The “Second Chance Hiring and Resource Fair” returned to assist justice-involved Chattanoogans

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)– On Friday, Chattanooga State Community College hosted the second annual “Second Chance Hiring and Resource Fair.”

The Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development’s, “Office of Reentry,” came prepared with local employers, drivers license services and even attorneys, willing to offer expungement consultation.

“Our line of work is not for us. It’s actually to get the word out and get down to the people where they’re at and provide them the services they need to build a better life,” said Kerry Ervin, Team Lead for the American Job Center.

From 9 a.m. until 2 p.m., locals gathered in Chatt State’s gymnasium, where vendors filled the entire area.

This event is put on in efforts to show support for “National Second Chance Month.”

“It brings hope, because many times society tends to throw those people away, and there’s a stigma attached to folks who have been incarcerated, who have been justice involved, that they can’t succeed,” said Dr. William Arnold, Director for Tennessee Department Office of Re-Entry.

Inspired by Governor Bill Lee’s vision, the Tennessee Office of Reentry was established in 2021. It exists to reduce the rate of convicted criminals to re-offend and improve reentry efforts statewide.

The director for the Tennessee Department’s “Office of Reentry” says that being incarcerated helped him to understand the need for these types of events and programs.

“As a person who is formerly incarcerated, I totally understand and get it. It’s hard and it’s a challenge, but when you think about your roughest day in a cell or in solitary that’s always going to be a heck of a lot more challenging than being out here in the real world. You can, you will and you must, so you can do it,” said Dr. Arnold.

98 justice-involved individuals attended the event today, and 44 of those people took advantage of the expungement guidance services.

“They’re the easiest way to help somebody restart their life. You know, people that are coming to this event have maybe made bad choices in the past. They are trying to make better choices,” said Mary Frances DeVoe, Pro-Bono Coordinating Attorney for Legal Aid of East Tennessee.

Anyone who was unable to attend the event today can visit the local American Job Center of Chattanooga. They can assist individuals daily, or always point them in the right direction.

Chattanooga Legal Aid can be reached at (423)756-4013.