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CEO Updates: Creating Inclusive Spaces: The Impact of CEO’s Affinity Groups
In celebration of ERG (Employee Resource Group) Day, we are proud to acknowledge and honor the contributions of the Center for Employment Opportunities (CEO) Affinity Groups. These voluntary, employee-led groups are formed around common interests, backgrounds, and experiences that give employees from diverse backgrounds a sense of belonging and provide a supportive community.
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Participant Stories: Abu's Path from Parole to Promotion
Abu, the youngest of ten kids raised in Chicago, has never been one to coast through anything in life; when he develops a passion for something, whether it be Scrabble, public speaking, or manufacturing operations, he goes all in. “I was raised to work,” says Abu. “I learned early on that if you are dedicated to something and set goals, then you can succeed.”
Read the storyParticipant Stories: I Went from Skid Row to Leadership
The first time David stood on a stage and looked out at an auditorium filled with rambunctious kids, he was 27 and in the custody of the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR). He was sweating under the bright lights and a little nervous, but David knew he was there for a reason bigger than himself.
Read the storyCEO Updates: CEO Charlotte Welcomes Site Director Tiffany Miller
From the start, the Center for Employment Opportunities (CEO) Charlotte’s Site Director, Tiffany Miller, has had a passion for serving those who have been justice-impacted.
Read the storyPolicy Updates: Finding Recovery, Employment, and Success Because of a Second Chance
“I had the same enthusiasm with my new company as I did with CEO, and within three months I got a promotion,” Tiffani said. “The staff at CEO taught me that my past doesn’t define me, and encouraged me to be my best.”
Read the storyParticipant Stories: When a Dedicated Worker Proves Himself, the Road to Success Opens Up
“CEO had staff available for anything I needed, but I didn’t ask for much until I had to,” Eddie said. “You can extend a hand to someone, but they still have to do the work. CEO gave me the opportunity, and I took advantage of it and worked hard.”
Read the storyParticipant Stories: A Journey from the Streets to a Role Model
After returning home from incarceration two years ago, Anthony knew that he needed to work towards a career path if he was going to support his family, so he called the Center for Employment Opportunities (CEO) after a friend recommended the organization.
Read the storyProof That Hard Work Pays Off in the End, Despite a Background
When Junior M. first met State Senator Cooney (D-NY) in Rochester, New York last September during a site visit, the father of three was working for the Center for Employment Opportunities (CEO), beautifying the highways for the New York Department of Transportation and rebuilding his life as a formerly incarcerated person.
Read the storyParticipant Stories: On the Road to a Better Life and Helping Others Along the Way
Lori doesn’t believe in limitations. She was told that the trucking industry wasn’t for women, so she studied every day until she learned the commercial driver's license test inside and out.
Read the storyParticipant Stories: A Self-Motivated Participant Finds a Career
Some people take a crisis and turn it into an opportunity, and Jason is one of them. Sentenced to prison at the age of 18, Jason knew that he could dwell on his mistakes and live an unhappy life inside, or he could pursue a purpose and be satisfied in a bad situation.
Read the storyFrom the Field: CEO Partners with Mayor Cherelle Parker for Spring Philadelphia Clean Up: #CleanandGreen
In the bustling streets of Philadelphia's Germantown area, a remarkable partnership recently unfolded between the Center for Employment Opportunities (CEO) and Mayor Cherelle Parker.
Read the storyMore Than a Background: A [background check] company that has never met me made the decision on my employment
CEO's Emerging Leaders Program (ELP) equipped Criss with vital skills post-incarceration, including navigating discussions about his past conviction. However, despite his preparedness, outdated discriminatory hiring practices overshadowed his potential
Read his storyMore Than a Background: A Background Check Doesn’t Show Who You Are Today
Dion's journey post-incarceration was met with barriers. Despite securing employment, he faced unjust termination. However, with access to CEO's impactful programs, he found a path to a fulfilling career in healthcare.
Read his storyMore Than a Background: An Indefinite Punishment
Benjamin's post-incarceration journey exposes the reality of hiring discrimination. When one door closed due to bias, CEO was there to help open another, offering a fair chance at redemption.
Read his storyMore Than a Background: How to Keep Hope When Your Second Chance is Taken Away
After college, Alex made some wrong turns and unfortunately found himself involved with the justice system. However, he believed that one day he could still find a good career doing what he loved.
Read his storyMore Than a Background: A Workforce That Holds Your Past Against You
Despite Rolando's degree in electrical engineering, upon release, his past outweighed his hard work with employers. His experience highlights the urgent need for reform for justice-impacted individuals.
Read his storyMore Than a Background: From Rejection to Entrepreneurship: A Journey Beyond a Background Check
Marvin turned employment setbacks into a mission. Now with his own business, he's offering an equal opportunity to others with past mistakes.
Read his storyMore Than a Background: Everyone Needs a Fair Chance
Left hanging due to a background check after being promised a job Bridget, a mother of two, faced hiring discrimination. Seeking refuge, she found a fair chance with CEO to rebuild her life.
Read her storyMore Than a Background: How Long Should Someone Be Punished After They Make a Mistake?
Born and bred in Cincinnati, Dion's passion for music clashed with the harsh reality of post-incarceration employment struggles. Now, as Jailbird Issy, he fights for change alongside CEO.
