In a landmark move, the Center for Employment Opportunities (CEO), the nation’s leading reentry employment provider, is pleased to announce a significant stride towards supporting justice-involved individuals. A $6.9 million grant, generously provided by the California Workforce Development Board (CWDB), will play a transformative role in expanding reentry services throughout California. Notably, $2 million of this funding is earmarked for direct cash payments to over 1,000 Californians returning home from incarceration.
This groundbreaking grant is part of the Helping Justice-Involved Reenter Employment (HIRE) initiative, a $50 million initiative within the state budget. CEO, in collaboration with the Anti-Recidivism Coalition (ARC) and the Reentry Providers Association of California, played a pivotal role in advocating for and securing this funding. The HIRE initiative focuses on amplifying employment opportunities and career mobility for justice-involved individuals by addressing their critical needs upon release.
CEO will be instrumental in supporting a network of distinguished reentry providers, including A New Way of Life (ANWOL), Anti-Recidivism Coalition (ARC), People Working Together, Root & Rebound, Rubicon Programs, Starting Over, Inc., Turning Point Alcohol & Drug Education Program, and Whole Systems Learning. Operating as a central “Hub,” CEO will enhance the coordination of services among providers, facilitating the efficient disbursement of cash payments across its network.
Samuel Schaeffer, CEO of the Center for Employment Opportunities, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “This innovative and critical funding is a real game-changer for Californians returning from incarceration. It will streamline CEO and our partners’ ability to provide direct cash payments and critical employment services – including immediate work with daily pay, career training, and wraparound support – when people need it most.”
The investment from California signifies a pioneering effort in comprehensive employment support for reentry services, marking the state as a trailblazer in prioritizing economic mobility for justice-impacted Californians. This marks a significant departure from traditional approaches and sets a precedent for similar investments in the future.
Comprehensive reentry workforce investment is crucial for empowering justice-involved individuals to find gainful employment and the necessary means to thrive. Individuals returning from incarceration often encounter substantial barriers to successful community reintegration, including challenges related to housing, employment, and food security, leading to approximately 60% unemployment within the first year.
Cindy Brown, Founder and COO of People Working Together, commended the California Workforce Development Board for recognizing the value of supporting crucial work in their organization. Brown emphasized the broad benefits to the communities they serve and expressed the hope for continued collaboration to enhance workforce accessibility for all.
In supporting legal services for reentry individuals, Carmen Garcia, Executive Director of Root & Rebound, expressed excitement about the expanded partnership, wishing such resources had been available during her own reentry experience.
The collaborative efforts extend further with Rubicon Programs, as highlighted by Dr. Carole Dorham-Kelly, President & CEO, who expressed eagerness to broaden and deepen their relationship-centered offerings to individuals returning home from incarceration.
Vonya Quarles, Co-Founder and Executive Director of Starting Over, Inc., emphasized the impact of creating employment and economic opportunities for returning residents, highlighting the potential to break cycles of poverty and incarceration across California.
Michelle Perkins, Founder and Director of Turning Point, celebrated the partnership with CEO as part of the H.I.R.E initiative, expressing the potential to positively transform countless lives in the Los Angeles area.
Eba Laye, President of Whole Systems Learning, underscored the significance of the HIRE initiative as the first program to include both juveniles and adults, emphasizing the unprecedented opportunities it presents for individuals to transition from the streets to vocational classrooms and union jobs.
This comprehensive and innovative approach underscores California’s commitment to reshaping the reentry landscape and fostering real economic mobility for justice-impacted individuals. The Center for Employment Opportunities looks forward to leading the way in this transformative initiative and anticipates the positive impact it will have on countless lives throughout the state.
Contact: Matt Sutton | msutton@ceoworks.org | (202) 556-3291