About 75% of people are unemployed one year after being released from incarceration. Finding a job is one of the most difficult parts of reentry.
The federal government estimates that for every four people released from incarceration, three will still be looking for a job a year later.
And the rules around what employers can do when job applicants have a criminal record leave gray areas.
Employers are allowed to consider criminal records when they make hiring decisions, according to the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. But, they aren’t supposed to consider an applicant’s race when they apply that scrutiny.
And unlike in some other states, employers in Indiana can ask job applicants about their criminal record.
Here are some employment resources to help people who’ve been incarcerated find a job.
Marion County Reentry Coalition
The Marion County Reentry Coalition keeps a list of employers and resources for people who have been incarcerated.
Many of the organizations on the list are employers that offer jobs to those who have a criminal record. Also included are organizations that offer education, training and other services.
�� 317-423-1770
✉️ info@marioncountyreentrycoalition.org
2nd Chance Indiana
2nd Chance Indiana partners with employers that offer jobs to those returning from incarceration.
The organization has a searchable database of available jobs, broken down by start date, location and the type of job.
2nd Chance Indiana also offers training, mentoring and transportation.
�� 317-279-6670
✉️ Contact form
WorkOne Indy
WorkOne Indy offers a job search tool, adult education and other services.
WorkOne Indy is part of a network of statewide offices connected to the Indiana Department of Workforce Development.
The organization also has workshops ranging from job search strategies to basic computer skills.
�� 317-798-0335
✉️ questions@workoneindy.com
Goodwill of Central and Southern Indiana
Goodwill of Central and Southern Indiana’s New Beginnings program is a six-month paid internship for people returning from incarceration. Participants work at the Goodwill Commercial Services warehouse and production facility.
From there, participants are referred to other employment services or are hired full-time at Goodwill.
�� 317-524-4313
✉️ newbeginnings@goodwillindy.org
Volunteers of America Ohio & Indiana
Volunteers of America Ohio & Indiana’s reentry program includes job training, case management and substance use counseling.
Case managers help create individualized plans for participants to address their needs.
�� 844-980-1862
✉️ info@voaohin.org
Indianapolis Urban League
Indianapolis Urban League’s CARE program helps people returning from incarceration by providing wraparound services over a one-year period.
Participants start by learning skills such as interviewing for a job and writing a cover letter before moving on to training and help with job placement.
�� 317-693-7603
✉️ info@indplsul.org
PACE
PACE’s reentry services include mock interviews, completing a resume and finding a job.
The organization’s Center for Working Families program provides services to help families impacted by the criminal justice system. That includes financial coaching and even help with getting work equipment such as boots.
�� 317-612-6800
✉️ pace@paceindy.org
Thomas Ridley
Thomas Ridley’s 1 Like Me program provides reentry services that include forklift certification, computer skills and help getting a driver’s license.
The organization also refers participants to other agencies for job training.
Mirror Indy reporter Tyler Fenwick covers housing and labor. Contact him at 317-766-1406 or tyler.fenwick@mirrorindy.org. Follow him on X.
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