Read his storyParticipant Stories: “You Have Somewhere to Go” - CEO Charlotte Site Supervisor Jalisa and Her Path to Success
Jalisa, a site supervisor at the Center for Employment Opportunities (CEO) in Charlotte, not only uplifts herself but also empowers the individuals under her wing to reclaim their lives and get back on track.
Read the storyInclusive Hiring: The Open Road: Terence’s Inspiring CDL Journey
In a world that often neglects people returning home from incarceration and trying to rebuild their life, the path toward employment can be challenging. Terence's journey shines as a beacon of hope for others facing similar, and what can seem like impossible, obstacles. With determination and the transitional support of the Center for Employment Opportunities (CEO), he proved the power of a fair chance and the impact of comprehensive reentry programs.
Read the storyCEO Updates: Pre-Apprenticeship Graduations for New York State
On December 13, 2023, Center for Employment Opportunities (CEO) celebrated two pre-apprenticeship graduations in both Buffalo and New York City. The classes are pathways to high-paying union careers in construction free of cost to justice-impacted individuals.
Read the storyParticipant Stories: An Advocacy Fellowship Leads To a Bright Future
After Terissa M. nearly lost her life in a car accident two years ago and suffered a tragic personal loss, she knew that it was time to seek help for her substance use. But what she didn’t know was that one day, she would be in a position to help other people heal too.
Read the storyParticipant Stories: “A Diamond in the Rough” – How CEO is Helping Demetrius Uncover His True Potential
Like many people reentering their communities after incarceration, Demetrius faced roadblocks to obtaining employment once he got home. Prospective employers struggled to look beyond his record, and Demetrius found he needed to improve some professional skills to help him stand out as a job candidate.
Read the storyParticipant Stories: “Best moment of my life”: Dion reflects on apprenticeship graduation
Reflecting on his graduation this past summer from the Building Futures Program, an apprenticeship program for the construction industry, Dion said that having his father present meant everything to him.
Read the storyPolicy Updates: Union Pathways Paving the Way for New Yorker’s Social and Economic Mobility
Each year, more than 500,000 individuals return to their communities from prison, seeking meaningful employment and the opportunity for economic mobility. Union-affiliated jobs represent an incredible opportunity for individuals returning home from incarceration to achieve economic mobility as the union often successfully advocates for higher wages and stronger worker protections.
Read the storyParticipant Stories: “Exceed everyone’s expectations:” Reggie finds new purpose with Hilco and CEO
Philadelphia Hilco Crew Site Supervisor Ella Saunders can’t help but sing Reggie’s praises. “Reggie serves as an inspiring example of personal growth and determination to positively impact society,” says Saunders.
Read the storyParticipant Stories: Chris finds security in earning CDL: “That means everything to me”
It’s been a year of accomplishments for Chris, a former participant at the San Jose office of the Center for Employment Opportunity (CEO). He has not only completed a year of employment post-incarceration, but he also earned his Commercial Drivers License (CDL) this spring.
Read the storyParticipant Stories: Reading His Way Into Success: Joseph’s CEO Leadership Program Journey
Joseph is a big reader, completing dozens of books a year. He shares that his two favorites are The Winds of War and War and Remembrance by Herman Rouk, historical novels that tell a sweeping story of World War II, but he says he’ll read almost anything
Read the storyParticipant Stories: A New Chapter: Sha-Ken's Advocacy Leads to Landmark Legislation
Sha-Ken recently realized a dream he never imagined was possible: he helped pass New York state legislation that will positively impact people with past justice-involvement like his.
Read the storyParticipant Stories: Turning Passion into Action: How an Advocacy Program Lit Azariah’s Flame
This spring, Azariah performed a prestigious rite of passage: he spoke at the graduation ceremony for a program he’d been a part of called the Advocacy Leadership Committee (ALC).
Read the storyWith new position, Mattie leads in helping others succeed
Mattie L. is a program delivery associate at CEO Oklahoma City who helps people in the same situation she was in just a year ago.
Read the storyParticipant Stories: CompTIA training reunites Brian with his passion for IT
Brian is proud of everything that he has accomplished in the short time since he was released. He says that CEO and the CompTIA training have given him the support to help him get back on his feet and on a path toward a career.
Read the storyParticipant Stories: IT Training program provides new opportunities for Allen–and his dog
Allen didn't just have himself to worry about at home—he had Max, his new dog. "He suffers from such bad separation anxiety when I'm gone," Allen said. "Every day I'm going to work, I have a little camera in my living room for Max. I call it my Max cam."
Read the storyParticipant Stories: With IT training, Jerel invests in a future for his family
Jerel is part of a new advanced training opportunity through the Center for Employment Opportunities (CEO). Through this program, CEO financially supports participants through information technology (IT) training that should lead to a well-paid career.
Read the storyParticipant Stories: Walter breaks the cycle and is helping others do the same
Once coming home, Walter had researched organizations that could help him gain employment. This is when he came across Center for Employment Opportunities (CEO), and began to feel excited and hopeful about the next phases of his life.
Read the storyCEO Updates: The Power of Reentry: Returning Strong
Today, CEO officially launches Returning Strong, a campaign calling for a new, collective narrative about reentry that rejects the stigma associated with system involvement and instead amplifies the talent, heart and voice of the people we serve all across the country.
Read the storyFrom the Field: Celebrating Women's History Month with Elizabeth Balfour
CEO is celebrating the women leaders who make our work possible. For 14 years Elizabeth Balfour has served on CEO’s board of directors. We asked Elizabeth to share her reflections on Women’s History Month and her leadership at CEO.
