Felons' mom wants to help them get jobs

Felons' mom wants to help them get  jobs

A CLOSER LOOK AT THE FAMILIES OF MASS INCARCERATION

I live in North Carolina and I have two sons. One is 24 and the other is 21. The 24 year old got in trouble 5 years ago for DWI and for having less than an ounce of marijuana on him. He went to rehab and has worked construction and done pylon work. He can not get employment anywhere because of his record what can be done? He has not been in any trouble since then.

The 21 year old has had several issues with Driving with no operators license, DWI, drinking underage. He was charged back in 2016 at the time of the incident but did not go to trial until last year. So he decided to get it over with and do his days in jail to not have to deal with probation. Recently he tried to get on with a company he worked for before and because of the charges they would not hire him back.

How long does someone have to keep on paying for crimes committed years ago. Both these boys deserve a chance to make it in this world, unfortunately they were not able to attend college because being a single mother I could not afford it. I have worked for the same company for over 20 years, this same company is the one that would not hire my son back. At some point doesn't the state step in and say enough is enough, a lot of the people we have tried to hire have records of some sort and because of it we can't hire them, so instead people like me who have fended by myself raising two boys have to support them when they go on welfare. What can I do or they do to find a job?

Charmane,

Felons' mom wants to help them get  jobs

Hello Charmane,

I'm sorry your sons are having so much trouble. I suggest that they apply for employment at temporary agencies. Temp agencies are always looking for good people. When applying for temporary employment, ex-offenders and felons should apply at smaller independent agencies rather that the large nationally known agencies. Usually smaller agencies do not have a parent companies setting hiring restrictions on them. They hire anyone they choose. Often if temporary employees are good, they are hired on a permanent basis.

Another option is to apply at construction contractors.  Contractors are always looking for employees who can get to work on time and put in a full days work for a full days pay.  Those with special skills like masonry or carpentry would be given a fair chance regardless of their criminal records


There is also a link below to companies that give chances to qualified felons.

The best of luck to you and your sons.

Jobs for Ex-offenders and Felons: Where can Ex-offenders Find Jobs

Jobs for Ex-offenders and Felons: Ten Steps to Getting a Job with a Criminal Record

This Book Has Helped Thousands of Felons Get Jobs ! You can get a copy of this book for as little as $5.00 Click Here!

Felons' mom wants to help them get  jobs

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Hiring As A Second Chance

Originally published at Forbes.com

You make a lot of potentially life-changing decisions when you’re a boss. You promote someone — or you have to let them go. You give someone a raise. You send a new product into the world. 

But none of these has been as life changing as the times my partner and I have been able to give a job candidate a second chance at life simply by hiring them. These are employees who were once in prison or rehab or who came to us from a sober living house. In too many cases, having those experiences on a job record has proved detrimental to career opportunities. In fact, according to the National HIRE Network, “Nearly 75% of formerly incarcerated individuals are still unemployed a year after release.” And when 1 in 3 American adults has a criminal record, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures, that’s both a disaster and an opportunity that’s currently being wasted.

Fortunately, many large companies — like Walmart, Starbucks, Home Depot and more — have changed their hiring practices to include people with criminal records. And in the case of our small business, every time we’ve hired someone with a criminal record or who has gone through rehab, we’ve been paid back with exceptional productivity, increased loyalty and overall great morale. For the employees, it’s meant a chance to prove themselves and to excel, setting them up for a successful future.

Here are some key reasons it makes sense to give people a second chance — and how you can do the same in a way that offers the best path to success for everyone.

Employment lowers recidivism rates.

Here’s a shocking fact: According to a Bureau of Labor Statistics study, 83% of state prisoners were rearrested during the first nine years after their release. Is that because they’re hopeless career criminals? Maybe for a few. But studies consistently show that lack of education and lack of employment are linked with recidivism rates. Basically, you can help people stay out of jail by giving them a job. This doesn’t apply to just any employment — if people only have fast-food job options, that does not lower recidivism rates. But if they can get jobs in construction or manufacturing, or in jobs that offer the potential for growth, that correlates with a decrease in returns to prison.

You get hard work, dedication and gratitude.

Our experience mirrors those of other small businesses: The people we’ve hired have demonstrated hard work and dedication. According to the ACLU report “Back to Business: How Hiring Formerly Incarcerated Job Seekers Benefits Your Company,” when employers hire ex-offenders, “Retention rates are higher, turnover is lower, and employees with criminal records are more loyal.”

One of our best employees is an ex-offender with a wife and children, who humbly and happily started his career with us at the bottom of the totem pole: on the assembly line. One year later, he had done such outstanding work that he was promoted to line manager. He’s now been with us two and a half years and is such a role model that we profiled him in a Father’s Day post on our company blog! 

People who have gone to rehab for drug or alcohol issues are already outstanding in one key way: Although 40 million Americans meet the criteria for substance addiction, only 10% receive treatment. 

You can help change the story.

