Job Fair for Ex-Offenders

Posted by on October 31, 2010

Resources for Human Development’s Partnerships for Employment sponsors largest all-purpose job fair for ex-offenders and homeless populations in Philadelphia’s history

Philadelphia Mayor Michael A. Nutter will kick off the 2010 Extending a Helping Hand Career Fair November 5, bringing together the largest gathering of resources aiding in the employment and re-entry of ex-offenders and homeless individuals in the city’s history.

The Extending a Helping Hand Career Fair sponsored by Partnerships for Employment, a sweeping jobs-and-training program aimed at helping incarcerated individuals re-integrate into society and stay out of prison. Partnerships for Employment, a unit of Resources for Human Development, works with individuals in the judicial system to prepare them for employment both as they serve out their sentences and upon their release, helping them build a better future.

“Providing ex-offenders with opportunities to re-enter the workforce is absolutely necessary to combat recidivism,” Mayor Nutter said. “I would like to thank RHD for sponsoring this job fair and helping job seekers reach their career goals.”

The job fair will bring together resources for employment, housing, clothing and education Nov. 5 from 10am-3pm at RHD’s corporate headquarters (4700 Wissahickon Ave., Suite 126). Also participating in the event is The Clearinghouse for Employing the Homeless, making the Extending a Helping Hand Career Fair the largest single provider of resources for underserved populations seeking employment, independence and re-entry into society.

“Partnerships for Employment is dedicated to extending a helping hand while tearing down barriers and building new relationships,’’ said Tyra Nelson, Partnerships for Employment program director. “We want to develop employment resources that will promote and build better lives for our participants and their communities.”

More than 25 employers will attend the Extending a Helping Hand Career Fair, including:

Metro Public Adjustment Inc.; Brown’s Super Stores, Shop Rite; Lowe’s; Loving Care Senior Services, Inc.; Haddon Windows; Union Packaging; Meticulos Janitoral; Nicky’s Moving & Storage; Alpha to Omega; Pest Free Maintenance, Inc.; Energy Coordinating Agency (ECA) and Integrated Pest Management Program.

“I was well aware of the barriers to career opportunities faced by ex-offenders, and for years Union Packaging struggled with how to assist individuals with records as they attempt to re-enter the job market,’’ Union Packaging President Michael Pearson said. “Then we were introduced to RHD’s Re-entry program. RHD does a fantastic job recruiting entry-level employees, and repeatedly send us first-rate applicants.

“We hired some of the program’s participants and they are doing a great job. They are always well prepared, they know and understand our business and they come ready to work. RHD’s Partnerships for Employment is a valued source of entry-level talent to our pipeline.”

Partnerships for Employment and The Clearinghouse for Employing the Homeless are programs of Resources for Human Development, a national human service nonprofit with headquarters in Philadelphia. RHD has long been a leader in providing job training to marginalized and vulnerable populations.

“We are seeking participants who have the determination to confront barriers and execute a plan to overcome them,’’ said Jennifer Arthur-Lewis, RHD Corporate Assistant manager. “The Extending a Helping Hand Career Fair is available for people with an inner drive to change their life situations and create a new, successful reality.”

About Resources for Human Development

Resources for Human Development is a comprehensive human services organization based in Philadelphia, Pa. Its mission is to empower the most vulnerable and marginalized members of society as they build the highest level of independence possible. RHD oversees and supports 160 locally managed programs in 14 states. These innovative and effective programs specialize in helping people who have mental illnesses or developmental disabilities, homeless individuals and families, people rejoining society after incarceration, and people with histories of substance abuse so that they may all build better lives for themselves, their families and their communities. For more information, please visit http://www.rhd.org