Read the storyWomen's History Month Spotlight : Maya Feemster-Jones
This month the Center for Employment Opportunities (CEO) highlights Maya Feemster-Jones, who has served as the site director for two years at the CEO site in Charlotte, North Carolina. She is a leader in the justice-impacted space and is hard at work to build a more just, equitable future for us all.
Read the storyFrom the Field: CEO Cleveland scores big with recognition from an NBA affiliate team
It’s not unusual for CEO employees to be highlighted for their hard work by supervisors, coworkers, and family. But it is a special occasion for their efforts to be acknowledged by a professional sports team.
Read the storyInclusive Hiring: Returning Strong: Darrius comes full circle by joining CEO staff that first inspired him
Today, Darrius is an eloquent and reflective leader who pours his heart into the work of helping individuals returning home from incarceration. But it wasn’t long ago Darrius was on the other side, unsure what his life would look like after prison.
Read the storyInclusive Hiring: A path to fulfillment: Ubaldo’s journey to helping others after overcoming adversity
Looking at his life today, Ubaldo sometimes has to pinch himself. “I tell my wife all the time, am I dreaming?,” he says, “It’s so wonderful. I’m so proud of where I am professionally and personally.”
Read the storyBlack Resilience
Black History Month is a time to honor and celebrate Black resilience. Resilience is generally defined as “the ability to withstand or recover quickly from difficulties.”
Read the storyInclusive Hiring: Fair Chance Conversations: Legal Perspectives on Fair Chance Hiring with Stan Ball
Stan Ball, Vice President, and Chief Litigation Counsel at Eaton Corporation, recently sat down with members of the Levelset team to talk about the company’s rationale and motivation to develop and implement Fair Chance Hiring practices. Stan speaks on his experience as a lawyer and provides helpful background on evaluating risk in hiring people with past convictions.
Read the storyInclusive Hiring: Why I Teamed Up with LinkedIn to Create a Resource for Job-Seekers with a Criminal Record
Going to court while incarcerated is one of the most nerve-wracking experiences; you lie awake throughout the night because the anxiety of the unknown permeates your thoughts. Early in the morning, while the rest of the world is fast asleep, you hear your name through the loud intercom, and the door that has kept you locked away from the world opens up so you can approach your fate. As you walk out of the door, you double your socks because the ankle cuffs that will soon restrain your steps from full stride will inevitably leave you scraped.
Read the storyReflections on Dr.King’s “Letter from Birmingham Jail”
Each Martin Luther King Jr. day, I re-read Dr. King's 1963 Letter from Birmingham Jail. It stands out to me as both a movement leader’s brilliant response to criticism from those who should be supporting his work and a lesson on what lies at the heart of a true democracy: justice for all.
Read the storyCEO Updates: Meet Chris Watler, CEO's New Executive Vice President
We are thrilled to announce that Christopher Watler has been appointed to the newly created position of Executive Vice President (EVP) of CEO. This promotion is a recognition of the leadership that Chris has displayed at CEO for over six years, along with some new responsibilities added to his portfolio.
Read the storyCEO Updates: CEO’s Impact! 2022: What We Did Together
What an incredible year it’s been at the Center for Employment Opportunities (CEO)! We are so grateful for your support. Check out CEO’s Impact! to learn more about what we achieved together this year.
Read the storyParticipant Stories: Consistency pays off: Ras achieves 365-day employment milestone
This holiday season, Ras has an extra reason to celebrate: he recently achieved a year of employment post-incarceration.
Read the storyInclusive Hiring: Fair Chance Conversations: Keilon Ratliff, Kelly Services
In our most recent fair chance conversation Salomon Moreno-Rosa and Matt Joyce had a conversation with Keilon Ratliff of Kelly services. Ratliff discussed how, as a staffing firm, Kelly Services has been able to drive the conversation about fair chance hiring at their client companies.
Read the storyInclusive Hiring: From participant to advocate, RayVon is advancing criminal legal system reforms
RayVon is dedicated to working as a champion for the rights of people impacted by the criminal legal system. “My goal is to have my voice heard and my advocacy recognized,” he says.
Read the storyInclusive Hiring: Aspen Institute Releases a Rework Reentry Playbook
Next Chapter has become a project of the Tides Center, and 13 more major companies have become partners, committing to hire returning persons and share their experiences with others.
Read the storyStaff Stories: As CEO’s new Midwest Social Enterprise Manager, Quincy is creating pathways to economic mobility
Like many young graduates, Quincy wasn’t sure where life would take him after school, but he knew he wanted to work in criminal justice reform.
Read the storyParticipant Stories: Stacey channels his voice and passion into advocacy work
Stacey is an advocacy fellow for the Center for Employment Opportunities (CEO). He says this position has opened the door for him to tackle issues he cares deeply about.
Read the storyInclusive Hiring: Paying forward his opportunities, Ronnie now helps others succeed
Ronnie knows something about hard work. Growing up on a small farm in Yuba County, Calif., Ronnie and his four younger siblings helped care for the family’s chickens and other animals, including milking the cow every morning and evening.
Read the storyInclusive Hiring: Fair chance conversations: From pilot to companywide strategy with Ken Kuwamura, Union Pacific
Ken Kuwamura of Union Pacific Railroad breaks down how they have developed their talent acquisition strategy to include Fair Chance opportunities. Union Pacific began their Fair Chance Employment pilot in Houston in 2021 and since then have grown their efforts to Los Angeles and the Twin Cities.
