Dear friend,

As we conclude Second Chance Month, I’ve been reflecting on the impact our collective efforts have on reshaping narratives and fostering opportunities for those harmed or marginalized by our justice systems.

One of the most powerful aspects of Second Chance Month is the personal stories that inspire us to want to do better as a society. Whether it's an employer going above and beyond to provide opportunities for their employees or the story of a colleague who shares the ways they have been able to change their lives, these stories remind us of the transformative nature of second chances. At RBIJ, we encourage all the second chance employers we work with to share their stories and experiences to ignite change, foster empathy, and inspire others.

On that score, I’m proud that RBIJ is a second chance employer and that my colleague David trusted us enough to share his journey to RBIJ as our first Operations Associate. I work with David on a daily basis and am continually impressed by his commitment to his job, RBIJ, and the team. He takes immense pride in his work and shares joy with his colleagues every chance he gets. We are grateful that he chose RBIJ as his home.

Our commitment to second-chance and inclusive hiring doesn’t end in April. It’s a year-round endeavor that requires ongoing dedication and action. At RBIJ, inclusive hiring means recognizing the inherent worth and potential of every individual, regardless of their past experiences. It means providing opportunities for growth, redemption, and reconciliation. And it means acknowledging that a second chance for one is a second chance for all.

Throughout April, our team participated in various events aimed at advancing Second Chance Hiring. We hosted and participated in events like Second Chance Hiring for Small Businesses with Small Business Majority, The Road to an Inclusive Workforce with Fines and Fees Justice Center and Uber, Building Bridges to a Brighter Future with ReNForce, and a Roundtable on Community Safety and Criminal Justice Reform with The Just Trust. We also attended events hosted by our partners at top business schools in the nation like The Wharton School and MIT Sloan. We are grateful to all of our partners for their collaboration and partnership as we work with the business community to create change in our justice systems and places of work.

RBIJ's 2024 Team Retreat

I'm also excited to share that we just concluded a wonderful team retreat — an opportunity for RBIJ’s staff to cross oceans and continents to be in community with each other to set new goals and strengthen our bonds as a team. While I’m proud of the work RBIJ does year-round, I’m most proud of the RBIJ team and their care and compassion for each other as we work together not only to improve outcomes for individuals impacted by the justice system, but to help make RBIJ a more inclusive workplace.

RBIJ Operations Associate David Williams speaks with attendees at The Road to an Inclusive Workforce

A Second Chance at Success: David Williams' Journey to Employment at RBIJ 

“Everyone deserves a fair and equal opportunity ... Everybody deserves a second chance.”

For our monthly Spotlight, we spoke with RBIJ Operations Associate David Williams about his journey from incarceration to employment and how employers can help create second chances.

April Events Recap

Second Chance Hiring for Small Businesses

Earlier this month, RBIJ-led Workforce & Justice Alliance (WJA) and Small Business Majority (SBM) co-hosted a webinar for SBM members and WJA members around the benefits of Second Chance Hiring, such as the federal Work Opportunity Tax Credit. Speakers from RBIJ, I Have a Bean, Small Business Majority, and the U.S. Department of Labor provided insights into Second Chance Hiring. For access to exclusive events like this one, join the WJA!

From left to right: Maha Jweied, Michele Blackwell, Alexis D'Amato, Shea Zwerver, Priya Sarathy Jones, and Mike Curtin

The Road to an Inclusive Workforce

RBIJ joined Fines and Fees Justice Center and Uber to host a conversation on how ending debt-based driver’s license suspensions can strengthen the economy and expand the workforce. Attendees heard from U.S. Senator Chris Coons and speakers from RBIJ, Uber, Small Business Majority, Fines and Fees Justice Center, DC Central Kitchen, and Flagger Force about why reforming debt-based driver’s license suspensions is common sense and good for businesses and their workforce.  Want to learn more? Check out the video from the event.

Business Roundtable on Community Safety & Criminal Justice Reform

Last week, RBIJ and The Just Trust co-hosted a Business Roundtable to explore the ways in which community safety and criminal justice reform efforts connect. The closed-door session held at RBIJ’s offices in Washington, D.C. included over 20 business representatives from across the country.

Second Chance Month Partner Events

RBIJ Inclusive Hiring Director Caz Walcott served as a panelist at the The Ladies Of Hope Ministries’ Pathways 4 Equity Business Roundtable, addressing employment barriers for justice-impacted women. RBIJ Inclusive Hiring Manager Camieka Woodhouse-Willis hosted a breakout session at the Building Bridges to a Brighter Future job fair in Augusta, Georgia, connecting job-seekers with criminal records with career opportunities.

Second Chance Month Highlights

Why Business Leaders Prioritize Second Chance Hiring to Compete for Talent

In honor of Second Chance Month, RBIJ is highlighting eight compelling reasons for Second Chance Hiring — from employers who've found success in welcoming justice-impacted individuals into their workforce.

Crain's Cleveland Business: It’s Time to Rethink an Outdated Hiring Process 

Marvin Figaro, Director of DEI Strategic Partnerships at Kelly Services, encourages Ohio businesses to consider Second Chance Hiring to attract and retain talent in today’s highly competitive labor market. 

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution: Embracing Second Chances is a Win-Win for Georgians and Businesses 

Tye Darland, Senior Vice President and General Counsel at Georgia-Pacific and Executive Vice President at Koch Capabilities, discusses the far-reaching benefits of Second Chance Hiring, which not only uplift individual employees but also transform businesses, communities, and the economy at large.

Hiring Justice-Involved Talent: Practical Steps to Becoming a Second Chance Employer

Get your copy of this essential RBIJ resource to learn the ins and outs of starting a Second Chance Hiring program within an organization. You’ll discover the business case for Second Chance Hiring, tips for working with community partners to find reentry talent, and strategies for investing in the growth and development of team members with criminal records.

Businesses Advance Policy Reform

Colorado Newsline: Occupational licensing reform will expand Colorado's workforce. 

James Repenning, CEO of R&R Head Labs, explained how occupational licensing reform would create new opportunities for people with criminal records.

The Daily Sentinel: Clean Slate was a step forward. Now it's time to finish the job. 

Bryant Dulin, CEO and founder of KOBEYO, continued his advocacy for record clearing in Colorado.

The Oklahoman: Hiring individuals returning from incarceration can address the ongoing labor shortage.  

Oklahoma Secretary of Public Safety Tricia Everest shared how hiring justice-impacted individuals can strengthen the economy – and improve public safety.

St. Louis Post-Dispatch: I'm a business owner. I support a Clean Slate.

Jackie Huebbe, owner of Workforce & Justice Alliance member SugarBot Sweet Shop, wrote in support of automatic record clearing in Missouri. Huebbe also spoke with KMOV about why businesses should get involved in justice reform. 

UpClose with Maha Jweied

RBIJ's CEO & Council on Criminal Justice (CCJ) member Maha Jweied spoke with CCJ about how creating opportunities for justice-impacted individuals is a win-win for communities and businesses alike. She shares how the constellation of her values — from faith, family, and service — led her to a career in justice and her leadership at RBIJ.