I want to know if there is money available for a start up company to match felons recently released with employers who are willing to employ them... they cannot get jobs, particularly after 911

Hello p:

If you're looking for GOVERNMENT money, look elswhere. They're not actually interested in HELPING felons. In fact, they're more interested in screwing them over.

However, if your business is viable, then you can find private money. Everybody is interested in making a few bucks.

excon

If you are looking to start, a non profit corporation that will pay funds to employers to help pay training and employmenbt costs, that may be possible, you will need to find private donors and then you can apply for government grants to fund your program.

For example in Atlanta there are a couple programs that work with homeless and felons to get them working.

And what in the world does 911 have to do with felons not finding jobs,

I hear that so much on here - no one gives jobs to felons. Yet, in this community anyway, felons get and retain jobs. As Fr. Chuck asked, what does 9/11 have to do with you not getting a job? What was your felony?

Are you a person with good work skills? Fairly decent aptitude? Positive outlook? Personable? Eager to learn new skills? Willing to learn from the bottom up? Do you want to go back to school? You know sometimes it is not the felony that holds a person back but what is inside the person themselves. But then, it depends on your felony and what kind of jobs you are looking that.

About start up money to develop a program or company to match recently released felons to jobs - super idea - private sector funding might be there. What would also be a great benefit to some are skills in interview techniques, having a job coach, dressing for success (depends on job), human resource tips (working with others, what is appropriate, what can get you sued by a fellow employeee - those kinds of things), etc. Preparation for the working world.

There are non-profit organizations in each state that offer assistance in helping ex-offenders get training and find employment. Check out my new web site I am just in the beginning stages on putting together, so please check back often.

When you go to Ifello » Helping 1/8 of Americas Working Population! go to State Resources, click on your State and scroll down until you see an organization that can help you. If you want to be on your own then check out the other possible employment opportunities. I have spent countless weeks and months compiling info so again check back often because I just started this site.

Good Luck and God Bless!

Actually, I am a convicted felon and I knew from before I was released how bad the world treats ex-cons. I, myself, am a first time offender. Frtunately, I have agree with the other two though. September 11, 2001 does not have any bearing on whether you get a job. Because I knew there would be problems finding work for me, I never gave up. I have started a company, which I though of while incarcerated, called Post-Release Occupational Services For Convicts, or P.R.O.S.4Cons for short. Here it more than seven years since my conviction, I still followed through with my dream with this company, allbeit nearly eight years later. The company is still in the creation stage, but I have its web presence out there. (You will have to go to Untitled Document to see its web presence.) Currently, I am in discussions with all 50 state's department of corrections to see what, if any, assistance they can give for the site and its users. The site is strictly targeted for those who are about to be released or have been released within six months. I have sent out letters to local church groups for their financial support of this company. I do not and will not charge for the service that I would ultimately wish to provide, but since it does cost me money to get things going, I know that I need help getting it to its full potential. The only way I see that happening is getting assistance for outside sources.
Now, since my release in January 2002, I have had two books published; have my own car; had my rights restored; though I can purchase my own home, I choose to rent because I am thinking about relocating; I own my own business, with the slow times, I am able to get a job and I make a six-figure salary... legally.
So, as the one pointed out... you hold yourself back after a felony conviction. September 11, 2001 has nothing to do with it.

Would love to know myself!

In 1994 I was convicted of a Felony D. I did 2 weekends in a correctional facility and was given 5 years' probation but was released from probation after 3 years for good conduct. However, I am currently looking for employment and, although, I've mailed out many Resumes and filled out many applications, Employers are not contacting me for an interview. I am desperate as I have a child to support. Are there any organizations that can assist me in finding employment?

Right now everyone is unemployed! Any time you mail out a resume be ready to NOT hear from the company as they are getting swamped with resumes when they run ads in the newspapers. Have you tried any temporary agencies to at least get some work? It makes no difference in you having a felony as your felony was over 7 years ago and most companies don't put the magic words "have you EVER been convicted of a felony?" They usually only ask if you've been convicted of a felony within the past 7 years.

Keep trying. You'll get a job if you are determined enough. Yes, I know that's easy to say but I know times are tough and you just have to keep applying. Not everyone gets interviews these days.

My son is a convicted felon. He found a pretty good job when he was released, unfortunately, he was laid off with other workers within a few months. He had not worked enough to be eligible for unemployment insurance. He is barely getting by doing odd jobs. He applies and reapplies at every business he can find. Because of his felony conviction he is limited in the jobs he can get. Many companies like big box stores or retail stores will not consider hiring him. He made his mistakes and is paying for them. I wish there were a non profit organization that would help him find a job.
He has been to Goodwill Industries that say they will help him find a job. He checks in all the time but they say they have not found anything. God Bless all those out there struggling to find something and those that are trying to help them.

Outstanding! We need more people like you! My son is 25 and will be released soon. We live in Colorado, where would he call to get help?

Being a felon myself, I feel your hurt and frustration! But we must continue to trust the Lord will make a way. It has been advised to me that starting a business of your own is a solution or landscaping or construction. As a women, it proves to be a bit more difficult. Instead, I believe we should unite and come together to form some kind of a service that will help us and others in this situation. It's so sad that society doesn't want anything to do with felons. Even though you have paid your debt to society and from the walls of prison, jail your set free, I have to ask the question are we really free? How are we supposed to take care of our families and not have huge gaps in our work history when filling out applications? Even McDonald's won't hire us! If you have a felony charge regarding any kind of theft, or drug charges your pretty much done. The department of labor will bond you, but it's still up to the employer to decide if they want to hire you or not regardless of how much the incentive is to hire a felon. I am in the process now of forming a foundation that will assist felons with this, but since the banks or government won't lend the money, I need donations from private sector's or individuals willing to invest in this project. I will also offer classes for felons to learn how to re-enter the work force, as well as how to dress for success, how to prepare for a job interview, the correct way to answer questions and do a follow up with the employer on the progress of the employee. If this helps, let me know and if anyone knows of investors willing to tap into this, please contact me at: [email protected]. God Bless you .

Hello D:

You'll never get investors because your company isn't designed to make a profit.. And, you'll die if you depend on donations...

But, your project is PERFECT for a grant. That's where I'd be looking for financing.

excon

Thank u all

I'm a six time felon they hit me with five of them last march five guns got me five charges now I can't find nothing!