The City of Chattanooga’s Office of Public Safety is hosting a reception on Thursday for business owners to understand the power they have in offering second chances.
According to the Tennessee Department of Corrections, the State had an average of 30,453 inmates in the system last year.
“Providing employment opportunities to people with conviction histories helps reduce recidivism, increase public safety, build stronger communities and strengthen our local economy,” said Deborah Maddox, Community outreach coordinator for the City of Chattanooga.
“Companies in Tennessee need loyal, motivated, hard-working employees and more businesses are taking the opportunity and making the choice to hire people who have conviction histories, which is very pro-community.”
Business leaders will have the opportunity to hear from Erik Zilen, owner of Neidlov’s Breadworks, who has a successful history of hiring formerly incarcerated individuals, as well as Chattanoogans who have been able to successfully re-enter society after involvement with the criminal justice system.
“The City of Chattanooga’s mission is the break down the barriers preventing those from living the lives they want in their community and a piece of that includes helping people find a steady income and growing their skills, which in turn helps businesses grow and prosper,” said Troy Rogers, Public Safety Coordinator for the City of Chattanooga.
For more information about the event, contact dmaddox@chattanooga.gov or call 423 643-6705.