JFY Internal Careers

For Immediate Release: June 21, 2004
Contact: Kristin Gudenrath , 312-499-4778 ext 136 kristin@jfychicago.org

HELP WANTED: Ex-offenders need not apply
Jobs for Youth fights for young people, even when the system fails.

Chicago, IL – At twenty-three, you would think Brian Scott has a lifetime of opportunity ahead but almost three years out of prison, he can’t find a job. He has dreams of opening a restaurant or catering business. He wants to finish college. But with jail time under his belt, it is difficult for Brian and other young people in his situation to get another chance in the mainstream working world. They can fill out hundreds of job applications and go on numerous interviews…and not get a call back because of one question "Do you have any convictions in your background?"

There are many ways to go about looking for a job, especially with summer upon us, and Brian Scott has tried most of them. In 2003, he graduated from the Jobs for Youth’s program, where he learned how to fill out job applications, write resumes and cover letters, and tackle a job interview. By scouring the classifieds, checking bulletin boards, and regularly meeting with his job developer at JFY, he is literally doing everything right and he has yet to find a steady job. Brian’s job developer, LaVerne Love offers, "At JFY, we give our clients everything they need to be able to get a job. When it doesn’t

happen for them, you have to wonder what is wrong in the system that keeps them from getting on their feet. We don’t want them to wind up back in [jail], that’s why they need to be working."

"[Employers] don’t know I’m trying to get onto the right path because of what’s in my past," says Brian Scott. "Ex-offenders work harder because they are trying to get their lives back in order. If you are a good worker with a good attitude, you should get a chance to prove yourself." Despite the best efforts of these young people, the system fails them time and again. How can they stay on the right path if they can’t even get onto it? JFY Ex-offender Project Coordinator, Tamara Jamison says, "Studies show that 81% of youth ex-offenders will offend again within three years. If they had steady employment, it would break the cycle."

What we should remember is that if young people are out there working, they will more than likely stay away from crime. It is up to the community to champion young people in their endeavors. Join Brian Scott and Jobs for Youth for the High Five K Walk/Run. It is just one way to support not only ex-offenders, but all youth as they try to succeed in the workforce. Come out on Sunday, July 18^th 2004, and help give youth a running start.