Read the storyParticipant Stories: Over-the-road and onto a new chapter, Rodney finds success in trucking
Rodney, a new trucker, not only drives a long way in a short time for his routes but has come a long way in life in a short time.
Read the storyFrom the Field: Solano health fair provides critical screenings and wellness services
Dozens of people gathered last week for a health fair in Solano County, California. The fair was hosted by the Center for Employment Opportunities (CEO) and provided CEO participants and other formerly incarcerated individuals in the local community with access to free health screenings, wellness information, and food.
Read the storyInclusive Hiring: Will you be an advocate for inclusive hiring at your workplace?
Inclusive hiring helps maximize access to talent for employers while ensuring that past convictions do not prevent qualified people from joining the workforce.
Read the storyInclusive Hiring: Karina embraces her path as an advocate for criminal legal system reform
When distractions don’t cloud your eyes, the world is bright, and your road is clear as day. This is the newfound perspective of Karina from Los Angeles, California.
Read the storyInclusive Hiring: What does the increase in demand for justice-impacted workers mean?
In the summer of 2022, Harvard Business School published a working paper exploring how employers conduct and leverage criminal background checks. Hiring managers at 1,000 businesses were asked whether they would consider and hire Workers with a Criminal Record (WCs) given the availability and demand for employees
Read the storyParticipant Stories: Celebrating a full year of employment, Brian looks to the future
This past July, around the time many Americans were celebrating the anniversary of the nation’s founding, Ohio resident Brian celebrated a personal milestone: 365 days of employment post-incarceration.
Read the storyInclusive Hiring: Increasing the demand for workers with a criminal record
Harvard Business School published a working paper outlining a field experiment conducted in partnership with a nationwide staffing platform to test approaches that more directly address the reasons that employers may conduct criminal background checks.
Read the storyMaking time for leadership
The Center for Employment Opportunities (CEO) recently held its September Leadership Retreat. Over 140 leaders from CEO’s 12 states and 30 offices converged on lower Manhattan in New York City. It was the first time we had all been together since before the pandemic. Over three days we celebrated, learned, and were inspired.
Read the storyStaff Stories: From participant to supervisor, George “passes the baton” of success
George calls his full-time job at Center for Employment Opportunities “an answered prayer.” “Not just the job, but to be able to work alongside others,” George says. “To be able to tell them, hey, I know what it takes. Of course, you have to put in the work, but you have people working with you that want to help you.”
Read the storyParticipant Stories: Opinion: Why companies should hire formerly incarcerated workers like me
I’ve been an information technology support specialist in Detroit for half a year now, and I consider myself lucky because I love my job helping other people solve problems. But it wasn’t easy getting here.
Read the storySmithsonian collaboration brings training and job experience to system-impacted scholars
Think of a job a person might apply to after serving a prison sentence. Does a museum professional come to mind? Perhaps it should. The Center for Employment Opportunities (CEO) recently teamed up with a Smithsonian Institution internship program to help make such a career path possible.
Read the storyPreventing reimprisonment of formerly incarcerated individuals starts with higher-paying jobs
The city should work with unions and re-entry providers to create work opportunities that facilitate and track long-term success. Across New York City, the public safety crisis is most acutely seen and felt in low-income communities of color. Indeed, gun violence is ravaging neighborhoods already hit hardest by COVID-19, mass incarceration, unemployment, and low-wage work.
Read the storyCEO Updates: Beloved Benefit, headlined by Usher and Maroon 5, raised $6.3 million, CEO is one of eight recipient organizations
The Beloved Benefit, a community impact event that galvanizes the city of Atlanta, aims to inspire positive change through greater economic mobility.
Read the storyInclusive Hiring: Fair Chance hires help medical delivery company’s success soar
Jimmy Parker, the founder, CEO, and president of STAT Overnight Delivery, a medical delivery service, knew from the beginning that he wanted his company to be an employer that focused on people’s futures rather than their backgrounds.
Read the storyParticipant Stories: Venitra finds both a career and self-confidence with reentry support
Venitra loves her job as a picker at a warehouse in Oklahoma City, OK. She gets excellent benefits and uses the forklift skills she trained for. However, there was a long period when she was fearful about finding a good position. She was incarcerated during the pandemic and was unsure what work she would be able to do after her release, especially because before being in prison, she and her husband had only worked fast-food jobs.
Read the storyCEO Updates: CEO honored as a beneficiary at Atlanta’s Beloved Benefit– featuring Usher and Maroon 5
Center for Employment Opportunities is thrilled to be a beneficiary of the 2022 Beloved Benefit in Atlanta! The Beloved Benefit is an annual gathering to support organizations promoting equity and building strong, healthy communities in Atlanta.
Read the storyInclusive Hiring: California company embraces inclusive hiring with supportive New Start Program
Villara Building Systems is an HVAC, plumbing, and solar company based in Northern and Central California, celebrating its 75th year in business. Last year, Cory Henderson was brought on to help develop and run Villara’s New Start Program, which hires, trains, and supports employees that traditionally have trouble gaining employment. These hires include refugees and individuals who were formerly incarcerated, formerly homeless, or previously suffering from addiction or substance use disorder.
