(BOP) - The idea of having to search for meaningful work after release from prison can be overwhelming, particularly for those individuals who have been out of the labor market for a number of years. Many adults in Bureau of Prisons (Bureau) custody acquire valuable skills and work experience through programs like Federal Prison Industries (FPI), vocational training opportunities, apprenticeships, certification training and/or other First Step Act Evidence-Based Recidivism Reduction (EBRR) Programs and Productive Activities (PA). Individuals nearing release may need to re-learn, or perhaps learn for the first time, how to effectively search for a job, prepare a resume, and successfully interview for a position.
Last fall, Federal Correctional Institution (FCI) Greenville and Federal Correctional Institution (FCI) Pekin, along with the United States Probation Office, Eastern District of Missouri, collaborated to provide 14 females in federal custody the ability to participate in a community job fair in St. Louis, Missouri. Recognizing the unique needs and challenges faced by this population, the community job fair was an opportunity for the participants to highlight the training and skills they acquired in prison and to potentially obtain post-incarceration employment. Additionally, the 14 females were able to access vital employment resources including a comprehensive network of services and support to assist individuals as they transition from incarceration to becoming economically self-sufficient.
A four-part video series titled, "First Step Act: Pathway to Success," specifically timed to be released during Women's History Month, will feature the journeys of these 14 women from "What Now?" as they found themselves behind bars to "What's Next?" as they prepared to return to the community as better citizens and neighbors. Beginning today, and on every Monday in March, a video in recognition of the countless women who have fought tirelessly for equal opportunity in our Nation and the Bureau's own efforts to increase opportunities for formerly incarcerated women, will be released. The video series will also highlight various EBRR programs, including the Bureau's Residential Drug Abuse Treatment Program (RDAP), that are available to women while they are incarcerated and preparing for release.
The first video in the series, "Incarcerated Women Attend Job Fair," is now available.