Nov 12, 2024 | By Ryan M. Moser
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 ...
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Mar 31, 2024 | By Ryan M. Moser
From Rejection to Entrepreneurship: A Journey Beyond a Background Check
Despite 22 years in restaurant management, Marvin found himself having a very difficult time finding work when he came home from prison in 2022. He desperately needed a job, so he went to the Center for Employment Opportunities (CEO) and started working on a transitional work crew. After a few ...
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Mar 31, 2024 | By Ryan M. Moser
A Workforce That Holds Your Past Against You
Prior to Rolandon being convicted of a felony and put on probation, it was never hard for him to get a job. He’d been to college for electrical engineering, had a solid work history, and was extremely reliable. However, he quickly learned of the all-too-real impact a criminal record would ...
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Mar 31, 2024 | By Ryan M. Moser
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. When he came home, he was extremely diligent with his job-hunting and made sure he was prepared ...
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Nov 29, 2023 | By Emily Montgomery
“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. “My dad drove all the way to Columbus to see me graduate,” Dion said. “His smile when I showed him ...
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Oct 05, 2022 | By Emily Montgomery
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. Brian’s job keeps the rest of us safe. He works in the Vehicle Quality Department at a Honda plant outside Columbus, where ...
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