Nonprofit helps ex-offenders re-enter the valley workforce

It’s the question that Markeith Hunter feared seeing on every job application: Do you have an arrest or conviction record?

Hunter admits to making bad decisions as a result of hanging out with the “wrong people.” After being released from prison a few years ago, he was ready to support his family but found it difficult to get a job because of his criminal record.

“They say everybody gets a second chance, but that’s not true,” said Hunter. “You pay your debt to society, but society doesn’t treat you the same way. You’re always in debt no matter what you do.”

After applying for 20 jobs ranging from retail to fast food, Hunter was about to lose hope until he received help from the Foundation for an Independent Tomorrow’s Re-entry Initiative Program.

“If you have a criminal background and are going from job to job, you have less social capital,” said Jennifer Casey, program director. “It becomes harder for an employer to take a chance on them because many are not willing to look past a poor decision. We help our clients with a criminal background re-enter the workforce through classes and skills. It’s about being resilient. It only takes one employer to say yes.”

More than one in four adults in the U.S., or roughly 65 million people, have an arrest or conviction that shows up in a routine criminal background check, according to a report from the National Employment Law Project.

Wesley Gary III is one of those affected.

“I sold drugs for the majority of my life to support my family,” Gary said. “I didn’t know what I wanted to do in life. When I got out of prison, I had a list of goals I wanted to accomplish, and FIT was one of them. They really stick their necks out helping those who have a bad past. They helped me become a charter bus driver.”

Courtney, who asked her last name to be withheld, also successfully completed the program and is now working at a vegan bakery.

“They helped me get a bus pass to go to work and showed us how to soften the blow of having a criminal record,” Courtney said.

Having a criminal record in today’s job market creates a unique set of barriers in obtaining employment, said Casey.

To combat these barriers, the nonprofit created the Stages of Employment Job Readiness course to better serve this specialized population.

Clients are taught resume writing and interviewing skills and work in discussion groups.

In addition, the program aims to help ex-offenders by providing case management and client advocacy, basic computer and keyboard classes, job search assistance, supportive services, assistance in paying for items required for work and tuition assistance for vocational training.

More than 90 percent of employers conduct criminal background checks, according to a 2010 Society for Human Resources Management survey.

A 2004 survey conducted by the University of Wisconsin-Madison found that employers are less likely to hire ex-offenders, with about 40 percent reporting that they would probably or definitely not hire an applicant with a criminal record for a job not requiring a college degree.

The program empowers motivated, unemployed and underemployed individuals in Nevada, helping them achieve financial stability and self-sufficiency through individual mentoring, said Casey.

“We explain to clients that we’re here as their safety nets and support system,” Casey said.

The ex-offender program offers services and funding for Nevada residents with a past criminal history who are 18 or older, have a valid Social Security number and are in compliance with selective service.

Participants must be a U.S. citizen or able to work in the U.S. legally.

Casey said the program has a 72 percent success rate.

Part of the reason why it is successful is because case managers must follow up with the participants for a year after they get a job, Casey said.

“I was always nervous about checking that box (that asks of my criminal record), but after going through the program, it’s the last thing I’m worried about,” Hunter said. “I’m ready to tap it.”

The nonprofit is federally funded through the Department of Labor’s Workforce Investment Act grant, with a goal of serving the re-entry or ex-offender population.

In addition, the foundation seeks to assist Southern Nevada residents by providing workforce development services, including interviewing skills, job searching techniques and resume assistance, to increase a program participant’s opportunities to obtain and maintain employment.

The foundation works with job seekers ranging from high school graduates to those who have Ph.D.s, according to its brochure.

During the program’s 2013-14 year, 342 clients became employed, and their aggregate annual income increased by more than $7 million, according to the foundation’s annual economic impact of FIT clients report.

Applications for the Re-Entry Initiative Program can be submitted by attending an orientation, scheduled at 8:30 a.m. every Monday at 1931 Stella Lake Drive.

“Never underestimate a person’s ability to change,” Casey said. “Everyone has that instinct to keep going, but having someone believe in them, it can motivate them to do great things.”

For more information on the foundation, visit lasvegasfit.org or call 702-367-4348.

To reach North View reporter Sandy Lopez, email slopez@viewnews.com or call 702-383-4686. Find her on Twitter: @JournalismSandy.