Read the storyCEO Updates: CEO continues Grow with Google partnership to provide digital skills training
Today, CEO was thrilled to host Grow With Google at our Oakland location to announce the expansion of their career readiness program for justice-Impacted communities. CEO will scale digital skills training into our job-readiness programming at all 31 locations.
Read the storyParticipant Stories: With reentry support, Shannon achieves socioeconomic mobility
Shannon has made a career turning struggling businesses into winning operations. But his biggest success has been his ability to turn his own life around in a way that positively influences many.
Read the storyFrom the Field: Members of Congress hear from justice-impacted individuals
At CEO, we have a vision that each person returning home from incarceration will have access to a quality job and economic mobility. Even though more than 600,000 individuals return home from incarceration each year, they are largely unable to access our country’s public workforce system and the support needed to focus on employment training during reentry. This past winter, CEO invited federal lawmakers to 9 of our sites to hear directly from justice-impacted experts on needed changes to law to make employment training better.
Read the storyPolicy Updates: CEO Cleveland site director testifies before Ohio legislature in support of more opportunities for judicial release
Devon Hickman, CEO Cleveland Site Director, testified before the Ohio legislature in support of SB 288, which expands opportunities for judicial release in Ohio.
Read the storyFrom the Field: Employers must rethink how they treat talent with criminal record
Imagine what it is like to look for work with a past felony conviction. Every time you are applying for a job, the burden of your conviction weighs on you. You worry about having to explain your conviction to a hiring manager -- a person that doesn’t know you. Even if you are qualified for a job, you might find it hard to get past the initial application process, where you may have to check a box indicating you have a past conviction, and you know deep inside that you won’t get a call back.
Read the storyFrom the Field: CEO Profile: A conversation with Chris Watler
CEO is the largest provider of transitional job opportunities for people returning to the community from prison or jail. We connect people immediately to paid employment and guarantee every participant who completes a one-week job-readiness orientation up to four days a week of transitional work on a crew and daily pay – a critical asset during an important time.
Read the storyParticipant Stories: A Returning Citizen From Michigan Is Giving Back To His Community
Konrad was born and raised in the rough streets of Detroit, Michigan. As a promising student in school, he had hopes of one day attending college. However, due to an abusive father, he found himself homeless and living on the streets at age 13. This unfortunate and dangerous turn of events caused his life to go in a very different direction. After a drug deal gone bad left two men fatally shot, Konrad decided to turn himself in to the police.
Read the storyHow $24M in Cash Grants Provided a Lifeline for Returning Citizens During Pandemic
Navigating a return from prison or jail is hard even at the best of times. But during a pandemic it can be daunting. Scott, who was released from a California prison this year after serving six and a half years of a 10-year sentence, found a temporary job that required him to drive through hazardous winter conditions from his transitional housing residence in the San Bernardino Mountains.
Read the storyStaff Stories: Meet Samra Haider, CEO's New President
We are pleased to announce that Samra Haider has been promoted to the newly created position of President at CEO. This promotion is a recognition of the leadership that Samra has displayed for many years, stewarding the organization through two strategic plans and growth into 12 states across the country.
Read the storyParticipant Stories: I Had Patience, But More Importantly, I Had a Game Plan to Become a Successful Entrepreneur
Ever since he was young, Terrance had always considered himself a business-savvy individual. Hoping to one day open his own customizable t-shirt shop, he set out to educate himself on how to run a small business. While incarcerated in upstate New York, Terrance enrolled in college courses, majoring in Entrepreneurship Management.
Read the storyParticipant Stories: Inspired by a Commitment to Community and Centering Impacted Voices
“A jail is a lockdown, but prison is a community,” says Charles, citing the work of famed prison reform advocate, penologist, and longtime warden of Sing Sing Correctional Facility, Lewis E. Lawes. Over the 40 years of his incarceration, Sing Sing was just one of the many institutions where Charles was held, in fact, he was there twice. After all of those years, he says that what he ultimately found was a sense of community.
Read the storyPolicy Updates: Congress Must Invest Now in Jobs for Justice-Impacted Individuals
In the American Jobs Plan, President Biden calls for a $100B workforce investment, including prioritizing justice-impacted individuals and subsidized employment as a proven training tool. As someone who has been there, it’s welcome news for the Administration to recognize just how hard it is for anyone with a history of incarceration to get a job.
Read the storyParticipant Stories: Key Fixes for New York’s Broken Parole System Await the Governor’s Signature
After my incarceration at Lakeview Shock Incarceration Correctional Facility for non-violent offenders in Brocton, New York, I quickly realized I was living in constant fear of reincarceration. My parole officer had issued strict conditions such as travel limitations and unreasonable curfews, which prevented me from getting to work on time. There were incessant home visits, often at 3 or 4 o’clock in the morning. I was convinced my parole officer was scrutinizing my every move, just waiting for a reason to issue a technical parole violation.
Read the storyStaff Stories: Cassie Anderson’s Extraordinary Journey from CEO Participant to Employee
Before becoming a CEO participant, Cassie Anderson confesses that her life was in shambles. She remembers sleepless nights, homeless in her truck, and trapped in an abusive, long-term relationship that ultimately led to her incarceration. Following her incarceration, Cassie returned to Memphis. As someone with an immense passion for caregiving, she was devastated to learn that, due to her conviction, she would no longer be able to work as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA). So, she started applying to various local businesses, but all of her applications were denied. As she started to lose hope, Cassie remembers praying to God and asking for help.
