With Minnesota’s low unemployment rate, many employers are frustrated trying to find workers to fill their many open positions. Those business conditions create more opportunities for people returning to the community after being imprisoned.
“Coming out of COVID, employers are struggling to find individuals who want to come back and work. They need people,” said Brother Shane Price, director of re-entry services at the Power of People Leadership Institute. “The time is right for committed employees who have worked on their issues and are ready to put in a hard day’s work.”
To prepare ex-offenders for successful re-entry, the Power of People Leadership Institute offers a new initiative called Replanting Employment Expansion Project (REEP).
This intensive two-week training program for men is now graduating its first cohort of 18. REEP participants are preparing to meet with local employers who have “shown interest in giving second-chance guys an opportunity,” in Price’s words.
The graduates got a boost to their confidence with new clothing to help them look their best while they meet face-to-face with potential employers and restart their careers.
Marsha D. Carter, founder of the nonprofit Beyond New Distribution Center in St. Paul, recently arrived at the REEP training room on West Broadway in North Minneapolis ready to assist the REEP participants in making positive first impressions. Each REEP graduate got a chance to select outfits to wear for their upcoming job interviews.
Carter unloaded bin after bin filled with dozens of gently used men’s suits, dress shirts, sport coats, slacks, sweaters, shoes, and neckties.
“This was like a magic trick,” said Price. “We could see the esteem grow on their faces; their spirits were full of joy.”
Along with her husband Tony and her brother Charles Snargrass, Carter set up racks and tables of the gently used donated apparel for the participants to select from.
“We want them to be able to present themselves to employers in a professional manner,” said Carter. “Hoodies and sneakers have a place but blazers, suits, and sport coats also have a place. When you look your best, you feel your best.”
While Carter, a longtime hair stylist, helped individuals shop the apparel choices and pull together well-fitting business clothing and accessories, Tony Carter offered the group impromptu instructions on how to tie a tie. A barber was also on site to offer haircuts and trims.
“We asked each one what they were interested in. A suit? Slacks and a sweater? Sport coat and dress shirt?” Carter said. “We had something for everyone, including a man who was a size 50.”
Price was impressed by the skill and respectful attitude Carter and her volunteers brought to their fashion mission.
“To get that personal makeover was astronomical,” he said. “Not only did she have these beautiful clothes and shoes but with that charming personality, she made every guy feel like they were special. It made for one amazing afternoon.”
Price is already setting up his next REEP group. The next cohort will start in February of 2024. Anyone interested in learning more about joining the upcoming REEP cohort can call 763-535-5711.
“We are going to have great success stories to share,” Price promised.
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