Non-profit organizations and supportive employers in Oklahoma are working together to help formerly incarcerated individuals find and maintain employment.
Finding employment after incarceration can be a significant challenge for individuals trying to rebuild their lives. In Oklahoma, a state with one of the highest incarceration rates in the nation, the Center for Employment Opportunities (CEO) and employers like Bama Companies are stepping up to provide support and opportunities for formerly incarcerated individuals. By offering job training, assistance with reintegration, and ongoing support, these initiatives are helping individuals overcome the barriers they face and find stability in their lives.
The Center for Employment Opportunities: Empowering Individuals for Success
The Center for Employment Opportunities (CEO) is a national nonprofit organization that recently opened a new facility in Tulsa, Oklahoma. CEO aims to empower formerly incarcerated individuals by providing them with the necessary tools and support to secure employment. Through job training programs, interview preparation, and job placement services, CEO helps individuals gain the skills and confidence needed to succeed in the workforce.
Bama Companies: A Supportive Employer
Bama Companies, a food production company based in Tulsa, has partnered with CEO to provide employment opportunities for formerly incarcerated individuals. Out of their 900 employees, 40 have criminal records. Bama Companies not only hires individuals with criminal backgrounds but also supports them in maintaining their employment. CEO and Bama Companies recognize that ongoing challenges, such as custody issues and housing instability, can hinder individuals’ ability to remain employed. To address these issues, Bama Companies organizes fundraisers to provide financial assistance to employees in need, ensuring they have the support necessary to overcome these obstacles.
The Importance of Employer Support
Employers like Bama Companies play a crucial role in supporting formerly incarcerated individuals. By offering second chances and creating a supportive work environment, these employers help break the cycle of recidivism. Many individuals who have been incarcerated face negative thoughts and doubts about their self-worth upon reentering society. Having a stable job and a supportive employer can help combat these feelings and provide individuals with a renewed sense of purpose and confidence.
The Determination of Formerly Incarcerated Individuals
Formerly incarcerated individuals, like Tiffani Shaw, exemplify the determination and resilience needed to rebuild their lives. Shaw, who spent five years in prison, now has a stable job and understands the value of employment. She emphasizes that individuals who genuinely want to improve their lives should be given a chance. Shaw’s commitment to her job and her willingness to overcome any obstacles that come her way demonstrate the potential for success when individuals are provided with opportunities and support.
The Need for Comprehensive Reentry Services
Oklahoma’s high incarceration rate highlights the need for more comprehensive reentry services. While initiatives like CEO and supportive employers like Bama Companies are making a difference, there is still a significant gap in state-run reentry services. To ensure the successful reintegration of formerly incarcerated individuals into society, it is crucial for the government and community organizations to invest in comprehensive programs that address housing, mental health, and other essential needs.
Conclusion:
The efforts of organizations like the Center for Employment Opportunities and employers like Bama Companies are providing hope and opportunities for formerly incarcerated individuals in Oklahoma. By offering job training, ongoing support, and a chance at stable employment, these initiatives are helping individuals rebuild their lives and break the cycle of incarceration. However, more comprehensive reentry services are needed to address the systemic challenges faced by formerly incarcerated individuals. By investing in these programs, society can create a more inclusive and supportive environment for all individuals seeking a second chance.
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