eye insist (Cleveland, Akron, Canton: felony, home, employment)

[eye insist]

Hi I need some HELPFUL information. My son is a felon and will be getting out of prison in four months for drugs. This is his second time for the same offense and because he was unable to get work after the first time he ended up in trouble again. Is there anyone out there that has any information on business that will hire felons. Its really tough for those who DO want to get their lives together. We live in the Akron area.
THANK YOU

[newmex]

You'll have to go down the list here to find specifically what you need, but there is hope. You can hook up with some of these folks prior to your sons release and can have a good sense of who might be helpful. I don't like repeat criminals, or first timers for that matter, thats why there are people like me who like to reach out.
Maybe by giving you this info, I am doing my part.

Good luck and best wishes. I may be moving back to Akron to watch our house. Not talking from experience, but from what I've seen, there is a lot for a young person to fall back into the "system" time and again. It's not pretty. Be careful who he hangs out with. If he screws up again, it's bye-bye time.
There's talk about a three strikes law, statewide. Hopefully, that'll make him think twice, and shake like a dog crapping razor blades running home to you if he's around anyone wanting to do anything Illegal

Three strikes provision article, prison food for thought:
Three-strikes provision in Ohio law could double sentences for repeat offenders - Cleveland Metro News – The Latest Breaking News, Photos and Stories from The Plain Dealer

Scroll down this next link for names and numbers for spiritual and employment help:

Ex-Offender Resource Assistance

Here are some articles from CORE, a recidivism reduction plan. All articles are in pdf format. You can download Acrobat Reader here to view pdf content if you need.

Adobe - Reader

..and here's the CORE site...
Offender Reentry

The Reentry Coordinator for this region is:
John Geras
Akron Region
Ocasek Government Building
161 South High Street, Suite 104
Akron, Ohio 44308
Phone (330) 643-1472
Fax (330) 643-3005
john.geras@odrc.state.oh.us

Here's a very good article from the Canton Repository about a horse farm that helps troubled youth...not sure how old your child is, maybe this can help.

cantonrep.com

Good Luck!

[eye insist]

Thank you NEWMEX for all the information. I am in the process of reading the literature but wanted to send you a quick note of appreciation. My son has tried to get drug addiction help BOTH times he has been in prison but he was and is there for only a year and was told there is a long waiting list and he just won't be there long enough to get help believe it or not they told him this time after interviewing him he didn't need help. Depression runs in this family and this kid is very depressed but would never seek help for the depression up until this last incarceration. He has finally agreed he needs help and hopefully will get it. I know that medical help won't fix everything but its a start. Thank you again

[John Geras]

You might want check out the Job Center at 1040 East Talmadge Ave. Akron Ohio 44310. they can help with finding employment. you have to ask for specific assistance for someone with a felony to get extra help with job seeking.
The Akron area Urban League has a employment program as well and they are located at 250 East Market St. Akron Oh 44308 (330) 424-3101

There is a Citizen Circle that meets at Urban Ounce of Prevention 1501 South Hawkins Ave. Akron Oh that also provides links and advice. they meet every 2nd and 4th Tuesday from 3pm to 5pm.

Most of all, You need to get ready for employment, 2 forms of ID, Drug free, Grooming and Appearence, Resume/Application information and most of all, positive attitude. Felons do gain employment... I work with folks who have securred employment quickly after release and they tell me that if you only put some effort in to finding employment what can you expect.....

Good luck.