Department of Corrections holds resource fair for those re-entering society

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Re-entering society after spending time in prison is much easier if you have a job. 

The Tennessee Department of Corrections and the Community Resource Center teamed up for a resource fair at the Hamilton County Courthouse on Thursday.

Providing essential resources was the name of the game. 

“We got over 40 resources here for people, if you have a record or if you do not.  We never had the courthouse man. People are hiring. We’ve got resources, we’ve got your blood pressure checkups, it is a one-stop-shop, man. We’re doing it all,” said Chattanooga Public Safety Coordinator Troy Rogers.

Attendees received educational support, as well as help with housing and employment.  

“This day is important because for one it is for people who have second chances. That is what we are all about in our city. The mayor talks a lot about One Chattanooga, and we need everybody to be economically taken care of,” said Rogers. “Economically we need people to have better jobs, better pay, better relationships and better homes.”

According to the state of Tennessee’s website, August’s unemployment rate was 3.8%. 

But companies are hiring. And building relationships is a foundation for success in life.  

“The reason we are here is just to just to reach out our hand to anybody that is trying to change their life around,” said Charles Morton, Plant Manager at Pallett Resource LLC. “We want to let them know that people care, and they are willing to give you a chance. We are willing to work with you, and mentor you. We want to see you go somewhere positive in life.”