New program aimed at preparing ex-offenders for workforce

Published 6:08 pm Sunday, August 8, 2010

By AARON MUELLER
Niles Daily Star

Bill Anderson

Bill Anderson

Michael Hickey nailed the interview and was about to be offered the job when his potential employer backed out.

Why?

The company found out Hickey was serving an 18-month felony probation sentence.

Hickey, a Niles resident who was convicted of larceny from a building with a stolen pistol, said it’s hard enough to find work in this economy but it’s nearly impossible with a felony on his record.

“It’s real hard,” he said. “I almost had the job. Then they saw my felony record, and they said we can’t hire you. It let me down.”

But Hickey hasn’t lost hope and is one of more than 50 ex-offenders to be involved with the newly formed organization, It’s Possible Inc. (IPI) in Niles.

The non-profit, started by Niles resident Bill Anderson, offers free services to its clients to help with education, job placement, finding a home, obtaining transportation and overcoming substance abuse problems.

IPI recently launched its Employment Readiness Training Program, an eight-week series of classes to prepare formerly incarcerated people to re-enter the work force.
Hickey, who has been attending the classes for three weeks, said he has already learned a lot.

“It’s taught me how to be a public speaker, a leader,” he said. “I’ve learned to choose your friends wisely and not to make the same mistake twice. It teaches me to leave my past in the past and move forward.”

Mary Cross, who runs the program, said a lot of people enter the program looking to find a quick job.

“They’re looking for instant gratification,” she said. “But they need to put some time into it in order to benefit from it.”

In addition to helping students produce a resume, learn interviewing skills and formulate a mission statement, the program also teaches public speaking skills and has students present a current event to the class every week.

When clients finish the course, they will have a full portfolio and more confidence.
“This program has helped me move forward and to have confidence in myself,” Hickey said. “I can’t give up.”

Anderson says it’s all about training a group of ex-offenders fully prepared to enter the workforce. He is currently working with local businesses to match with his clients. Since opening its doors in January, IPI has already helped one client obtain employment and others obtain interviews.

But it’s an uphill battle.

“The chances of getting a job with a felony record is slim to none,” he said. “People don’t understand how hard it is for them to find employment. It’s hard enough without it.”

During Thursday morning’s class, Quen Potts of Williamson Employment Services in Niles, was on hand to help the clients with their applications and interviewing skills.

“If you’re looking to make a change and get a job, you need to know the world doesn’t owe you anything,” she told them. “You have to act like you want that job and earn it.”

The class of nine did mock interviews with Potts and received assistance in filling out applications with Williamson Employment Services.

Travis Williams, one of the clients, was released from prison in December after five years.
The 26-year-old Niles resident, who is married and has his first child on the way, has been looking for a job since his release. He’s applied for more than a dozen jobs but his black mark has kept him from obtaining employment.

“I’m trying to fly straight. I messed up while I’m young,” he said. “I want to show people that I’m better. This program gives me the opportunity for a second chance.”

The primary challenge for IPI currently is funding. Anderson is working to obtain grants but is primarily funding it himself. Donations can be made at the organization’s website, www.itsallpossible.org.

More information can be found on the website or by calling (269) 262-0857 or by visiting the office at 1105 N. Front St. in Niles.