You can provide the example that ex-offenders and people just out of rehab are not only worthy of employment, but they can also benefit the whole community with increased productivity and even safety. 

One very dramatic example: In the past, prisoners who worked alongside professional firefighters during California’s wildfires were barred from becoming firefighters themselves due to their criminal records. But this fall, in the midst of the worst wildfires the state has ever seen, Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a bill to expunge the records of certain prisoners (violent and sex offenders excluded), making them eligible for EMT training en route to becoming professional firefighters.

You can get a tax break.

Another big incentive may be money. Note that this only applies to hiring an ex-offender, but the benefits are pretty significant. Thanks to the federal Work Opportunity Tax Credit, employers who hire a qualified ex-felon can claim a tax credit of up to 25% of their first year’s wages if the employee works at least 120 hours, and 40% if they work over 400. If you’re a small business owner, your state or municipality may also offer additional incentives.

How to make it work: Set them up to succeed. 

Just throwing someone into a new job and letting them sink or swim is a recipe for disaster. Here are ways you can have the greatest possible chance of success:

• Give clear guidelines and expectations. Everyone needs a well-defined job description and clear targets to hit, and this is particularly true for ex-offenders and those recently out of rehab. 

• Make sure there’s a true pathway for growth so they don’t feel stuck in a dead-end job or that they’re being patronized with menial tasks.

• Pair them with a mentor who can offer guidance and answer questions.

• Encourage them to continue their education, and/or provide workplace training that can equip them for increasing responsibility.

• Schedule regular one-on-one conversations to hear how it’s going and to give feedback.

Giving someone a second chance doesn’t mean doing them a favor. It means seizing a great opportunity that has huge potential benefits for both sides.

Jobs for Felons: The Facts about Companies that Hire Ex offenders and Felons

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Hiring As A Second Chance

Eric Mayo   

Can You Start a Business With a Criminal Record?

Can You Start a Business With a Criminal Record?

Yes, you can. Go get 'em, boss!

Originally published at Entrepreneur.com

Having a criminal record can make it difficult to get hired, find a place to live and many other basic tasks. But can it stop you from starting your own business? The short answer is, no it can't stop you.

Former criminals can benefit from starting a business in several important ways:

• Self-direction. Rather than waiting for someone else to provide you with a job, you have the power to create something for yourself. It’s a challenge of your own making and one that can keep you focused and on the right track.

• Independence and freedom. Many people start a business because it provides them with independence and freedom. They can make their own decisions and set their own rules, rather than following someone else.

• Avoiding employment issues. Many ex-cons find it difficult to get hired because of their criminal past. But if you’re starting a business from scratch, you won’t have to go through the interview process; you’ll be working for yourself. Hello boss.

Key limitations

Of course, there are some issues and unique challenges faced by ex-cons attempting to start a business:

• Felons and certain positions. For starters, felons are sometimes limited in the types of positions they can hold. For example, you may not be able to create a business or establish a position for yourself in the legal or medical field. These restrictions are often in place to protect the public from potentially unscrupulous service providers. However, there are plenty of other options to choose from.

• Licensing and registry. Depending on the type of business you want to start, you may be required to get a license or permit to operate. Depending on the requirements, these documents may open the door to a personal background check. Your criminal record may make it more difficult to get the documentation and approvals you need to operate.

• Travel. Criminal records can also impact your ability to travel, interfering with your visa or visa waiver applications. If your business depends on your ability to travel to other countries, you may need to find someone else to handle those responsibilities.

• Funding. As an ex-con, you may also have trouble finding the funding you need to start your business. Banks that issue loans typically do background checks on borrowers. If you have a criminal history, you may have trouble getting approved for a loan. You may also encounter problems finding an angel investor or VC willing to contribute, based on your past.

• Partnerships. Similarly, you may find it harder than usual to find a partner willing to build a business with you. You may have to spend a long time looking for someone more open-minded, or you may have to go it alone.

Play to your strengths

If you’re starting a business as someone with a criminal record, there are actually a few things that can play out in your favor if you know how to take advantage of them. For starters, you may be able to qualify for a grant or education program specifically tailored to entrepreneurs with a criminal past. For example, the organization Inmates to Entrepreneurs exists to provide grants, resources, and other forms of assistance to former criminals who want to turn their lives around. And organizations like SCORE offer free business mentoring and education to a wide range of aspiring business owners, regardless of their background.

Conventionally, a criminal record is a “bad thing” for your reputation and public image. However, you may be able to spin it as a positive for the business. For example, if you advertise that this business is hiring former prisoners as a way to help them start a new life, you may attract more customers who want to patronize the business and support it as an organization. This is especially true if you reinvest a portion of your profits into criminal reform programs and other causes that help people with criminal records.

Additionally, there may be some experiences and skills acquired in prison that can help you become a better entrepreneur. For example, if you’re used to an environment that’s both harsh and highly competitive, you’ll be a more ruthless strategist as a leader. And if you’re used to the uncertainty and lack of safety netting in a prison environment, the stress and ambiguity of entrepreneurship may seem tame by comparison.

