Project Bridge Hires New Director to Head Transitional Jobs Initiative
Baltimore Transitional Jobs Project Background
Project Bridge Chosen to Implement BTJP
Links - Transitional Jobs and Offender Re-Entry

Project Bridge Hires New Director to Head Transitional Jobs Initiative

Project Bridge, a transitional jobs project for ex-prisoners returning to Baltimore, is pleased to announce that it has hired Karen A. Pearson as its new director. Currently vice president and chief of operations for the Milwaukee Urban League, Ms. Pearson has extensive experience in organizational development, fiscal management and fund development, program development/implementation and contract administration.

Project Bridge is a collaboration among Goodwill Industries of the Chesapeake; Associated Catholic Charities; the Center for Fathers, Families and Workforce Development (CFWD/STRIVE); and the Second Chance Project. It is supported by public and private grant funding.

[ Back to Top ]

Baltimore Transitional Jobs Project Background:

The Baltimore Transitional Jobs Project consortium was established in 2002 to assist selected ex-prisoners who are returning from prison to Baltimore City and are unlikely to obtain employment in the labor market on their own. Through public/private partnerships, the program will provide eligible ex-prisoners returning to Baltimore City with transitional employment, support services, and placement in the labor market, followed by 12 months of post-placement retention services.

Among the goals of the project is to help ex-prisoners gain increased self confidence, marketable skills, and avenues to competitive employment. The provision of temporary work, income, and support is intended to lead to more productive activities, including competitive employment and education and skills training. Ex-prisoners who become productive workers in the labor market will be less likely to engage in criminal activity, thus enhancing public safety and reducing recidivism.

[ Back to Top ]

Project Bridge Chosen to Implement BJTP

In October 2003 the Project Bridge collaborative was chosen to implement the Baltimore Transitional Jobs Project. Project Bridge includes Goodwill Industries of the Chesapeake; Associated Catholic Charities; the Center for Fathers, Families and Workforce Development (CFWD/STRIVE); and the Second Chance Project. Project Bridge will receive $30,000 in funding for additional project planning and will also be eligible for technical assistance as program start-up proceeds.

A steering committee made up of public and private partners will maintain oversight of Project Bridge as it develops its program plans and moves toward implementation. For more information, contact Phil Holmes at (410) 837-1800.

[ Back to Top ]

Links - Transitional Jobs and Offender Re-Entry

NOTEWORTHY PROGRAMS:

Doe Fund, New York, NY- The Ready, Willing & Able program provides a structured environment in which homeless individuals can regain power over their lives, including several initiatives to reintegrate ex-offenders back into mainstream society.

Pioneer Human Services, Seattle, WA- Dedicated to improving the lives of its clients through employment, training, counseling, and housing services. PHS offers a "Chance for Change" to high-risk populations, particularly ex-offenders and former substance abusers.

Safer Foundation, Chicago, IL- Foundation's whose mission is to reduce recidivism by supporting the efforts of ex-offenders to become productive members of the community.


PRESS RELEASES- BALTIMORE TRANSITIONAL JOBS PROJECT:

Mayor's Office of Employment Development press release

National League of Cities press release

Open Society Institute press release

TRANSITIONAL JOBS/EX-OFFENDER RESOURCES:

Center for Law and Social Policy Brief on Transitional Jobs - Link to CLASP brief titled "Transitional Jobs: Real Jobs, Real Wages, Real Success."

Economic Opportunity Institute - Advocacy organization that develops new public policies to create ladders for low-income people to move into the middle class and prevent middle-class families from falling into poverty.

National Hire Network - A national clearinghouse for information and an advocate for policy change, with the goal of increasing the number and quality of job opportunities available to people with criminal records by changing public policies, employment practices and public opinion.

Progressive Policy Institute - Links to a transitional jobs policy brief titled "Transitional Jobs: A Bridge Into the Workforce for Hard-to-Employ Welfare Recipients."

Transitional Jobs Network - A coalition of more than 30 transitional jobs programs, policy organizations, and sponsoring organizations that fosters economic opportunity for America's workers by developing new transitional jobs programs, building the capacity of existing transitional jobs programs, and promoting a national dialogue on job advancement strategies.

Transitional Work Corporation - Nonprofit organization that provides job training and placement services to entry-level workers in Philadelphia.

Urban Institute Prisoner Reentry Study - Preliminary findings for a pilot project in Maryland, launched by the Urban Institute, which will develop a deeper understanding of the reentry experiences of returning prisoners, their families, and their communities.


WORK CREW MODELS:

Los Angeles Conservation Corps' Young Adult Services Division Example - Young adults from inner-city neighborhoods prepare for work and college by learning practical environmental improvement skills.

YouthBuild Example - Unemployed and undereducated young people ages 16-24 work toward their GED or high school diploma and learn construction skills by building affordable housing for homeless and low-income people.

[ Back to Top ]