Second chance job fair in Cocoa will connect employers with previously incarcerated
As part of National Second Chance Month, a job and resources fair will be held this week in Cocoa for those who have been incarcerated or in the criminal justice system.
On Thursday, April 13, the job and resources fair will be held at the Joe Lee Smith Recreation Center at 415 Stone Street in Cocoa from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Both job seekers and employers are invited to participate at the event, which is being organized by CareerSource Brevard, Florida Department of Corrections, and City ofCocoa.
The event aims to provide second chances for individuals who have been in the criminal justice system, helping them reintegrate into their communities and find jobs. The fair brings together employers and community organizations, as well as offering information about training programs.
Employers already registered to participate Thursday include Creative Management Technology, Labor Maxx, Labor Finders and the Florida Justice Center.
CareerSource Brevard cited several advantages for employers who choose to hire someone returning to society from the criminal justice system, including up to 50% wage reimbursement for training new hires; a work opportunity tax credit, reducing taxes up to $9,600 over two years; and a federal bonding program for free business insurance for money or property losses resulting from a new hire.
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"It's a way of giving these individuals an opportunity to elevate and grow," said Beatrice Boursiquot, coordinator. "It also reduces recidivism. They can learn from and overcome their mistakes and be a great asset to any establishment despite any barriers. Being able to achieve those positive goals and focus on the positives since being reintroduced into the community is a great opportunity for growth."
"Once somebody has stable employment, they're not returning back to the justice system [as often]," she said. "These folks are able to move forward with their lives and striving toward progress."
Unemployment rates for those who have been in prison trend much higher than the general population, and those rates only go up the longer an offender has been away. Zippia, a leading company in the employment search industry, published statistics that show the strong links between incarceration, recidivism and employment. According to their research, those who have been in prison have a 27% unemployment rate compared to a 3.5% rate for the United States as of the latest reports. The research also found that the formerly incarcerated who are employed have a 16% recidivism rate compared to a 52% recidivism rate among those without jobs.
Those wishing to participate can contact organizers at Rise@careersourcebrevard.com or by calling Beatrice Boursiquot at 321-394-0613.
Tyler Vazquez is the North Brevard Watchdog Reporter at FLORIDA TODAY. Contact Vazquez at 321-917-7491 or tvazquez@floridatoday.com. Twitter: @tyler_vazquez
This article originally appeared on Florida Today: Second chance job connects employers with previously incarcerated
