Where Second Chances Take Root

Center for Employment Opportunities helps people returning from incarceration to re-enter workforce with renewed hope, confidence

CA Relies on Incarcerated Firefighters. They Finally Make Federal Minimum Wage.

California relies heavily on incarcerated firefighters to protect life and property, but pays them a pittance. Recently, a major grassroots and legislative push to improve working conditions for incarcerated firefighters enjoyed some success. On October 13, Gov. Gavin Newsom signed AB 247 into law, raising their base pay and doubling the amount by which they can reduce their sentences.

Gavin Newsom just gave California’s inmate firefighters a raise. They need more | Opinion

California Gov. Gavin Newsom signed landmark legislation this week, ensuring that inmate firefighters receive the federal minimum hourly wage for their difficult and sometimes deadly work. But after incarcerated firefighters are done serving their prison sentences, another daunting battle awaits them.

L.A.'s Afternoon News with Margaret Carrero

Margaret Carrero speaks with Simone Price, CEO's Director of Organizing, about wage increases for incarcerated firefighters and the barriers that exist for them when they return home.

Job Opportunities Offer Second Chances

California’s incarcerated firefighters are about to get a hefty raise

Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a bill to boost pay to the federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour for prisoners assigned to an active fire, a raise from the current pay of about $1 an hour.

They fight California’s fires, now let them rebuild their lives with AB 247 | Opinion

A bill now in front of Gov. Gavin Newsom for his signature seeks to right that injustice: Assembly Bill 247 by Assemblymember Isaac Bryan, D-Ladera Heights, would establish a pay raise for incarcerated firefighters up to $7.25 per hour for those actively working on the fire line.

Columbus expands program giving formerly incarcerated residents a second chance

Columbus expands its program for formerly incarcerated people, doubling work crews to tackle city cleanliness and reduce recidivism.

MAX Academy Convenes Workforce Partners to Explore How Best to Support Second Chance Employers

On Thursday, October 2nd, nearly 60 workforce professionals, business leaders, and advocates for justice-impacted individuals came together to explore how to better support second chance employers. This MAX Academy was held in partnership with Project Restart, Common Good Atlanta, Fair Chance Advisory, the Georgia Justice Project, and the Center for Employment Opportunities (CEO). The Academy began with a primer on second chance hiring featuring insights from Tiffany Kirk, Director of Common Good Atlanta, John Dearing III, Founder of Fair Chance Advisory, and Brenda Smeeton, Legal Director with the Georgia Justice Project.

Time for Incarcerated Firefighters to Earn a Living Wage

California’s incarcerated firefighters may win a huge pay bump if Gov. Gavin Newsom signs a bill that’s just reached his desk. AB 247 would raise the minimum wage for this group of workers from below-minimum wage to $7.25 an hour. Simone Price is the Director of Organizing at the Center for Employment Opportunities, where she oversees a program designed to center the voices of formerly incarcerated people at the local and federal level. She spoke about AB 247.

After incarceration, the road to employment can seem impossible. Here’s how Coloradans can beat the odds.

Colorado’s recidivism rate for the 6,000 people annually that return from incarceration is 28%. But with coaching and support services, many are staying out and earning more.

Oakland gets $12M to pay people on parole to clean highways

The Golden State Works Program provides transitional employment for the formerly incarcerated.

Lawmakers look to boost prison exit pay from $200 to $2,500, say it could save taxpayers money in the long run by breaking cycle of crime

New York State Senator Jeremy Cooney is the sponsor of a bill that would raise the re-entry payment that incarcerated men and women get when they leave state prison to $2,500 which would be paid over the course of 6-months.

From prisons to professions: San Rafael nonprofit unlocks career paths for formerly incarcerated

The road from jailhouse door to a successful life outside can be a bumpy one. With just $200 in pocket on release from detention and without meaningful support or a way to earn an income, the hurdles can seem insurmountable for the recently incarcerated. For those ready to make the most of a second chance, however, the Center for Employment Opportunities (CEO), a national nonprofit with a North Bay location in San Rafael, aims to increase the odds of success by providing transitional employment and training to help participants build productive lives.

[Video] The Take | Formerly incarcerated citizens hired into film & TV industry

Patience Lewis-Walker, Deputy Executive Director, Center for Employment Opportunities highlights how the film and TV industry can create pathways for the formerly incarcerated, giving second chances, reducing recidivism, and building stronger communities.

Cleveland job fair hiring people with criminal records attracts 200+ potential employers

CLEVELAND, Ohio (WOIO) - This week, hundreds of potential employers will be in Cleveland to attend a job fair designed to hire people with criminal backgrounds.

Local nonprofit discusses challenges for people after incarceration

TULSA, Okla. — A Tulsa nonprofit wants everyone to know how tough it is for people to start over after they get out of jail or prison. CEO Tulsa said one of the biggest obstacles is finding a place to live.

Study: Colorado second-chance hiring program shows ‘encouraging’ results for workers

Participants in a reentry program for formerly incarcerated people experienced upward earnings growth six months after enrollment, University of Denver researchers said.

How temporary cash assistance helps mothers reclaim their lives — and families — after prison

Guaranteed income programs, even for just a few months, can provide the stability for formerly incarcerated parents to rebuild relationships with their children.

Opinion: ‘Reentry programs work - Memphis needs to invest in them’

In Tennessee more than 62,000 people are on parole, probation, or community supervision. In Shelby County alone, approximately 7,000 people are released from prison or jail every year. Like Jason, most of them are ready to work and rebuild – but unlike him, they may not have a program like CEO to turn to.

Rochester’s Upstate Interiors trains a diverse construction workforce

As a small construction company specializing in commercial framing and interior finishes, Upstate Interiors, LLC, has really never had a shortage of work.

Why Fair Chance Hiring Is Good for Business During Economic Uncertainty

In a period of great uncertainty, it is helpful to remember there are some basic economic goals that everyone can support, one of which is access to opportunity. Regardless of the tools we use to get there, an economy where everyone who is both qualified and ready for employment can participate is a victory for all: businesses grow, consumer confidence rises, the economic strain on our communities is greatly reduced, and the workers who are the bedrock of our economy can build careers that support themselves and their families. 

Cash aid helping justice-impacted people avoid jail at risk from state budget deficit

It’s been nearly a year since Isaac Sanchez was paroled after nearly 18 years in prison. He credits a cash grant from the state’s Helping Justice-Involved Reenter Employment (HIRE) program for playing a key role in helping him stay on track.

A new Marin County Civil Grand Jury report highlights major gaps in employment support for people leaving jail

A new Marin County Civil Grand Jury report highlights major gaps in employment support for people leaving jail, calling for stronger coordination between county agencies and reentry organizations like CEO to reduce recidivism and improve job outcomes.

State Reentry Program Helping Formerly Incarcerated People Find Transportation Work

RALEIGH – A state reentry program started last year is helping people who used to be incarcerated secure jobs on transportation work crews and get identification cards to access housing and healthcare more easily.