Ex-offenders re-entering the workforce face a daunting task of finding a job. Countless studies agree that meaningful work is often the best way to avoid falling back into patterns that lead back to prison. Missouri’s Re-Entry Program (MRP) assists ex-offenders and their families in accessing services that have been proven to greatly reduce the recidivism rate. The American Job Center is one of the active partners in helping connect ex-offenders to workforce resources and job opportunities in Southwest Missouri.
Missouri Probation and Parole refers individuals to the American Job Center’s professional staff. These specialists are trained to help ex-offenders navigate their workforce challenges and identify local resources and local job opportunities. The Joplin Job Center routinely offers a workshop on Overcoming Legal Barriers. This session is designed for individuals with past or present legal barriers which may be preventing them from securing employment. While this is NOT a job fair, attendees receive pertinent information regarding services provided by the Job Center, bonding, and a review of the complete process of job seeking. Many handouts will be provided to participants.
Other resources:
- Tips from Goodwill Industries
- eHow article with resources for ex-offenders looking for employment
- Hard2Hire helps those with the hardest time finding employment, such as ex-offenders
