Placing exonerees in steady employment that matches their abilities and needs is important because it ensures successful integration into the community by creating a source of income, a sense of purpose, and a positive social environment. Exonerees face numerous barriers to successful employment, including: (1) employers often are hesitant to hire ex-prisoners for various reasons (even exonerees); (2) lacking skills to properly market themselves to potential employers; and (3) lacking the needed social supports that allow them to enter and remain in the workplace (e.g., transportation, housing, etc.). Our employment-focused program incorporates mentoring, job training, resume building, interviewing, computer skills, job placement and other comprehensive transitional training. The program focuses on the specific needs, skills and past job experience of each exoneree to help assist and guide them into their chosen career. As the exoneree successfully transitions into their job and integrates into their community, we will continue to follow up until our resources are no longer needed. Basic support services must be met prior to any job training and placement. These services can include essential items such as: individual and family counseling, family support and assistance, transitional housing, transportation, financial planning and education.
