MONTH DEDICATED TO REENTRY EFFORTS WILL INCLUDE A DONATION OF SUITS, CAREER COACHING AND GRAND OPENING OF RESOURCE CENTER
Contact: Av Harris, (203) 814-7992, av.harris@bridgeportct.gov
(Sep. 28, 2016) — Bridgeport, CT – Mayor Joe Ganim today is announcing the launch of the first-ever Second Chance Awareness Month with several events designed to assist those with prior convictions seeking to re-enter the workforce and launch their careers. The Mayor’s Second Chance Awareness Month is being coordinated together with the efforts of two Bridgeport nonprofit organizations – Career Resources Inc. and The Workplace – and includes a job fair, the opening of a career resource center and an event during which donated business suits will be provided for those individuals looking for a second chance.
“Connecting ex-offenders with resources and opportunities is crucial for a successful reentry,” said Mayor Ganim. “It makes a world of difference to walk into an interview prepared with a fresh suit, organized resume and interview tips. This month will highlight the efforts being made to assist individuals who may have made mistakes in their past but want to have a real opportunity at substantive employment and become productive members of society. I thank our partners at the Workplace and Career Resources for their efforts to give our returning citizens a fair chance at a new job and career.”
Scott Wilderman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Career Resources Inc., said, “Career Resources, Inc is pleased to support the Mayor’s Second Chance Awareness month. The events that will take place over the next few weeks demonstrate the joint commitment on behalf of Mayor Ganim and the providers dedicated to insuring that all of Bridgeport residents have an opportunity for a second chance.”
Joe Carbone, President and Chief Executive Officer of The Workplace, said, “These events highlight the fact that we have many returning citizens in Bridgeport and under Mayor Ganim’s leadership Bridgeport is taking the lead in providing 2nd chances for those with prior convictions on their records. We are becoming a model city nationwide for 2nd chance initiatives, and we have an extraordinary partner base in our community with many organizations working together to provide real employment opportunities, workforce development, education, training, and other services. Bridgeport is truly a second chance city!”
Second Chance Awareness Month events include the following:
“Fall into a Suit”- This event will be held at the Margaret E. Morton Government Center on 999 Broad Street, Bridgeport, CT on Thursday, September 29, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. The third annual “Fall into a Suit” event provides ex-offenders with professional attire in preparation of the 20th annual Career Resources’ Community Career Fair the following week. The returning citizens were selected after being referred by respective supervising agencies.
20th Annual Career Resources Community Career Fair- This event is open to the public and will be held at Housatonic Community College on 900 Lafayette Blvd, Bridgeport, CT on Thursday, October 6, 2016 at 9:00 a.m. The 20th Annual Career Resources Community Career Fair will give ex-offenders and the community an opportunity to speak with over 50 local employers, including: Subway, People’s United Bank, Albertus Magnus College, Goodwill, and Bridgeport Public Schools. The first hour will be exclusively for ex-offenders seeking employment.
Grand Opening of ‘Jay Brother’s Unified Resource Center’ (JBURC)- This event will be held at the location of the new facility on 480 Bond Street, Bridgeport, CT on Thursday, October 13, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. Jay Brother’s Unified Resources Center will be a facility to serve returning citizens. This unique center will house a diverse array of services including guided mediation, yoga, emotion management, mentoring for parent/ child literacy, family reunification, and vocational services.
When almost 70 million Americans – nearly one in three adults – have a criminal record, it is important to remove barriers that may prevent these individuals from gaining access to employment, training, education and other basic tools required for success in life. The Mayor’s Second Chance Awareness Month will provide individuals with criminal records, including formerly incarcerated individuals, a fair chance to participate in our regional economy. More events will follow.
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Dalmarys Matos
Communications Assistant|Office of Mayor
City of Bridgeport
Margaret E. Morton Government Center
999 Broad Street|Bridgeport, CT 06604
Phone: (475) 225-5434
Email: dalmarys.matos@bridgeportct.gov