Read the storyFair Chance Conversations: The Economics of Inclusive Hiring with Jeff Korzenik
Levelset is a collaborative initiative of the Center for Employment Opportunities (CEO) and Envoy Growth, leveraging our common experience connecting employers with talented, motivated workers who have past justice-involvement.
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From the Field: Google, nonprofits to expand training for previously incarcerated people in Bay Area
Google plans to expand a program to help formerly incarcerated people receive job training and skills, pegged to a White House effort aimed at helping people stay out of prison and jail.
Read the storyBenefits of Inclusive Hiring: Watch CEO’s Recent Corporate Roundtable
On April 15, 2021, CEO held an Inclusive Hiring Corporate Roundtable event where a group of expert panelists took a deep dive into how inclusive hiring creates value for employers.
Read the storyParticipant Stories: Charandip’s Journey: From Incarceration to a Union Job
Charandip is a testament to the power of the human spirit to overcome adversity and create economic independence for himself and his family. Born and raised in Queens, New York, Charandip got into legal trouble when he was very young; trouble that followed him into adulthood. He spent a total of six years in prison at different points in his life and came to CEO in 2020, after his last two-year sentence.
Read the storyParticipant Stories: Draxel Shares the Life-changing Impact of the CEO Program
Draxel Clarke knew that he needed to work in order to get his life back on track. CEO’s coaching, training, and job placement services gave him the tools he needed to succeed. Hear why Draxel believes the program can help others.
Read the storyParticipant Stories: Jimmy Shares How the CEO Program Changed His Life
Jimmy Pizarro did not let poor decisions he made during his youth define his future. Hear why Jimmy credits CEO with his success and why he thinks people should consider the program after they are released from incarceration.
Read the storyParticipant Stories: Participant Success Story: Malik Talks About His Journey to Become a Certified Personal Trainer
Malik is a certified personal trainer and nutritionist. Originally from New York City, he currently resides in Oakland, California. From a young age, Malik spent time in and out of the justice system, including almost a decade in solitary confinement. Being an independent spirit and a go-getter, Malik forged ahead on his own after his release from incarceration. He encountered the barriers most returning citizens face, including: a lack of employment, lack of support, and a landscape that discriminates against Black men with past convictions.
Read the storyCEO Updates: Effectively Reaching Young Adult Job Seekers with Prior Justice Involvement
The Center for Employment Opportunities (CEO) and our partners launched a Credible Messenger Initiative (CMI) in 2017 as part of a broader strategy to improve services for justice-involved young adults in CEO's NYC workforce development program. The initiative paired young adult participants with full-time mentors who shared similar lived experiences to build trust and connection and to support them throughout their participation in CEO’s program.
Read the storyParticipant Stories: #MLKDay Series 2021: Joseph Langdon
I was released from prison in September 2020 after 22 long hard years of incarceration. I went into prison as a 19-year-old young man and returned to the community as a 41-year-old grown man. While in that mad house that is prison, which is full of anger, rage, and negativity, I emerged as a new person with new thinking. While in prison I used my time to engage in self-reflection, education, and hard work, with a focus on being a more productive human being. In that very dark and lonely jail cell, I discovered my untapped talents and purpose. I discovered that I wanted to write and be a public speaker. I want to share my story of struggle, oppression and redemption with people so the lessons of my life can inspire others to be their best selves.
Read the storyStaff Stories: #MLKDay Series 2021: Erica DiMartino
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. believed in people. He acknowledged the divisions that kept us apart and harmed our national character but had confidence that each one of us sought greater unity and equality. He recognized that racism and inequality can never be accepted. We must meet intolerance with education and action to come to a solution. My hope is that we are able to abandon our focus on the comforts of personal prosperity, and instead embrace fidelity to social justice and equality for all. When a life has suffered injustice at the hands of another, no person goes untouched by the repercussions -- Given recent events, we see that now more than ever.
Read the storyStaff Stories: #MLKDay Series 2021: Destiny Fordham
As a young girl I often reflected on what Martin Luther King’s contributions were to our world in awe. I was always so intrigued by his influence and the work he did within the community to organize and stand against racism. His ability to persist and be a leader on racial justice at such a pivotal time still evokes emotion in me today. I saw him as a super man with a superpower.
Read the storyStaff Stories: #MLKDay Series 2021: Wallace St. Clair
The life and teachings of Dr. King have meant a variety of things to me over the years. I was 6 years old when he was assassinated. While I definitely was too young to fully appreciate the lessons of his life, my understanding grew over time and he has since been a champion and role model for me. I remember sitting in the living room with my mother watching and listening to him on the news and radio. I had yet to experience the intensity of the racism being shown on television. My kinship with the people being attacked by dogs, fire hoses and police fostered an undeniable awareness, fear of and anger towards the “establishment.” Simultaneously, there was an invincible air of hope and promise in Dr. King's booming voice that reassured me. It conveyed a sense that we were going to win. I can still clearly see the knowing glances, genuine smiles and nods being exchanged whenever my family gathered to hear him speak.
Read the storyParticipant Stories: #MLKDay Series 2021: Betty McKay
Voting became an important issue for me while I was incarcerated at a California State Prison. It became clear to me that the system, which chose to treat me inhumanely and like I was disposable, acquired the power to do so by the public vote. I learned felony disenfranchisement had been a form of voter suppression aimed at black and brown people for over 100 years. Today, I continuously pose the question to myself and others: “If my vote has no power, why have they made it so difficult for me and people like me to exercise our right to vote?”