So is it possible for a former criminal to start a successful business? Yes, it is. Countless ex-cons have gone on to create successful businesses under their direction. There are several obstacles you’ll need to overcome to do this, and there’s certainly no guarantee of success, but by using the right strategies and compensating for your weaknesses, you can increase your likelihood of accomplishing your goals.

15 Businesses You Can Start For Cheap (or even FREE)

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Can You Start a Business With a Criminal Record?

Eric Mayo

Trying to get a job with a misdemeanor

I have a misdemeanor on my record which is forgery and its hard finding a job. Do you have any tips on how to get a job with that on my record?

Jam,

Trying to get a job with a misdemeanor

Hello Jam,

Your particular charge is what is classified as an "integrity" crime. In the eyes of some, you cannot be trusted.  This means you will have a very difficult time getting a job anywhere money or valuables are at risk. You will definitely need to change your line of work.

My suggestion to you is to contact your local One-stop career center. They have a lot of services that can help unemployed people in different situations get jobs. Many of the counselors at these centers have experience assisting people with criminal backgrounds. You may also find success applying to smaller companies that tend to do less exhaustive background checks than larger companies. Ex-offenders and felons often have more success finding jobs when they know where to look.

Click the blinking gold link below.  It will take you to a huge list of companies that offer opportunities to people with criminal records.

You can find your local One-stop career center here:

www.servicelocator.org

Jobs for Ex-offenders and Felons: Where can ex-offenders and convicted felons find jobs?

Jobs for Ex-offenders and Felons: Ten Steps to Getting a Job with a Criminal Record

 I hope this helps.

Trying to get a job with a misdemeanor

Companies hire felons | companies that hire felons | Companies that hire ex-offenders | Employers that hire ex-offenders | employers that hire felons | Jobs for felons | jobs for ex-offenders | jobs that hire felons | places that hire felons | felon friendly jobs | felon friendly employers | how to get a job with criminal record | second chance jobs for felons | temp agencies that hire felons | high paying jobs for felons | List of companies that Hire Felons

Will moving to another state help a felon get a job?

Hello Mr. Mayo,

Thank you for this blog.  I live in San Francisco, California.  I have multiple convictions for a few things.  I was talking to someone here and they told me that because I have a record in California, I should move to another state.  My record will not show up in another state.  I have relatives in Illinois.  Will moving to Illinois help me get a job?

Karl

Will moving to another state help a felon get a job?

Hello Karl,

I am glad you are seeking another opinion and not relying on information from that person.  Totally false!  Your record will follow you wherever you go.  In this age of computers and extensive data banks,  you can find out just about anything on anyone.  There are companies that exist just to sell information to anyone who will pay for it.

A history of criminal record would include an individual's personal identifiers (descriptive information and fingerprints), arrests and subsequent dispositions (final outcome of a charge.)  Dispositions are posted to the
National Criminal History Record File by the FBI's Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) Division. Not only convictions but each criminal arrest for which the CJIS Division has a fingerprint submission would be on file.  So you see, your record is fairly easy to get.

There are organizations in your area that can help an ex-offender or felon looking for jobs.

Arriba Juntos

 Arriba Juntos, a community-based organization in San Francisco. This organization has an employment program for ex-offenders and felons.  They even offer , direct job placement for clients who have job skills. Also available in career training in computer technology, including MS Office Suite, and certified nursing assistance with the ability to obtain California licensing. The center will assist clients in obtaining licensing from the State of California. In cooperation with the San Francisco Municipal Railway they offer a driver training course. Clients may obtain their Commercial Driving License and consideration for employment with MUNI as bus drivers. These training programs include a Life Skills component, job interview techniques and resume writing in addition to daily survival skills. There may be paid on job training program that is used as an incentive to employers to hire felons and ex-offenders.

You can contact them at the address below:


1850 Mission Street
San Francisco, CA 94103
415-487-3240
415-863-9314 fax
www.arribajuntos.org


Private Industry Council of San Francisco (PIC)

Private Industry Council of San Francisco (PIC) is a non-profit organization that provides employment, training and research services to employers and job seekers in San Francisco. PIC is a public/private collaboration for workforce development. PIC contracts with over 60 community- based organizations to provide training and employment services. They may have contacts to employers who hire ex-offenders and felons who need jobs


You can contact them at the address below:

1650 Mission Street, Suite 300
San Francisco, CA 94103
415-431-8700
415-431-8702 fax
Web Site: www.oaklandpic.org

Also take a look at the video below.  There are other options for finding jobs in your area.

Jobs for Ex-offenders and Felons: Where Ex-offenders and Felons Can Find Jobs

Jobs for Ex-offenders and Felons: Ten Steps to getting a Job with a Criminal record

Jobs for Felons: Know your Rights about Criminal Records check

  

Will moving to another state help a felon get a job?

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