With so many barriers to employment, many ex-offenders find that starting their own business provides a better option than working for someone else. While entrepreneurship has its own challenges, those with creative ideas and determination can succeed, perhaps with a […]
Ban the box gains victory at Oakland Army Base redevelopment project
The latest victory in the movement to “ban the box” comes courtesy of local activists in Oakland, Calif. It will affect the application forms for the nearly 5,000 employees who will be hired to work on the soon-to-be-redeveloped 366-acre site […]
Using the radar approach to help clients achieve job retention
Helping your client get a job is not enough. That’s just the first step in the process. The biggest challenge is job retention, and job developers need to train both employees and employers on how to help those with barriers […]
The Pentorship Program encourages entrepreneurship among inmates
Kristen Daniel, an MBA student at Georgia Tech, has created a unique organization to inspire inmates to think about becoming entrepreneurs upon their release. The Pentorship Program, a startup nonprofit, aims to pair inmates with entrepreneurs, who communicate by email […]
Canine Companions program helps prisoners learn responsibility
Although it’s not exactly job training, a program that pairs puppies with prisoner handlers teaches responsibility, patience and commitment, skills needed for future employment. And the experience may eventually lead some inmates to jobs working with animals. The program, operated […]
How to find the funds to be able to start a small business
Creating your own business can involve some startup costs, so keep that in mind. You may need to invest in equipment, tools, supplies, advertising and office space. Some jobs might require a truck to haul things around. Make a list […]
Think outside the box: Find success by starting your own business
Looking for a job might not be the best way to find employment for some ex-offenders. Those who have tremendous drive, creativity and an ability to solve problems may want to consider starting their own business. Although many believe that […]
Horticulture programs help ex-offenders seek successful reentry
While horticultural and gardening programs within jails and prisons provide excellent training to prepare inmates for possible post-release employment, similar programs for ex-offenders can do the same. They also, in many cases, provide internships and even paid employment. Garden Corps, […]
Horticultural programs provide therapy and job preparation
Gardening and horticultural training programs in jails and prisons around the nation not only prepare those incarcerated for potential future employment but provide horticultural therapy as well. Horticultural therapy is the practice of using gardening activities under the supervision of […]
Efforts to “ban the box” continue
If Assembly Bill 1831 passes the California State Assembly, it will become the latest victory in a nationwide effort to “ban the box.” The “box” refers to the place on job applications which asks applicants to state their criminal history […]