Read the storyStaff Stories: #MLKDay Series 2021: Keito Gray
"8 minutes 46 seconds. CDs. Wrong House Sleeping at home. Kalief Browder. Trayvon Martin. Central Park Five. Malcolm and Martin. Emmett Till. Nat Turner. The captive Africans crammed into the bowels of a slave ship, who communicated through their tears, and committed suicide as an act of rebellion - I carry these ansestors in the roots of my soul. As a Black man, I was never taught how to survive in a land that has oppressed my soul. I feel foreign to the sole of my feet as I walked on soil that was never meant to nourish and grow me. I carry the weight of injustice, but also the initiative to implement change. Dr. King said, “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. We are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny. Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly.” This serves as the blueprint for the work I do today."
Read the storyStaff Stories: #MLKDay Series 2021: Alexa Harris
"I remember seeing Dr. King’s mural at the Compton courthouse after attending a probation meeting to tell folks about CEO. I remember feeling how important that conversation was because most of our colleagues were coming from South Los Angeles. I remember being in a room with mostly Black people, building relationships that would have a lasting impact. Planting a seed in the community to make a difference. To literally change lives. I am reminded of the countless Black and Brown kids that came in with their parents to our office, seeing their mother or father engaged in conversation with us. I carry that memory as a symbol for anything I do here at this organization: it must be rooted in anti-racism."
Read the storyStaff Stories: #MLKDay Series 2021: Ayanna Teesdale
"With the challenges and controversies that we are currently facing in society, Martin Luther King Jr. Day allows us to pause and honor one of America's greatest leaders. We are reminded on this day of all the risks, sacrifices, and consequences he faced to inspire us to stand for social justice and equality for all. Dr. King also showed us that making a difference is a team effort. He didn’t just give speeches, he asked people to join him in peaceful demonstrations and service to others. His words and actions help to inspire those struggling for social progress and opened the doors of opportunity for all people. He called us to get involved in something bigger than ourselves."
Read the storyParticipant Stories: A First Time Voter Shares His Story
According to the Sentencing Project, 5.1 million people with felony convictions are unable to vote in the 2020 election. Felony disenfranchisement is among the over 45,000 collateral consequences faced by the estimated 19 million people with felony convictions. In response, CEO launched our first-ever voter registration drive focused on helping our participants and others with a felony conviction to exercise their right to vote this cycle. The non-partisan effort, a partnership with Vote.org and Spread the Vote, includes the creation of a voter resource page on our website that allowed voters to check their registration, register to vote and access other information on voting.
Read the storyCEO Updates: Meeting The Need: How CEO Has Responded to COVID
The impact of COVID-19 on the health and economic stability of every American is unprecedented, and justice-impacted people are among those most affected, particularly in low-income communities of color from which so many currently incarcerated people come. As our state continues to respond, CEO is active in the community offering employment and training to those returning home from incarceration. Through CEO’s transitional jobs program, participants have been on the front lines providing essential work to their communities.
Read the storyParticipant Stories: Former CEO Participant And Second Chance Hero Battles Fires in California
Recently, California Governor Gavin Newsom signed AB 2147. The bill, sponsored by Assemblymember Eloise Reyes (D-San Bernardino), provides a pathway for inmate firefighters to petition the courts to have their records expunged. CEO participant Victor Canales was released in 2019 before the law was changed. While not a direct beneficiary of the recent change, his story highlights the difficult path that inmate firefighters have to take to pursue a career in firefighting after release. While Victor is still working on his career path, his story offers inspiration for others.
Read the storyCEO Updates: Injustice for Breonna Taylor and Many More in Kentucky's Legal System
Breonna Taylor was murdered by the police in her own home, and last week we learned that no police officers will be held criminally responsible. Attorney General Cameron presented limited charges and the grand jury only indicted one officer for wanton endangerment, alleging only that he shot blindly into a neighbor’s home during the raid. This is not only a failure of police officers to do their jobs effectively– it is a failure of the very institutions and laws that are supposed to keep community members safe.
Read the storyCEO Joins 50 NYC NonProfits Calling for Police Reform
Policing in the United States has been under increased scrutiny and calls for reform in the wake of the deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and more recently, the shootings of Jacob Blake and Trayford Pellerin. These all-too-familiar tragedies serve as direct evidence as to why public trust in policing has declined, especially in low-income communities of color that bear the brunt of these practices.
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CEO Updates: Jobs for Economic Recovery Act: A Necessary Tool for Returning Citizens Seeking Employment
The Center for Employment Opportunities applauds the introduction of the Jobs for Economic Recovery Act by Senators Baldwin, Wyden, Bennet, Booker, and Van Hollen. If passed by Congress, the measure would provide jobs to unemployed and underemployed individuals, including those returning home from incarceration facing multiple barriers to work in an economy severely affected by COVID-19.
Read the storyCEO Updates: The need for local leaders to protect and expand rights for returning citizens
The Center for Employment Opportunities stands in outrage over the murder of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, and the countless other Black men and women who’ve lost their lives to police brutality and racial violence. We strongly affirm Black Lives Matter. Our nation cannot move forward until our institutions and leaders come to terms with the fact that racism is a defining characteristic of our justice system.
