Cha Cha’s Hiland Bakery has been a sweet staple in Des Moines since 1946, a beloved institution dishing out everything from classic cheesecakes to charming sugar cookies. But while their delectable treats are well-known, what many don’t realize is that owners Ed and Liz Kirkman are stirring something far more impactful into their community: real second chances.

Cha Cha’s Hiland Bakery’s menu

Beyond the aroma of freshly baked goods, Cha Cha’s is actively providing vital employment opportunities for individuals impacted by the justice system, including those on supervision. And according to Ed Kirkman, these employees aren’t just filling roles; they’re excelling.

“They’re just exemplary employees,” Ed Kirkman says. “They’re grateful for the opportunity. They show up to work on time. They work really hard. It’s a win-win for everybody.” 

This isn’t just heartwarming; it’s smart business. Second chance hiring benefits not only the employees rebuilding their lives but also strengthens families, businesses, and the broader community. Indeed, research suggests that 85% of HR leaders report that fair chance hires perform the same as or better than other employees, and 81% of business leaders report the same.  

So why aren’t more companies following Cha Cha’s Hiland Bakery’s lead? 

One major reason: Supervision conditions. These barriers can even prevent places like Cha Cha’s Hiland Bakery from hiring employees they would otherwise love to have on their team. 

“If they’re on probation,” Ed explains, “or they’re in a halfway house, or they’re in a group home, by ten o’clock they’ve got to be back home. Half the time they have restrictions at the group home, and we can’t hire them.” 

For Hiland Bakery, these curfews present a real barrier to hiring. Overnight shifts are essential to the operation – this is when workers prepare the treats for sale first thing in the morning. Systemic restrictions are preventing Hiland from having access to the kinds of workers they want and need.

“It’s frustrating for us,” Ed admits, “when we do have a candidate that we would really like to give a shot to, and their own restrictions from probation and parole are preventing them from working.”  

Having served as a police officer for six years, Ed has a deep understanding of how the system works—and how it doesn’t work. “The whole point of this criminal justice system,” he says, “is they serve their time.” Once people take accountability for their actions, they should be given a chance to rebuild. But in practice, Ed explains, “They are penalized over and over and over.” 

And who suffers as a result? We all do.

Families are denied a breadwinner. Communities lose out on economic opportunities. Businesses can’t hire from the talent pool they seek. 

A better, fairer supervision system would support people, not stand in their way. And it would empower businesses like Hiland Bakery to hire more employees from a population that’s too often overlooked: people on supervision. 

So, next time you’re in Des Moines, stop by Cha Cha’s Hiland Bakery and enjoy a sweet treat. As you do, think of the exemplary employees who are showing up each and every day, doing the hard work of building a better life.