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During a recent webinar in the NRWC Thought Leadership Series, economist Jeffrey Korzenik described how economies grow in one of two ways: by expanding the labor force or by increasing productivity. The reentry workforce field has been focused, rightly, on labor force participation. Removing barriers, and opening doors to employment for justice-impacted job seekers has […]

Over the past three decades, background checks have shifted from a niche practice to a near-universal part of hiring. Today, nearly 9 out of 10 employers report using them. While this trend was fueled by technology, policy, and employer liability concerns, it has also created new barriers for justice-involved job seekers. The growth of digital […]

Essential Skills for Justice-Impacted Job Seekers When we talk about preparing justice-impacted job seekers for meaningful employment, the conversation often jumps to “hard skills” — those gained through technical training, leading to certifications and credentials. While these are critical, they’re only part of the equation. Too often overlooked are the competencies referred to as “soft […]

Reentry Workforce Programs Are Community Builders Reentry workforce programs do more than help individuals find jobs—they help communities grow stronger, safer, and more connected. For individuals returning from incarceration, employment is a stabilizing force. It lays the groundwork for family reunification, housing stability, and civic engagement. And when more people in a community are working, […]

A quality job is more than just a paycheck—it provides stability, fair compensation, and opportunities for career growth. However, justice-impacted individuals often face barriers to securing meaningful employment. In our recent Thought Leadership Series Session 15: Increasing Access to Quality Jobs, industry experts shared strategies to help workforce practitioners support job seekers on the path […]

For decades, reentry workforce programs have served as a bridge between justice-impacted individuals and economic opportunity. Their impact extends far beyond employment; connecting individuals to good jobs fosters stronger communities, reduces recidivism, and creates a more inclusive society. When individuals returning from incarceration receive the right support, they contribute not only to the workforce but […]

Optimizing Fair Chance Employer Relationships As employers across the country struggle to fill open positions and find employees who are the right fit for their organizations, many are recognizing the benefits of giving a fair chance to justice-impacted job seekers. According to Public Insight, the mention of fair chance jobs in Indeed postings has increased […]

I first met Dr. William Arnold, Director of the Tennessee Office of Reentry (TOOR), in 2023 at a second chance convening in Tennessee.  The more I spoke with Dr. Arnold, the more impressed I was by the work his team was doing to connect justice-impacted Tennesseans with skills training opportunities and employment. And I was […]

By Caroline Miller & Ronne Hines Occupational licensing requirements can often seem to prevent a justice-involved job seeker from entering the field of their choice.  The process of applying for a license can be confusing or intimidating. In many cases, job seekers will give up on a dream of entering the career of their choice, […]

This fall, Philadelphia Works in collaboration with JPMorganChase, NRWC, Envoy, and the Chamber of Commerce of Greater Philadelphia launched the Fair Chance Series and Employer Engagement Program. The program will increase economic opportunity for justice-impacted job seekers and help employers find and support qualified candidates. The program supports fair chance hiring by providing employers training […]