Office to work with Indiana University McKinney School of Law and PACE to bring job opportunities for formerly incarcerated individuals
PRESS RELEASE
Indianapolis - United States Attorney Josh J. Minkler, Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law, Dean Andrew Klein and PACE Executive Director, Rhiannon T. Edwards today announced a partnership to help bring community-wide resources and a job fair to individuals returning to Central Indiana after having been incarcerated.
When: Friday, April 7, 2017, from 11:00am - 2:00pm
Where: Light of the World Christian Church, 4646 North Michigan Road, Indianapolis, Indiana, 46228.
“Helping citizens return to a normal life after prison is a responsibility we all shoulder," said Minkler. “Getting someone on their feet with a job, transportation, a place to live and a support system reduces crime and recidivism."
As part of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Smart on Crime Initiative, Minkler is collaborating with Indiana University McKinney School of Law and Public Advocates in Community re-Entry, (PACE) to host a resource and job fair for formerly incarcerated individuals.
“At McKinney, the law school has a demonstrated commitment to helping individuals re-enter into society," said Dean Klein. “Professors, staff, and law students work with community agencies throughout the year to provide a supportive network to those newly released persons seeking independence and stability outside of the prison walls. The fair hopes to bring critical resources and opportunities together in one central location."
“PACE has been dedicated to serving those returning to our community for more than 50 years," said PACE Executive Director Rhiannon T. Edwards. “We are committed to ensuring that everyone receives a second chance and are thrilled to be partnering with the United States Attorney’s Office on this job fair. Obtaining self-sufficiency is key to the reduction of criminal activity and increased public safety. Criminal justice and community partnerships are essential to lowering recidivism in Marion County."
Some of the employers participating in the job fair include City of Indianapolis-Marion County Human Resource Division, Marriott Hotels, Goodwill, Fed Ex, ABC Supply, UPS, Jiffy Lube, Ace Hardware, Home Depot, the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles and so many more, all of which are hoping to fill a range of positions. The goal of the job fair is to give formerly incarcerated individuals the opportunity to meet with many local employers from a wide range of industries.
fair participants will also be able to meet with a range of community service providers including Indiana Department of Workforce Development, PACE and Independence Job Corps. All of these community service providers have valuable resources to share with this population.
Members of the McKinney Law School community will be managing the resource fair with assistance from Faegre Baker Daniels, Indiana Legal Services, Inc. and lawyers from the community interested in offering assistance. The resource fair will focus on providing free brief service and advice regarding record expungement, child support, license reinstatement and specialized driving privileges. In addition, the fair will provide assistance with resume drafting, SNAP/HIP2 questions and applications, as well as Section 8 and low income housing information.
Formerly incarcerated individuals face many barriers upon their release. The purpose of the Community-Wide Job Fair and Resource Fair is to provide returning citizens with the opportunity to connect with useful re-entry and community agencies that will help provide referrals and resources to enhance their employment opportunities.
U.S. Attorney Minkler thanks all of our partners and the community for their continued support of this re-entry initiative.
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys
