Felon in Colorado needs a Job and Assistance
Mr. Mayo,
In the last several months I have had the opportunity to become intimately aware of the financial, psychological and emotional distress, frustration, fear and decreased self esteem of someone who has re-entered regular population from incarceration and is incapable of finding employment that they can survive on because they have a felony. They may have terrific skill sets that are not being utilized in their communities but instead are relegated to flipping burgers or manual labor positions that they cannot sustain themselves or a family on . I am heartbroken by the dilemma they find themselves wanting to make that change for the better but the whole system is still stacked against them. Some might say rightfully so since they committed a crime to begin with but should everyone be in jail the rest of their lives even after their actual sentence is complete with no ability to show that they have learned and want to become productive in society?
The particular person I came in contact with is homeless, living in his car that he is always on the verge of losing and unable to find a decent job or find a place to live. There are some felon friendly apartments but they have a variety of felony types and this gentleman has a young daughter and does not want to have her staying with him in an environment that he is not sure would be safe for her.
It seems to me that the impetus to re- offend or possibly commit a different crime purely out of desperation or resorting to less than moral behavior to get what they need...is great. The impetus to just give up on life is also great. How tragic! I live in Denver Colorado. I was wondering if you knew of any staffing services, coaching services, etc that are available and focus in this area? If you have been helping felons in your area for over 10 years can you tell me how you go about finding companies that are willing to give felons a second chance? Are there any government incentives to businesses that are willing to help give these people a second chance at life? I want to find out what already exists or maybe try to put some programs together but I don't want to re-invent the wheel and would love any input you could give me.
Are there any nationally recognized programs in this area?
Thank you for your time,
Dana
Felon in Colorado needs a Job and Assistance
Hello Dana,
I'm sorry your friend is having so much trouble. Unfortunately it is common for returning citizens (ex-offenders, felons,) to have difficulty putting the past behind them. There are many hurdles to overcome. Below are some resources in your area that your friend may find helpful.
Turnabout, Inc.
Turnabout, Inc. is a non-profit employment, career, and education services agency that provides access to a fully-stocked computer lab, daily job leads, transportation assistance, subsidized work skills training, and job search assistance to former offenders in the Metro Denver area.
Turnabout, Inc.
Turnabout, Inc. is a non-profit employment, career, and education services agency that provides access to a fully-stocked computer lab, daily job leads, transportation assistance, subsidized work skills training, and job search assistance to former offenders in the Metro Denver area.
Contact:
Turnabout, Inc.
1630 East 14th Avenue
Denver, CO 80218
(303) 813-0005
Web Site: www.turnabout.org
Mile High United Way
The United Way supports many non-profit organizations. The United Way may be able to put you in contact with organizations that aid ex-offenders and felons with various services
Contact:
Denver, CO 80205
Phone: (303) 433-8383
Web Site: http://www.unitedwaydenver.org/
Colorado Workforce Center
The Colorado Workforce Center consolidates components of Job Service and Employment and Training services in an attempt to maximize its ability to serve job seekers as well as employers. Centers are held accountable for performance outcomes based on the consumer’s feedback. There is an extensive web site devoted to workforce center information as well as employment services.
Contact:
Colorado Department of Labor and Employment
Tower 11, Suite 400
1515 Arapahoe Street
Denver, CO 80202
303-620-4204
Web Site: coworkforce.com/EMP/WFCs.asp
Also check out our List of Companies that hire Ex-offenders and Felons. It is quite an extensive list and hopefully it will be helpful.