A survey by the Mississippi Business Alliance Foundation (MBA) and Magnolia Correctional Industries (MAGCOR) found that employers are largely open to hiring skilled individuals who have served time in the justice system. It adds that nearly 9 in 10 businesses that have hired from this group reported positive outcomes.
Martha Claire-Bullen is Chief Reentry Officer at MAGCOR. She said several major hurdles, such as stable housing and transportation, block formerly incarcerated individuals from finding quality jobs during the reentry process.
"Even when you think about going home and having access to the type of clothing one would want to wear into an interview setting. Those resources [are] something we can make available to someone, give them a level playing field with the competition for a job in a tight market," said Claire-Bullen.
The report adds that businesses are also in need of support so they can be prepared to meet the unique needs of hiring people who want a second chance.
Scott Waller, President of the Mississippi Business Alliance Foundation, said that starts with guidance.
"We've got a lot of work to do on two fronts. One, making sure that businesses are aware. And secondly, making sure they understand what support's out there to help them do it. Even something as simple as model policy for hiring."
Over the past decade, Mississippi has expanded training opportunities for individuals in prison, and established several work release programs to help get on-the-job experience and line up work for when they are released.
