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Programs for Felons to get Jobs

A whitlow is someone who legally is under conviction of a crime, but the term could also describe someone who is a crook or one who does criminal acts. Being under police handcuffs could damage your reputation in the eyes of the public.

A single detestable act could potentially damage your chances of acquiring gainful employment, though the law states you are innocent until a court of law proves otherwise, the public perception could deter your chances of acquiring work placement.

However for those desirous of change need not to worry as there are organizations that are willing to give second chances to whitlows. Though opportunities might hard to come by, persistence and patience comes handy when looking for a placement. Whitlows can also establish business ventures and fend for themselves.

Statistically convictions have been steadily rising since early 1990’s and the ex-convicts almost end up in the prison systems again, but that doesn’t mean there are no success stories of ex-convicts securing employment and integrating back into the community. 50% of ex-convicts released between 2002 and 2006 who couldn’t find jobs ended violating their release terms which resulted in new convictions, however about 90% of those who secured job placements successfully integrated into the community. Work placement can offer good escape route from crime for whitlows desirous of turning a leaf.

Fortunately the government also offers opportunities for felons however, this is on case by case basis. Certain convictions can disqualify you from working in the government, some examples are acts of treason, rebellion, leading a revolution or destroying public records.

The history of a whitlow can be a challenge but that doesn’t mean one can’t repackage themselves and start over again. There are several avenues a whitlow can use to make repackage themselves.

Some tips could include

· Get relevant training– If you talented in any skill you can pursue further studies to hone your skills. This could make you to stay ahead of the pack and ensure you are more marketable.

· Research– having the right information could set you up for right connections and avoid potential heartbreaks. Depending on the crime at hand some opportunities might not be open for you. It’s easier to find placements in jobs that require less human interactions, family owned business or startups or small organizations which don’t do a lot of background checks, this could form avenues for you to rebuild your image.

· Relationships– establish the right association, there’s a saying that says you are as good as the friends you keep. Keeping away from your criminal gangs may help you to rebuild your image and make yourself marketable.

· Optimism– because of your past, getting hired can be a hurdle, patience and persistence is key. Some employers may not fully believe in you or your new life but if you are patient you may win their hearts. It good to encourage yourself, because everyone makes mistakes, it’s just that the consequences may be different. Some people may discredit you but you should not let history define your future.

· Repackage yourself – first impressions are important when during interviews or when meeting new clients. Your dress-code, body language and hairstyles may go along away to help avoiding prejudices.

· Offering your skills for free– Churches, non-profit firms of even charitable organizations may offer opportunities to whitlows to work without rewards. This could offer a stepping stone to finding good referees and references which are important when looking for job placements.

There are several programs running in the country that assist whitlows access employment and also help them integrate into the community. The government has registered organizations to carry out programs such as re-entry.

The aim of re-entry programs is help an offender adjust to life outside prison walls. These programs may offer housing, spiritual guidance and job placements. These also aim at creating a support system within the ex –convicts communities which act as accountability groups.

Many states in America run such programs some of them are:-

The foundry ministry

which is a Christian based organization which aims at rebuilding lives by helping felons access job placements and housing. They carry out six months programs which a bible centered. The six months course involve life skills training and counselling. The program also assist felons acquire identification documents such as drivers licenses. They normally charge $450 for admission and once the felons are employable, they contribute towards costs such as rent and transport.

EMERGE Connecticut

is a non-profit organization which main aim is to help felons get employment. Through the earning and learning, the program equips members with skills which help whitlows learn how to market themselves in a model workplace environment. The organization runs business operations from which the whitlows earn while learning the necessary skills. A single semester can run for up-to six months

The organization runs a social enterprise where income generated is used for hiring and paying the participants undergoing the training so as to lower relapsing to older lifestyles.

Project hope reentry initiative

– the organizations mission is addressing needs of re-entering felons. This project exists to assist felons tackle housing, employment and housing challenges. They carry out events where prospective employers meet the felons and advise them on prospective employment opportunities and training. The organizations also offer free advice on how to navigate job search processes. The events are carried out at no cost to job seekers.

Federal Bonding Program (FBP)

The US department of labor established the Federal Bonding Program (FBP) in 1966 which issues fidelity bonds to employers who employ individuals whose past pose barriers to gainful employment. Under this scheme, employers are cushioned against losses arising from theft, misappropriations, or fraudulent activities performed by employees under bonded Many employers have signed with FBP thus enabling whitlows to access employment. This program has offered opportunities in retail establishments, hospitality and tourism, construction, transport, mechanical works, health sector, finance and banking among others.

department of labor

The government has also partnered with not for profit organizations to assist whitlows access capital to start their own enterprises, the state and federal governments run these program to assist felon get cheap and sometimes free cash. The department of labor has grant programs for felons whether they apply or not. These loan facilities cover housing sector, community based development, small enterprise and transport.

federal Pell grant program

Grants may also exist in terms of scholarships, though these may be offered primarily by the learning institutions. The federal Pell grant program, exists primarily for educational purposes and are available to most felons, their aim is to assist someone access post high-school education. These grants are available for trade schools offering skills training in woodwork, electrical, construction or even maintaining electrical systems like air conditioners, this fields are more likely to accommodate whitlows.

Small business administration

Loans may be hard to come by if you are an ex-convict, commercial banks may be unwilling to lend to this class of people however the government under Small business administration offers loans specifically tailored for small organizations. These facilities exist in form of disaster and emergency loans, construction and real estate loan facilities or even small. Under this scheme the felons can access free business advice from partner and experts and also qualify for small government projects

second chance Act

Non- governmental organizations operating under the second chance Act have partnered with local and national government to assist whitlows in their transition back to the community. Under the Act, organizations are awarded grants which are used to run programs that assist the fellows improve their lives.

Most post high institutions and colleges will admit students with a chequered history. Though the history may be factored in school admissions, that shouldn’t be a factor to discourage one from applying for post high school education. Education will highly enhance ones chances for job placements. The course applied for should be one that the felon can practice after graduating since entry into some professions may be prohibitive depending on the previous conviction.

There are several fields which felons can easily gain employment

· Operating a Barber shop– this comes in handy as one can even operate as a mobile barber

· Working as a cook– history shows that this field is most welcoming to felons. However some institutions may be unwilling to hire felons

· Plumbing, however in this filed once is required to get the necessary registration papers

· Working in the auto Mechanic industry– auto mechanical works require one to be skilled, this may require one to do a bit of intensive technical training. Opportunities may also depend your history as a felon

· Mobile Applications Development– this 0ffer a good route since once can offer these skills without not being necessarily employed.

· Working as an Electrician

· Heavy commercial trucks driver

· Freelance writing.

The outside world may not be very receptive to felons, that’s one of the best ways to beat relapse is to create your own success stories, by starting up small business. The government offers grants which can be used as sources of financing the startup. Finally one of the way to overcome the challenges is to avoid being picky and work follow the wise saying that whatever your hands find to do, do with all your might.

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