How We Work
Our work is rooted in the belief that second chances should be real — and that economic opportunity must be inclusive of those who have disproportionately been excluded in the workforce. We blend direct advocacy services with systems transformation making us a powerful bridge between individuals and broader structural change.
I. Systems Level Reform
We engage with policymakers, employers, and workforce development agencies to redesign systems that perpetuate exclusion.
II. Evidence-Based Strategies
Our initiatives are informed by data, research, and lived experience to ensure sustainable impact.
III. Community Empowerment
We center the voices of those directly affected by the criminal justice system, fostering leadership and agency.
Key Strategic Initiatives
Employer Engagement
We engage employers and provide technical assistance to expand fair chance hiring and retention practices across industries.
Education-Work Integration
We partner to bridge the wide divide between education and work to create new and expand training opportunities that lead to quality jobs.
Workforce Policy Advocacy
We work closely with policymakers to reform employment-related laws and practices that disproportionately harm people with records.
Our Impact
1520+
supported individuals navigating systemic injustices
60%
Increase in stakeholder collaboration & community partner participation
18
New equity frameworks drafted
25+
Community events/legal clinics to educate and empower communities.
Case Studies with Impact
Reentry Employment Pathways
The Challenge: Individuals returning from incarceration were cycling through fragmented services with few employment outcomes.
Our Response: Co-designed a reentry employment framework with the county's workforce board, community partners, and directly impacted individuals.
Results:
- 500+ individuals place in transitional jobs
- 65% retained long-term employment after 12 months
- Model adapted as part of countywide workforce strategy
Fair Chance Hiring
The Challenge: Employer lacked actionable resources
to adopt inclusive hiring practices for justice-involved applicants.
Our Response: Developed a practical toolkit with input from employers, legal experts, and formerly incarcerated workers.
Results:
- Toolkit distributed to over 2,000 employers
- Four regional chambers endorsed the toolkit
- Helped inform draft legislation for statewide hiring reform
Highlights from the Field
Helping Our Clients Achieve More
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