The Coahoma Community College Workforce Development Center joined the city of Clarksdale for the Second Chance Program’s kick-off fair, an initiative instituted by Mayor Chuck Espy. The fair was held in the Pinnacle with officials of Coahoma County in attendance.
With 10 participants set to receive the assistance, the Second Chance Program offers non-violent offenders re-entry into society through workforce training and education.
Amanda Dear Jones, director of the program, exhibits excitement toward getting offenders expunged and employed.
"These participants are not bad people. We're here to show them that there is a light at the end of the tunnel and an opportunity for advancement," said Jones. "Everything is to help fight recidivism in Coahoma County. In order to do that, they must be properly educated, properly trained, and properly employed. We're going to work together to make a difference within our community."
Through several collaborative partnerships with organizations such as Southern Bancorp and Coahoma Opportunities, program participants have the opportunity to have their records cleared, receive spiritual counsel from local ministers, and gain financial literacy. Individuals can even potentially receive financial support to aid in getting back on the road to a productive lifestyle.
"It is a wonderful opportunity to partner with Coahoma Community College," Espy expressed during the event, thanking Jones for her leadership efforts. "Over two years ago, we started the Second Chance program. We helped hundreds of individuals get back on track with their life and really move forward with a second chance in the city of Clarksdale…We have even assisted people with moving expenses to find gainful employment in other cities."
Steven Jossell, executive director of Coahoma's Workforce Development Center, enthusiastically extends Adult Education services to those accepting the assistance.
"The overarching premise is to curtail recidivism and improve outcomes for newly released, non-violent, ex-offenders being reintroduced into society. Through the Workforce Development Center's Adult Education program, individuals will have the opportunity to strive towards achieving his/her high school equivalency through an individualized, self-paced format," Jossell explained.
"It's difficult to quantify the full value of an education. However, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data consistently indicate that education makes sense and is the bedrock towards a quality and rewarding life. We are genuinely excited for the opportunity to shape and change the trajectory for the better of these individuals we are committed to serving."
For more information, contact the Workforce Development Center at (662) 627-9139.