WHY HELP
PRISONERS?
600,000+
Men and women are released from state and federal prisons each year
30%
Of released prisoners remain unemployed after 1 year - 5x higher than the general population
2 OUT OF 3
Re-offend and are re-arrested within 3 years
Many studies have shown that ex-offenders without a job are significantly more likely to recidivate. Lack of hope in their future financial security leads to instability in their lives, families, and communities.
Having a criminal record reduces the likelihood of a callback or a job offer by nearly 50%
Unemployment is greatest within the first two years of an inmate's release
Of those most recently released from prison, over 30% were unemployed - nearly 5x higher than the general US population
Reentering citizens want to work and are active and motivated to secure employment
Employment helps formerly incarcerated people gain economic stability after release and reduces the likelihood that they return to prison, promoting greater public safety to the benefit of everyone. But despite the overwhelming benefits of employment, people who have been to prison are largely shut out of the labor market.