Employment for Returning Citizens
August 20, 2021Reentering society after incarceration is difficult, especially for those who have been gone for an extended period of time. Returning citizens have to deal with legal obligations, readjusted to modern society, and find a means for employment. The latter can prove to be the most difficult and is a crucial factor contributing to recidivism.
People deserve second chances, but a lot of companies are unwilling to give them that chance. Many companies are reluctant to hire a person with a criminal background, and financial institutions are unlikely to provide loans for those looking to start their own business.
Vehicles for Change’s subsidiary, the Full Circle Auto Repair & Training Center, is committed to helping returning citizens by giving them the opportunity to pursue careers in the automotive repair industry. Full Circle makes reentry a time of success with our 4-week entry-level training program and 4-month advanced training program’s paid internships. The Full Circle Auto Repair & Training Center assists graduates of the entry-level program in job placement as General Service Technicians. It guarantees job placement for the highly skilled graduates of the advanced training program.
Companies Hiring Returning Citizens
For those unable to participate in the internship program, there are more opportunities available. Below is a list of companies willing to hire returning citizens and give them the second chance they’re earned.
Companies that have pledged to hire formally incarcerated citizens.
Many companies have signed the Fair Chance Business Pledge. This pledge is a call to action for employers to eliminate barriers to a better life.
- American Airlines
- Busboys and Poets
- The Coca-Cola Company
- Georgia Pacific
- Greyston Bakery
- The Hershey Company
- The Johns Hopkins Hospital and Health System
- Koch Industries
- Libra Group
- PepsiCo
- Prudential
- Starbucks
- Uber
- Under Armor
- Unilever
- Xerox
Companies willing to hire Formally Incarcerated Citizens.
Automotive & Car Repair Services
- AutoZone
- Firestone Services
- Hertz Rent A Car
- Jiffy Lube
- Meineke
Hospitality
- Bally’s Hotel & Casino
- Hilton Hotels
- Hyatt Hotels
- Marriott Hotel
- Sheraton Hotels
Food Service & Packaging
- Campbell’s Soup
- Coca Cola
- ConAgra Foods
- Pepsi Co.
- US Foods
Retail
- Nordstrom
- ACE Hardware
- Best Buy
- Nordstrom
- PetSmart
- Target
- Staples
Manufacturing
- Apple, Inc.
- Boeing
- Exxon Mobile
- Microsoft
- Tesla
If there is an organization or profession you’re passionate about, reach out. Being honest about your skills and passions will help you find the position that’s best for you. Finally, know your rights. Many states have laws prohibiting private employers from asking about criminal backgrounds until after making an offer. If you are placed in an uncomfortable, inappropriate, or legally questionable situation during an interview, you may want to look into other positions.
Be confident in your future, and don’t let your past discourage you from achieving your goals. The hiring process may be longer for people reentering society after incarceration, but the opportunity is worth the wait.
