NC nonprofit hosts ‘Be free’ documentary and panel about workforce reentry struggles
Traletta Banks knows life reentering society is difficult and with a scarce job market, it can be hard to find a job.
The single mother spent time in the criminal justice system, but even after she was released it was frustrating.
“I was unemployed for four years. I wasn’t able to locate employment after my conviction. It was very detrimental,” Banks said.
It was something Ken Oliver also knew about and as a part of The Just Trust initiative, he aims to reshape perceptions of returning individuals in the workforce.
On Thursday Banks and Oliver will be among several panelists during the “Second Chances for a Stronger Workforce Resource Fair, Film Screening and Panel” hosted by The Just Trust nonprofit.
The program, held at the Goodwill Opportunity Campus, features a screening of “Being Free” a documentary by Roadtrip Nation about three returning citizens and their transition back into society.
The panel will focus the discussion on the challenges and solutions of people reentering society and the workforce. After the panel there will be a resource fair.
“Reality is we have been living with this scarlet letter. If you have a felony conviction in America, it boxes you out of society,” Oliver told The Herald.
Every year, more than 18,000 individuals are released from North Carolina’s adult correctional facilities, according to a press release from Roadtrip Nation and The Just Trust.
Nearly half of those people will be arrested again within two years, according to a 2022 report from the North Carolina Sentencing and Policy Advisory Commission.
At the same time, employers in the state are grappling with persistent talent shortages, with just 55 available workers for every 100 open jobs, according to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the release stated.
Banks created Erika’s Closet, a nonprofit which provides everyday clothing for people newly released from prison and reentering society. She later started Another Level Staffing to also help citizens returning to society find solutions.
“If we lack a place to go or a means to support our families, we’re left on the streets, wondering where to seek assistance,” she said.
Oliver added, “By forcing people into poverty, the symptoms that produce crime are going to continue.I aim to create opportunities for economic mobility and ensure those individuals have a stake in their future.”
Recently, Oliver joined forces with Jordan Miller, formerly of the Portland Trailblazers and now Chairman at Nike Jordan Brand, to advance new initiatives at The Just Trust, focusing on supporting returning citizens.
Panelists
▪ Charlotte City Councilwoman LaWana Mayfield, At-Large Representative
▪ Kendall Taylor, CEO, Salute 1st
▪ Cynthia Bailey, Human Resources Manager, Atrium Health
▪ Patrice Funderburg, Executive Director, Center for Community Transitions
▪ Traletta Banks, CEO, Another Level Staffing LLC
▪ Erik Ortega, Senior Social Services Manager, Department of Community Resources at Mecklenburg County
▪ Ken Oliver, Chief Innovation Officer, The Just Trust
Want to go?
What: ”Second Chances for a Stronger Workforce Resource Fair, Film Screening & Panel”
When: Thurs., July 25
Time: Doors open 5 p.m. Program runs from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Resource fair: 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Where: Goodwill Opportunity Campus (Bank of America Room) 5301 Wilkinson Blvd.
Cost: Free admission
Additional information is available at Second Chances website
In our Kaleidoscope newsletter, we cover race, culture and equity in Charlotte and showcase a multitude of people and experiences that make the Queen City special. Subscribe for free. Story idea? Lvernonsparks@charlotteobserver.com
