Ex-Offender Being Released by Police
Photo by: Perry Eastman
Written by Perry Eastman
Published on News Break
California has a recidivism rate of 46%, indicating that many individuals who have served time in prison return to jail or prison. However, numerous San Diego County charitable organizations are providing resources to help break free from this cycle and enter the workforce.
Nonprofit organizations offer various services to help individuals overcome work barriers and transition into society, such as job training and mentoring programs.
Tracy Holt, a former prisoner, emphasizes the importance of employment for success and reducing California's high recidivism rate.
Holt is responsible for maintaining highways, landscaping, and trash abatement, as well as serving as a backup driver.
Holt, a Navy veteran, has successfully reintegrated into society through San Diego's Five Keys Schools and Programs, which offer transitional jobs to ex-offenders.
Holt, who was released from jail after 20 years, faced significant challenges in finding work after being released. He emphasized the importance of a job, stating that his chances of returning to jail are higher without one.
The Five Keys Schools and Programs, in partnership with eighteen other nonprofit partners in San Diego County, provide temporary employment to individuals who have been out of the workforce for a long time or have a background in the education system, helping them find permanent employment or rejoin the education system.
The San Diego Workforce Partnership and other organizations are collaborating to offer comprehensive services to individuals who have served time behind bars, highlighting the importance of workforce partnerships in the community and economy.
The California Workforce Development Board has awarded a $5 million grant to the San Diego Workforce Program, aimed at providing job programs through reentry works services. Young stated that these individuals are capable of completing the task and deserve our support and assistance.
According to Young, the award will enable the nonprofit organization and its local partners to provide transformative services to people such as Tracy.
Tracy exemplifies our values, and we have the tools to support individuals like him in making significant changes in their own lives and others.
Young highlights Tracy's story as a testament to the transformative power of organizations like the San Diego Workforce Partnership and Back 2 Work, while Holt emphasizes the importance of available resources for success. Tracy is pursuing a commercial driver's license to secure a permanent, full-time position.
Rocio De La Fe contributed to this Article.