WATCH: Nonprofit Gets Boost in Workforce Effort
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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowThe founder of Indianapolis-based nonprofit UNITE INDY says a new study that analyzed workforce shortages and incarceration revealed some surprises, including worker reliability. Jim Cotterill says his organization partnered with Butler University’s Lacy School of Business to look at challenges for ex-offenders in finding work upon release. Cotterill believes the results can help with efforts to solve what he describes as an urban employment crisis.
In an interview on Inside INdiana Business with Gerry Dick, Cotterill said the report provided unexpected insight.
“It’s kind of counterintuitive,” said Cotterill, who explained the report looked at the severity of the crime. “The study showed us exactly the opposite. The more serious the offense, a felony versus a misdemeanor, the better performers, the workers are.”
Cotterill and his wife launched UNITE INDY four years ago to help those living in poverty find jobs, but now it expanded its mission to help inmates prepare to find work when they are released. He says an estimated 12,000 Marion County individuals are released each year after serving time.
“And they face obviously big challenges in in obtaining work,” said Cotterill. As a result, the organization created SecondChanceIndy.com, a job site that connects former inmates with area employers willing to give them a second chance.
“We went out to recruit employers who are willing to offer a second chance. And 10 or 12 signed up right away…and just the word of mouth that’s grown. It’s more than doubled. It’s about 25,” said Cotterill.
In addition to a job search function, the website provides links to resources, such as resume writing and job interviewing skills. “If you’re coming out of incarceration, it’s a whole different atmosphere than the workplace culture,” explained Cotterill. “We go back to the basics and let people know that they were designed to work. They’re made to work. There’s dignity in work. Work is a good thing.”
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