NEW Justice Champion Spotlight: Second Chance Hiring Alliance and Members on How Collaboration Drives Opportunity

At RBIJ, we believe building relationships is the bedrock of business success. We know firsthand how engaging with communities of learning drives real change. This month, we’re spotlighting the Second Chance Hiring Alliance (SCHA), based in Washington, D.C. Led by the Council of Court Excellence, SCHA brings together local employers and nonprofit organizations to share resources and best practices for hiring justice-impacted individuals.

As a proud Core Group member of SCHA, we're excited to highlight the work of this powerful business network. Hear from the SCHA team and three of their business members — D.C. Central Kitchen, Calloway & Co., and Lillian’s Southern Box Catering — on the importance of local networks in building inclusive workplaces.

Introducing New Advisory Council Members: Jenelle Beavers and Oliver Hudson

We are proud to welcome Jenelle Beavers, Managing Director at Alvarez & Marsal, and Oliver Hudson, Independent Consultant, to RBIJ’s Advisory Council. Their leadership and expertise will provide fresh insights into RBIJ’s mission of expanding opportunity and justice for all. Read more about their experience.

POLICY & ADVOCACY UPDATES

Business Leaders Back Clean Slate Illinois and Efforts Start in Rhode Island 

Illinois has a real chance to become the 13th state to pass Clean Slate legislation, needing just one more vote in the Senate before heading to the Governor’s desk. That vote could happen this summer if lawmakers reconvene for a special session — or later this fall. So far, eight business leaders have agreed to voice their support of the bill to legislators.  

• Support the #RaceTo13 by watching and amplifying “Clean Slate States Rally Behind Illinois,” where RBIJ represented D.C. as one of the twelve states or jurisdictions with a current Clean Slate law.  
  
  
• RBIJ’s Policy & Advocacy team is joining Clean Slate efforts in Rhode Island. If you’re a Rhode Island business leader or have operations in the state, please email policy@rbij.org to get involved.  

The Business Case for Driver’s License Reform Presented to Massachusetts State Leaders  

Maggie O’Donnell, RBIJ’s Director of Policy & Advocacy, testified on behalf of RBIJ in support of Massachusetts’ Road to Opportunity Act (H. 3662 & S.2368). This bill would eliminate unnecessary driver’s license suspensions due to traffic, toll, and other fines and fees. It would help get hard-working Bay Staters back on the road — and back to work. Find out how your business can get involved in advocating for workforce-boosting bills like this one by emailing policy@rbij.org.  

INCLUSIVE HIRING UPDATES

JFF Launches Fair Chance to Advance (F2CA) State Action Networks — RFP’s Now Open 

Jobs for the Future’s Center for Justice & Economic Advancement has launched an RFP for Fair Chance to Advance (FC2A) State Action Networks, a new opportunity for states committed to expanding high-quality education and training programs in correctional facilities and improving outcomes for people post-release. JFF will select four states to join the inaugural cohort of State Action Networks. Each selected state will receive up to $2.1 million in funding, expert technical assistance, and access to a national peer learning network to support efforts to improve education-to-employment pathways for people with histories of incarceration. Proposals are due October 14, 2025, with a nonbinding letter of intent requested by August 26, 2025. Learn more and access the RFP. 

Delaware Equitable Hiring Initiative: Local Employers Work to Revise Recruitment Practices 

Delaware employers attended July Office Hours sessions where they asked questions about the initiative, received guidance on current recruitment practices, and shared updates about their progress. Learn more and get involved in the Delaware Equitable Hiring Initiative. 

Mark Your Calendars — Upcoming Events 

Accessing Business Capital for Justice-Impacted Entrepreneurs – [Aug. 19 | Virtual] 

Justice-impacted entrepreneurs are invited to join Small Business Majority, Defy Ventures, EntreCapital, and Rocky Mountain Microfinance Institute to learn about resources that can help you access the capital needed to launch and grow your business. Register here. 

Bridging Opportunity Gaps: A Facilitated Discussion on Job Readiness for Justice Impacted Job Seekers – [Sept. 4 | Washington, DC] 

The Second Chance Hiring Alliance and the Council for Court Excellence are holding a convening for D.C. area employers and workforce development programs to explore the pipeline from workforce development to full-time employment. If you’re a local D.C. second chance employer or workforce program representative who’d like to attend, please register your interest with Gene Downing at gene.downing@courtexcellence.org. 

Council on Criminal Justice Member Summit – [Sept. 9 | Washington, DC] 

RBIJ will join fellow Council on Criminal Justice members to identify and discuss justice solutions in an ever-changing system.  

ReNforce Job Fair: ReNforce Your Future, Ready, Willing, & ReHired
– [September 17 | Augusta, GA] 

Workforce & Justice Alliance member ReNforce is holding a job fair for justice-impacted individuals in Augusta. This event is free and open to the public. Local businesses will be there and ready to meet job seekers. Find more information here.

National Reentry Workforce Collaborative Annual Conference – [October 22-24 | Pittsburgh, PA] 

RBIJ’s Director of Inclusive Hiring and Senior Manager of Policy & Advocacy will be speaking at the 2025 NRWC Annual Conference — bringing their expertise on Second Chance Hiring strategies and how to advocate for fairer workforce policies. Join us and register for the event.  

News Roundup

• Gilbert firm gives returning citizens a second chance — featuring WJA Member Awake Window & Door Co. (Gilbert Sun News) 
• A second chance: Sizewell C to give jobs to hundreds of ex-offenders (The Observer) 
• Creating Inclusive Infrastructure for Untapped Talent (SHRM) 
• Boston City Council Supports End to Debt-Based Driving Restrictions (NCLC)

RBIJ is an independent nonprofit organization. Support from donations helps fund our work to improve the criminal justice system.