Read the storyThe 2020 CARES Act - At a Glance
The CARES Act (H.R. 748), signed into law on March 27, is a $2 Trillion economic stimulus package intended to provide limited relief to individuals, industries, businesses, states and localities affected by COVID-19. It is “Phase 3” of bills passed by Congress to respond to the pandemic following the Families First Coronavirus Response Act, which included policies to improve Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) access temporarily. Even though the CARES Act is the largest economic stimulus package in our country’s history, more federal action will be needed to assist impacted populations, such as CEO participants, and to establish a pathway back from the economic devastation resulting from COVID-19.
Read the storyCEO Updates: CEO Responds During COVID-19: Federal Policy Recommendations
The COVID-19 crisis is challenging both our civic structures and our values. As the effects of the sustained economic downturn become further entrenched, those who struggle to access opportunity even in the best of times will undoubtedly bear a disproportionate burden. We have already seen how this crisis has exposed the fault lines of our nation’s inequalities. Communities of color in particular have been disproportionately impacted by COVID-19 as a result of historic inequities in housing, access to health care and employment. Black Americans are incarcerated at five times the rate of white Americans. If we are to address the needs of COVID-19-impacted communities, it is essential that we account for the people released from incarceration, many of whom will return to low-income communities that are now dealing with record levels of unemployment.
Read the storyCEO Updates: Constituent Voice
Constituent Voice (CV) is a strategic effort at CEO to solicit and respond to participant feedback. CV, combined with CEO’s strong performance management and evaluation work, supports increased impact and participant satisfaction. Given Constituent Voice’s central role at CEO, all levels of management engage with client feedback and work to adapt our approach based on that feedback.
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CEO Updates: Policy and Advocacy at CEO
Over the past year CEO has created a new Policy Department that will build upon the strength of our program and push for structural reforms to improve the lives of people coming home from incarceration. Working across all 10 States where CEO operates, our policy and advocacy efforts seek to diminish the impact that mass incarceration, mass supervision, and justice involvement generally, has on the economic opportunities available to a person after being released. Our policy team will be focused on creating more opportunities for individuals to secure employment and reducing the barriers they face in trying to achieve a more stable economic future.
Read the storyCEO Updates: SNAP Work Requirements: How Recent Changes Will Affect Individuals Returning Home From Incarceration
In December, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) published final federal regulations tightening work requirements for individuals to receive food assistance benefits under the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). This rule change applies to those receiving SNAP termed “Able-Bodied adults without dependants,” (ABAWDs) and is expected to cut off benefits for 688,000 people. These changes to work requirement waivers bring the first final rule from the three proposed in this past year to restrict SNAP eligibility, a program that is the nation’s largest nutrition assistance resource for low-income individuals.
Read the storyParticipant Stories: Strengthening Skills, Starting a Career. Saed’s Story.
Meet twenty-five year old Saed Dixon. Saed entered CEO’s Albany New York program in August of this year unsure of what to expect. While completing CEO’s one-week orientation, for the very first time in his life, he began exploring his career interests and goals.
Read the storyParticipant Stories: First Day on the Job. Ronald’s Story.
Meet Ronald Fairiror. Ronald enrolled in CEO’s Philadelphia program in September 2018, after being incarcerated for more than 20 years. Thanks to CEO, and the unwavering support of his mother, Ronald has made strides towards rebuilding his life.
Read the storyParticipant Stories: Job Coaching and Placement. Crystal's Story.
Meet Crystal Malone. Upon release from incarceration, Crystal worked hard to find a job. Despite applying for many on her own, and being honest about her conviction history, she rarely even got an interview.
Read the storyParticipant Stories: Building for the Future. Robert’s Story of Advancement.
At a young age, Robert lost the only positive role model in his life, his grandfather, and struggled to adjust. He was incarcerated in his late teens and spent much of the last decade cycling in at out of prison. When Robert returned home in April 2019, he was determined to carve out a different path for himself.
Read the storyStaff Stories: Creating a New Paradigm for Reentry Employment: Q&A with the Experts
Read the storyCEO Updates: CEO in the News: NYTimes and The Hill
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Nyjheri Carnell
When Nyjheri enrolled in CEO she was 26 years old and had spent a total of five years in prison since she was 20. In the past, it had been easy to fall back into old routines, friendships, and habits when she came home. But this time, she said, something felt different.
Read her storyParticipant Stories: Charles Brown
Charles Brown began his prison sentence when he was 17. By the time he returned home to Philadelphia he was a 53 year old whose entire adult life had been shaped by the criminal justice system. All of Charles’ accomplishments — from earning his GED to enrolling in college classes to becoming a mentor — were inseparable from his incarceration.
Read his storyParticipant Stories: Katie Garcia
"[Those] were the first paychecks I'd received in seven years..."
Read her storyParticipant Stories: Shanon Fulcher
“I did two years in prison, and when I came out I didn’t have the basics … a job, or clothes, or anywhere to stay. My parole officer sent me to CEO and they helped me right away. CEO got me earning money to support myself, and provided me with opportunities to get trained in different skills and get experience in the field. It’s really boosting my resume ... I’ve been working with CEO for three months now, and all these experiences are teaching me how to carry myself and grow and adapt. CEO has really helped me reenter society.”
Read the storyCEO Updates: Branching Out in the Rocky Mountain State
CEO opens a new office in Colorado Springs.
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CEO Updates: Growing Our Roots Along the Mississippi
CEO opens a new office in Memphis.
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