JOB DEVELOPMENT / EMPLOYERS

97 % of all individuals being released from jail or prison will be returning to their communities. Released inmates who are employed or are receiving employment services are substantially less likely to recidivate (return to jail or prison) compared with those who are unemployed and receiving no such services.

The average cost “per day” to house an inmate in Stanislaus County is $60.00. It makes sense to work with these individuals in order to help them become law abiding, productive members of society.

Friends Outside as an overall organization has nearly 50 years of experience working with families, inmates and ex-offenders. As a non-profit agency that works to maintain positive family ties while the person is away, one of our primary services includes helping the returning individual secure employment through our Job Development program.

The Department of Employment and Training, in cooperation with Friends Outside, offers job training and job placement assistance to those who have been incarcerated. Many of our participants go through either schooling or vocational training, while others come to us with the necessary skills, to be placed on the job immediately.

OUR OVERALL OBJECTIVE:

To place participants in full-time meaningful employment and offer them an opportunity to provide for themselves and their families in a way that is productive to the community.

BENEFITS TO THE EMPLOYER:

* * Motivated , capable employees. Our participants have successfully completed intense life skills and job skills programs. In fact, they may be better prepared for the work place than many non-offenders.

* * An assortment of hiring options such as:

- Direct hire.

- On-The-Job training (50% of salary is reimbursed during the training period)

* * Federal Bonding

* * Pre -screening of skills and aptitudes

* * Tools or clothing needed to do the job

IN ADDITION: Our agency provides ongoing support to insure employer satisfaction.

CAREER FOCUS (A division of Friends Outside) and the Department of Employment and Training are working together to help find positive solutions for our participants who are seeking employment. Won't you join us in this effort?