks about his hometown of Pontiac, Michigan, he lights up. “The whole block was family, man. We all grew up together.” Raised by his grandmother with ten siblings and countless cousins nearby, Stephen spent his youth playing basketball and hanging out in the neighborhood. After high school, he enrolled in community college to study HVAC – he came from a strong family where entrepreneurship was common, and he was encouraged to learn a trade.

On April 8, 2026, the Center for Employment Opportunities (CEO) submitted a public comment to the U.S. Department of Education on its proposed Workforce Pell Grant regulations. For the first time, students can use Pell Grants to fully or partially cover the cost of short term workforce development courses.

For Dewayne, the goal was always simple: find steady work, earn a living, and move forward. Growing up in Cleveland, he learned early that hard work was non-negotiable. Showing up, putting in effort, and staying focused were values he carried with him even when the opportunities in front of him didn’t match that level of commitment.

Born and raised in New Orleans, Charbaney comes from a place that knows firsthand what it means to rebuild from the ground up. Today, the 39-year-old mother of four is now doing that herself – rebuilding her life.

As a semi-truck tow driver for a major company in Kentucky, John spends his days hauling everything from box trucks to tractor-trailers to and from depots and garages throughout the Midwest. Today, he says it’s a job that he not only enjoys, but that also provides an experience he has dreamed about. ​ “I’ve always wanted to travel on the open road,” John said. ​ “Now I have a skill and a career that I can use to one day see the whole country that way.”

They both work at Bread & Cie. Yessica helped interview Daniel when he applied for a pastry position. She saw something in him — a strong attitude, a willingness to learn, and a sense of optimism. Daniel brought that energy to the job from day one. They may not work in the same department, but their connection shows up in how they move through the workplace. They both root for the Seattle Seahawks. They both work hard. They both show up with a positive attitude. They both believe in helping others and doing the job right.

They work together at Bread & Cie. Jose leads the delivery department. Michael is part of his team. Michael roots for the Cowboys. Jose stands with the Eagles. They don’t always talk about football, but at times — especially early in the week while loading trucks — there’s a quick recap of games, big plays, and tough losses. It’s a small moment of connection in the rhythm of the workday. But the real teamwork shows up before kickoff.