Each April, the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of Justice Programs celebrates Second Chance Month, recognizing the importance of helping individuals, communities, and agencies across the country with the successful reentry of millions of people returning from incarceration. Second Chance Month aims to inform and highlight the many opportunities for state, local, and tribal governments and community-based service providers to build meaningful second chances for our returning community members. Has your organization considered hiring a returning citizen?
A local organization, Justice Jobs of Maryland, works diligently to help returning citizens with job searches, preparation for interviewing, and other important services necessary for employment and leading a productive life. Justice Jobs celebrated opening its new office in the Federated Charities building in October 30, 2024. State and local officials were present to welcome the organization under the new leadership of Executive Director, April Sandi.
Last year, more than 700 returning citizens attended the Job Seekers program of Justice Jobs. Even after job placement, Justice Jobs staff members continue to support new hires through workshops and morale-boosting events, helping them thrive in their roles. Since June of 2024, Justice Jobs has helped to place 72 individuals in jobs in the Frederick area.
Maryland’s recidivism rate has hovered around 40% for the past three years. Programs like Justice Jobs offer support to those returning from incarceration to remain active and engaged citizens, thereby working to reduce the likelihood of returning to incarceration. In the state of Maryland, incarceration of just one person can cost approximately $5000 per month. Reducing recidivism helps us all.
Our team of peer counselors help to motivate, empower, encourage through mentoring services and course work by challenging jobseekers to make positive decisions and ultimately help facilitate the process of a successful transition back into the workforce of our community. Our clients often do not have positive role models in their lives to aid them in their efforts. The staff and board of directors at Justice Jobs are dedicated to helping people overcome obstacles standing in their way to achieving success and reaching their life goals.
Justice Jobs also partners with organizations in other counties with similar goals and missions. One such organization is Gatekeepers of Hagerstown. Our team is collaborating with Gatekeeprs to develop educational programs and serve as a resource for services available in our area. Gatekeepers recently announced the opening of a new office in Baltimore. Justice Jobs joins this organization in offering services to those in need in Western Maryland. The success of this collaboration is just beginning to grow.
A new initiative this year for Justice Jobs is to develop a partnership with Chamber of Commerce members who are willing to assist Justice Jobs clients to improve their interview skills. Our goal is to grow successful employees for the business community of Frederick. If you or someone from your organization is interested in joining this effort, please contact Justice Jobs Executive Director, April Sandi, april@justicejobsmd.org, or Board of Directors Chairperson, Lois Jarman, loisajarman@gmail.com. We will be hosting a Second Chances month Mock interview day at the C. Burr Artz Library on April 30.
By improving the lives of returning citizens in our community, we improve our community.
Frederick Chamber Insights is a news outlet of the Frederick County Chamber of Commerce. For more information about membership, programs and initiatives, please visit our website.