Ex-offenders face numerous challenges when re-entering society, including but not limited to the following:

1. Lack of Employment Opportunities:
   One of the most significant challenges ex-offenders face is finding gainful employment. Many employers are hesitant to hire individuals with criminal records, and some industries outright exclude applicants with certain convictions. As a result, ex-offenders often struggle to find jobs, leading to financial instability and difficulty reintegrating into society.

2. Stigma:
   Ex-offenders also face a great deal of stigma and negative stereotyping from the public. This can make it challenging for them to build relationships, find housing, and access various social services. Ex-offenders may feel ostracized or judged, which can lead to feelings of isolation and depression.

3. Lack of Education and Skills:
   Many ex-offenders may have limited education and job skills, making it even harder for them to find employment. While they may have had access to educational programs while incarcerated, these programs may not fully prepare them for the demands of the job market.

4. Legal Restrictions:
   Depending on the nature of their conviction, ex-offenders may face legal restrictions that limit their access to certain types of employment, housing, or social services. These restrictions can make it challenging to build a new life after serving time in prison.

According to the Bureau of Justice Assistance, a statistics and data-finding body for the United States Department of Justice, Alabama has a recidivism rate of 31%, meaning close to one in three formerly incarcerated Alabamians will become incarcerated again. Recidivism is harmful to society and families, so there is a need for more recidivism reduction programs in Alabama.

*Wright, E., By, -, Timeshttp://www.birminghamtimes.com, B., & Times, B. (2021, June 10). The success of sheriff Mark Pettway’s renewed for re-entry program. The Birmingham Times. Retrieved February 17, 2023, from https://www.birminghamtimes.com/2021/06/the-success-of-sheriff-mark-pettways-renewed-for-reentry-program/

Employ Alabama will address ex-offenders’ challenges through various social services, job training, and job placement programs. Here’s a brief overview of how Employ Alabama plans to help ex-offenders successfully re-enter society:

1. Vocational Training:
   Employ Alabama will offer vocational training programs that provide ex-offenders with the necessary skills to succeed in specific industries. These programs may include training in areas such as construction, hospitality, and healthcare.

   Employ Alabama recognizes that not all ex-offenders have the same job skills or interests. That’s why we will offer vocational training programs to help ex-offenders develop the specific job skills they need to succeed in various industries.

   Our vocational training programs will be designed to provide ex-offenders with the knowledge and skills they need to thrive in specific industries. We will offer training in various areas, including construction, hospitality, healthcare, entertainment, and more. Our training programs are informed by the latest research on successful re-entry strategies and are designed to provide practical, hands-on experience in a real-world setting.

   Providing vocational training is critical to successful re-entry, as it helps ex-offenders to build the specific skills they need to succeed in the job market. By developing these skills, ex-offenders can compete more effectively for job opportunities.

2. Job Readiness Coaching:
   Employ Alabama will provide job readiness training to ex-offenders to help them prepare for the job market. This training includes assistance with job applications, resume building, and interview skills, among other things.

   Employ Alabama understands that finding a job can be a difficult task, especially for individuals who have been incarcerated. That’s why we will offer job readiness coaching to help ex-offenders develop the skills and confidence they need to succeed in the job market.

   Our job readiness coaching program will be designed to provide ex-offenders with the guidance and support they need to build strong job applications, develop their resume and cover letter, and prepare for interviews. We will work with each individual to identify their strengths and areas for improvement, and we will provide personalized coaching to help them build the skills they need to succeed.

   Providing job readiness coaching is critical to successful re-entry, as it helps ex-offenders to develop the skills and confidence, they need to succeed in the job market. By building these skills, ex-offenders can put their best foot forward and compete effectively for job opportunities.

   Our job readiness coaching program will be just one of the many services we offer at Employ Alabama to support ex-offenders on their journey to success. Whether you’re looking for job training, entrepreneurship education, or social services, we’re here to help you build a better life for yourself.

3. Job Placement Services:
   Employ Alabama will help ex-offenders find gainful employment by providing job placement services. The organization will work closely with local businesses and employers to identify job openings and match ex-offenders with suitable employment opportunities.

   Employ Alabama, understands that finding gainful employment is critical to successful re-entry into society. That’s why we will offer job placement services to ex-offenders, connecting them with local employers and job opportunities that match their skills and interests.

   Our job placement services are designed to provide ex-offenders with the support and resources they need to succeed in the job market. We work closely with local employers to identify job openings and match ex-offenders with suitable employment opportunities.

4. Social Services:
   Employ Alabama will also provide social services to help ex-offenders overcome the many barriers they face when re-entering society. These services may include assistance with housing, transportation, healthcare, and other basic needs.

   Employ Alabama, understands that the challenges faced by ex-offenders go far beyond finding employment. That’s why we will provide a broad range of social services to help ex-offenders overcome the many barriers they face when re-entering society.

   Our social services are designed to help ex-offenders meet their basic needs, such as housing, transportation, and healthcare. We also provide access to mental health services and substance abuse treatment, recognizing that these issues can be significant barriers to success.

   Providing comprehensive social services is critical to successful re-entry, as it helps ex-offenders to build a stable and secure foundation for their future. By addressing the many challenges that ex-offenders face, we can help them build a better future for themselves and their families.

5. Life Skills Mentorship:
   Employ Alabama will provide mentoring programs that pair ex-offenders with successful individuals in their communities who can provide guidance and support.

   Employ Alabama, recognizes that successful re-entry into society requires more than just finding a job. It also requires developing the life skills needed to build a stable and fulfilling life outside prison. That’s why we will provide life skills mentorship to ex-offenders to help them navigate the challenges of everyday life.

   Our life skills mentorship program is designed to provide ex-offenders with the guidance and support they need to build strong and healthy relationships, manage their finances, and navigate other life challenges. Our mentors are successful individuals from various backgrounds who can offer valuable insights and advice on building a successful life after incarceration.

   Life skills mentorship is critical to successful re-entry, helping ex-offenders build the social connections and support networks they need to succeed. By connecting ex-offenders with mentors who have overcome similar challenges, we can help them build confidence, resilience, and a sense of purpose.

   Our life skills mentorship program is just one of the many services we will offer at Employ Alabama to support ex-offenders on their journey to success. Whether you’re looking for job training, social services, or mentorship, we’re here to help you build a better future for yourself. Contact us today to learn more about our programs and services.

6. Entrepreneurship/Business Education:
   Employ Alabama will also provide entrepreneurship training to ex-offenders to enable them to create sustainable contributions to society, their families, and themselves.

   Employ Alabama, understands that only some ex-offenders are best suited for traditional employment opportunities. That’s why we will also provide entrepreneurship and business education to help ex-offenders build their own businesses and become successful entrepreneurs.

   Our entrepreneurship and business education program will be designed to provide ex-offenders with the knowledge and skills they need to start and run their own businesses. This includes business planning, marketing, financial management courses, and more. We also will provide one-on-one coaching and mentoring to help ex-offenders develop their business ideas and turn them into successful ventures.

   Entrepreneurship can be a powerful tool for ex-offenders, providing them with a sense of purpose, independence, and financial stability. By starting their own businesses, ex-offenders can break the cycle of recidivism and build a better future for themselves and their families.

   Our entrepreneurship and business education program is just one of the many services we will offer at Employ Alabama to support ex-offenders on their journey to success. Whether you’re interested in traditional employment opportunities or entrepreneurship, we’re here to help you build a new life for yourself. Contact us today to learn more about our programs and services.

Employ Alabama is proud to be modeled after the highly successful Texas Offenders Reentry Initiative (TORI). TORI has been recognized as a national model for ex-offender re-entry initiatives, and we shall implement many of its proven strategies and best practices into our program. Here’s how Employ Alabama is will incorporate the wisdom and success of TORI into our approach

1. Comprehensive Services:
   TORI recognized that successful re-entry requires a comprehensive approach addressing the many challenges ex-offenders face. Similarly, Employ Alabama will provide a broad range of social services, job training, and job placement programs to support ex-offenders on their journey to success.

2. Community Collaboration:
   TORI involved partnerships with businesses, non-profits, and government agencies to support the re-entry process. Employ Alabama is following suit, working closely with local employers, non-profits, and community leaders to create opportunities for ex-offenders.

3. Evidence-Based Practices:
   TORI used evidence-based practices to create its programs and services, and Employ Alabama has also adopted these best practices. The latest research informs our job training and placement programs on successful re-entry strategies.

4. Data-Driven Approach:
   TORI used data to track the effectiveness of its programs and services, and Employ Alabama will do the same. We will continually evaluate our programs and services to ensure that we are making a meaningful impact on ex-offenders’ lives.

By adopting the best practices of TORI, we can help ex-offenders successfully re-enter society, find gainful employment, and build new lives for themselves and their families.

Partnerships are essential to the success of our program, and we are always seeking to identify opportunities to develop new partnerships and increase the resources available to our participants. Our current list of community partners includes:

CATEGORY 

• Advocacy and Faith Based

• Local Government Funding

• Continuum of Care

• Federal Government

• Judge or Court Administrator

• Housing Provider

• Community Based Reentry Provider

• Advocacy

• Behavioral Health Care Provider

• Local Employer Local Nonprofit

• Law Enforcement Agency

• Educational Provider

• Education Nonprofit

• Food Provider

• Medical Provider

• Reentry Resources and Information

• Medical Provider

• Medical Provider

• Medical Provider

Employ Alabama recognizes that successful re-entry requires the support of the entire community. There are many ways that individuals and organizations can get involved and support our mission to empower ex-offenders to build better lives for themselves and their families.

Here are a few ways you can get involved:

1. Volunteer:
   We rely on the support of volunteers to help us deliver our programs and services. Whether you’re interested in mentoring ex-offenders, providing job readiness coaching, or helping with fundraising and events, we have a variety of volunteer opportunities available.

2. Hire Ex-Offenders:
   We work closely with local employers to identify job opportunities for ex-offenders. If you’re an employer interested in hiring ex-offenders, we would love to hear from you.

3. Donate:
   We are a non-profit organization that relies on the support of donors to fund our programs and services. Your donation can make a meaningful difference in the lives of ex-offenders.

To get involved with Employ Alabama, don’t hesitate to contact Kendra Bolling at kbolling@thehubcdc.org. Kendra is our main contact and can help you identify opportunities to support our mission. We look forward to working with you to help ex-offenders build better lives for themselves and their families.