ARIZONA@WORK is a statewide workforce development network that helps employers connect with, and retain, employees. One thing they offer are second-chance job fairs, to assist people with checkered pasts find jobs more easily.
Second-chance job fairs exist to help connect people with criminal records, including those with felonies, to employers.
One such event was just held this month in Tucson, where they had over 100 participants looking for jobs and several prospective employers and resources available. Melissa Goularte is Pima County's probation education coordinator.
“When someone re-enters the community it’s really hard depending on how long they’ve been incarcerated. Lots of times people come out and they don’t have family support and they don’t have a job. So they’re moving into halfway houses and they only have a short period of time to find employment," Goularte said.
Another job fair is coming up on May 4 in Mesa. Companies participating include UPS, Community Bridges and Progressive Roofing.
Other events can be found at arizonaatwork.com/events.
