There are more than 500 employment laws, policies and sanctions that prevent people with criminal records from accessing employment in Illinois.Thanks to our sponsors:While those barriers exist in many industries, some employers focus specifically on hiring people who are re-entering society after prison.
At Growing Home, an Englewood farm provides people re-entering society with job readiness training and an opportunity to work with agriculture. Participants join the 12-week program to learn everything from seeding and harvesting to marketing, said Zenobia Williams, director of employment training with Growing Home.“Even if they have a car that breaks down, we’ll support them in getting those vehicles fixed so they can return to work,” Williams said.
“People are willing to work, but they need a little bit of help to get there, to know what the rules are and how to perform appropriately,” Korzenik said. “When you offer that, you get an exceptional and loyal employee.”In addition to job readiness programs, the organization brings members of the business community inside prisons to meet people, said Melissa O’Dell, executive director of Defy Ventures’ Illinois team.