Felon wants a Career in Graphic Arts

Hi Mr. Mayo,

My fiance is up for parole in March 2014.  His family and I are trying to find job leads and scholarship programs that will help him once he is released. He has good behavior in prison and has held a job in the prison kitchen. All this will look good to the parole board.  He is an excellent artist and wants to be a graphic artist and also learn computer animation.

He was convicted of robbery and possession of a weapon while committing a felony.  He was 18 at the time and has done six years if a 12 year sentence.  He has an excellent chance of parole if can prove he has some type of direction and goals.  What I want to know is, where can he get an education in graphics that he wants and can he get any type of scholarships or grants to do what he wants to do?  How can he do this?  What does he have to do?  I know that if he can get paroled, he will prove that he is not that same person that committed that crime when he was a kid.

Please help,

Katy

Felon wants a Career in Graphic Arts

Hello Katy,

Your fiance seems to have a good support system that he will need when he is paroled.  As far a him pursuing a career in graphics, I suggest first contacting your local community college.  Community colleges are not just for degrees anymore.  Many community colleges these days offer career training for growing
occupations.

Speak to the financial aid office at whatever college you look into.  They will be able to tell you which financial aid programs if any, your fiance may qualify for and how to apply.  It is in their best interest to give you good information.  If your local college does not offer the courses he is looking for, they will tell you who does.

Best of luck to you both.




Eric Mayo

Jobs for Felons: How to find a job in Graphic Arts

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Felon wants a Career in Graphic Arts

Felon in Florida in Need of a Job

Hello Mr. Mayo,

I have been reading your blog, but I see nothing about getting a job in Florida.  It is really tough on a convicted felon when comes to getting a job.  Do you know of any places here who will give a felon a shot at a job?  I live in Plantation, and I have been everywhere but all I see are doors slammed in my face.

I will take anything at this point.

Jamal

Felon in Florida in Need of a Job

Hello Jamal,

I agree it is really hard for a felon.  One thing I suggest is that take anything you can get so you can build a resume, a work history and a  reference for you to build on.  Apply for as many jobs as you can because find a job for a felon is a numbers game.  The more jobs you apply for, the greater number of interviews you will get.  The more interviews you get the greater your chances will be to get a job.  Take a look at this story which is an actual case of one of my students, Real Stories of Ex-offenders and Felons Looking for Job.  It tells the story of one of my students who was having a tough time finding a job and some of the things he had to do to get hired.

From time to time, we all need a little help.  I know there was an organization in in Ft. Lauderdale that may help ex-offenders and felons get jobs.  The Urban League of Broward County has a program that helps to prepare low income, unemployed and those with criminal backgrounds for jobs.  There are other resources that can help families and single people who are having a difficult time.  You can find out more about The Urban League of Broward County and what programs are available at their website.  Under that, is one of my videos that will give you other options that may lead to you getting a job.

The Urban League of Broward County
Urban League of Broward County
11 N.W. 36th Avenue
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33311
954-584-0777 

"Programs designed to provide training and developmental skills necessary to enter or re-enter the workforce and become economically self-sufficient. Program benefits include educational services, job placement, GED preparation & testing, employability skills training and child care services. These programs offer participants career development opportunities through various life skills workshops, service-learning experiences, internships and apprenticeships."

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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!

Felon in Florida in Need of a Job

   Lady Felon Seeks Job Search Help

 Hello Mr. Mayo,

I committed a crime over 10 years ago, I pleaded guilty and go two years probation.  My church gave me a job after my conviction. I didn’t have to worry about seeking employment elsewhere.  I no longer work at the church for personal reasons.  I am currently looking for a job and it’s hard for me.   I was wondering if you could give me some advice on where to start or if there are programs out there for women.  I live in Virginia Beach

Lisa

Lady Felon Seeks Job Search Help

Unfortunately, I don't know of any programs in the Virginia Beach area for women.  The first place I suggest for every ex-offender and felon looking for jobs is the nearest One-stop Career Center.  Your local One-stop can help you with some valuable services that help you get a job.  You can get help with your interviewing skills, a resume and there are computers and copiers you can use.  There are also state issued lists of open jobs in your area.  Each center has a staff of counselors that can help you in your job search.  Many counselor's regularly work with felons and ex-offenders and know of employers in the area that will give them a chance.  You can find the Center in your area here:

http://servicelocator.org

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

Another suggestion is to find your local United Way office.  The United Way supports a large number of social service agencies that may be able to help you.  They can direct you to resources that may help a female felon or felons in general.  There may be other services that can help you get back on track.  The United Way in your area can be found here:

United Way of South Hampton Roads

United Way of South Hampton Roads
PO Box 41069
Norfolk, VA 23541-1069
(757) 853-8500
http://www.unitedwayshr.org/


Counties served by United Way of South Hampton Roads:

Chesapeake

Isle Of Wight

Norfolk


Portsmouth

Suffolk

I hope this info helps

Jobs for Felons: Know Your Rights

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!

Lady Felon Seeks Job Search Help

Felon in Illinois needs help finding a job

Felon in Illinois needs help finding a job

I have an aggravated battery in DuPage county in Illinois. It happened in 1996 and have not been able to find a job in the past 6 months because of my background. I have been offered many positions and then after the criminal background check told they were looking for someone else. Is there anything you know of in Illinois that might help me?

Ryan,

 Felon in Illinois needs help finding a job

Hello Ryan,

First of all, like I tell all ex-offenders and felons applying for jobs - always be honest! If the the question is asked on the application, answer honestly.  If you are less than honest on the application and a background check is done, you have no chance at the job.  Even if you are hired in the interim, you will probably be fired for being dishonest, rather than having a record.

Many felons opt to apply for jobs at smaller companies. Smaller companies often don't do extensive background checks as a means to save money.

Secondly I would seek legal counsel to have this conviction downgraded possibly to a misdemeanor. This will make it easier to work with. Often felon job searches begin with legal assistance. Contact your local legal aid office. You may qualify for low cost or no cost assistance to get this done. You may find more information here:

http://www.lafchicago.org/content/view/17/45/

Thirdly, I would visit the local One-stop Career center. There are many services as well as counselors that can help felons get jobs. You can find the center near you here:

http://www.servicelocator.org

I hope this helps.

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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!

Felon in Illinois needs help finding a job