Thanks to funding from a generous donor, Jails to Jobs has launched a new campaign to get its book, Jails to Jobs; Seven Steps to Becoming Employed, in the library of every jail and prison in the U.S. And we’re asking you to help us.
A lofty goal? Maybe. Impossible? We’ll see.
But one thing we’re sure of. Hiring formerly incarcerated people is a crucial step in helping prevent recidivism, and many of those who have been in prison must put extra effort into preparing for the job search process.
More than 700,000 people leave U.S. federal and state prisons each year, and within three years 40 percent are right back in.
Step-by-step guide to finding a job
The book we’ve written is a practical step-by-step guide to finding a job, geared towards people with criminal records. We’re convinced that those who follow the recommended steps will be well prepared to face the unique challenges they are likely to confront.
They’ll know when to use a JIST card instead of a resume. They’ll know where to find tattoo-removal programs for those anti-social or gang-related tattoos – job stoppers as they’re sometimes called. And they’ll know how to use a turnaround talk and turnaround packet to show that they’re not the same person now that they were when they committed whatever crime put them in prison in the first place.
So back to our goal of getting our book into every prison and jail in the U.S.
We estimate that there are:
- 1,800 state and federal correctional facilities
- 3,200 local and county jails
We’re compiling a list of all of them and have already started to get the word out.
Although our goal is to get just a single copy of the book into every prison and jail, one California facility has already asked for four copies.
Will you join us? Each book sells for $14,95, and you can choose which prison or jail to send it to, if you’d like. You may also donate it in honor of someone’s memory or someone who was previously incarcerated and is now successfully working on the outside. To donate, please visit our website.