By ALBERT J. COUNTRYMAN Jr.
Gloucester City News
People looking to get back into the working world are encouraged to attend the Gloucester County Reentry Job and Resource Fair on Friday, Sept. 15, from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. at the Rowan College of South Jersey (RCSJ) gymnasium, 1400 Tanyard Rd., Sewell.
All people seeking a job are welcome, including those who are trying to return to into the workforce after being incarcerated, and everyone should be prepared for a possible immediate interview with some of the many businesses who will be participating.
“This fair is an opportunity for justice-involved individuals to meet with reentry friendly employers and access resources needed for their success. Research shows that recidivism rates are cut in half for returning citizens when they become gainfully employed,” Board of Commissioners Deputy Director Heather Simmons said.
“Full-time, stable employment is one of the ways to end recidivism,” said Commissioner Jim Jefferson, pointing out that the three main things people need after being released are treatment, employment and housing.
“It’s the chase of not knowing where to go. The fair is like one-stop shopping, with employment opportunities and information about mental health services, housing services, social services and other resources available,” Jefferson said.
He is thrilled about the changes in the private sector whereby more companies are giving people a second change.
“They are ready, willing and looking forward to hiring them,” said Jefferson, adding that RCSJ has been an excellent partner and is working to get people back in the educational field.
“By securing full-time employment that is high-quality, stable, and long-term people attain economic security,” Simmons said. “Achieving economic security provides reentry individuals with self-esteem, a positive sense of identity, and ultimately a more stable lifestyle out of crime.
“The Gloucester County Board of Commissioners are dedicated to providing pathways that meet people where they are in their life journey and help them take the next step toward a successful, fulfilling life,” Simmons continued. “We provide a number of job fairs and resource events to targeted audiences like this one, including events for veterans and the disabled.”
The goal is to help people secure full-time, stable employment that brings them dignity and a sense of purpose, and also helps them take steps toward economic security.
“These events also offer the wraparound services that help them make their positive life choices sustainable. These include things like transportation, affordable housing, education and training and social services resources,” Simmons said.
The companies who will be at the fair include:
ABM Industries, Advanced Traffic Control, Amazon, Amcor, Ancora Psychiatric Hospital, Atlantic City Electric, Americold, Bright Lights USA Inc., Camden Yards Steel Co., Cathedral Kitchen, City Year Philadelphia, Delaware River Bay Authority, EMR Group USA, ESS, Family Resource Network, FedEx Ground, First Harvest Fed Cred, Goodwill, Heritages Dairy Stores and Integrity Staffing.
Also, J & J Snack Foods, Kelly Services, Liscio’s Bakery, Lloyds of Millville, U.S. Marines, McDonalds, Mullica Gardens Assisted Living, NJ Casino Control, OMEGA Engineering, Rizzieri Aveda School, Samaritan NJ, Seafarers International, SERPVPRO, ServiceMaster by Alliance, Sheet Metal Workers, Taylor Care Adult Behavioral, Taylor Farms NJ, The Parker Group, Truist Bank, Iron Workers 399, Rutgers, Hunderford & Terry Inc., and Habitat for Humanity.
The event is being sponsored by New Jersey Courts, Rowan College of South Jersey, the Gloucester County Board of Commissioners and the Workforce Development Board.
