Amazon, Starbucks, Foot Locker, Crunch Fitness, City of Richmond & Other Employers Joined Community Orgs to Provide Second Chances & On-Site Support Services for Justice-Impacted Job Seekers

Richmond, VA (October 18, 2024) – REFORM Alliance and Roc Nation hosted a successful job fair in Richmond, Virginia, connecting job seekers with more than 1,500 open positions from employers hiring at all levels. The free event was open to the public, with a particular focus on removing employment barriers for people impacted by the criminal justice system, especially those on probation or parole.

36 employers participated, including national brands like Amazon, Starbucks, Foot Locker, Goodwill and Crunch Fitness, as well as local employers from the public, private, and nonprofit sectors. Notably, hundreds of positions were available from state and local government agencies, including the Virginia Department of Corrections, Virginia Department of Transportation, Virginia State University, and the City of Richmond.

The event drew tremendous interest from more than 2,000 job seekers. Attendees had the opportunity to interview on-site for open positions and receive valuable reentry support services, such as makeup, barber or hairdresser services, free suits and other professional attire, and resume review and interview prep. Law firm Reed Smith provided expungement education and services with support from law students at the University of Virginia and community organization Nolef Turns Inc. 13 community organizations like Q.E.D. Systems and Neighborhood Resource Center provided support to ensure job-seekers felt confident as they approached employers and advanced their careers.

Virginia has been grappling with a severe workforce shortage, according to the US Chamber of Commerce, with nearly twice as many open positions as available workers. This job fair provided a novel solution, matching untapped talent—many of whom were locked out of the workforce due to a criminal record—with employers actively hiring. Many participating employers were committed to second-chance hiring, offering opportunities to job seekers with records, including those on probation or parole.

“It’s been a struggle to find work since I came home but this was an incredible event – one of the best things I’ve done,” said Jessica S., who interviewed with Amazon and Footlocker, and was recently released from incarceration. “Since my release in August, I’ve been actively looking for a job and struggled to get hired. I was amazed to see so many employers ready to give opportunities to formerly incarcerated people here. My journey hasn’t been easy, especially having been recently incarcerated and on probation, but I’m determined to show employers that I’m ready for a fresh start. This opportunity means everything to me. I’m looking forward to staying involved with REFORM and its coalition in Virginia.” Amazon and Footlocker invited her back for second-round interviews following the job fair.

Richmond’s job fair is part of REFORM’s broader commitment to creating employment pathways and supporting people on probation or parole in Virginia and nationally. In addition to hosting job fairs, REFORM regrants a portion of its funding annually to support local organizations on the frontlines of providing critical services to people returning home from incarceration or otherwise impacted by the criminal justice system. The organization also formed the Virginia Safety Coalition, a diverse, bipartisan group committed to improving Virginia’s supervision system and increasing access to second chances.

Jessica Jackson, CEO of REFORM Alliance, highlighted the importance of these efforts: “Increasing access to employment opportunities is key to building safe, thriving communities. REFORM is proud to be a part of the community here in Virginia and open doors for justice-impacted individuals. When we invest in people, especially those who have faced barriers due to probation, parole, or a criminal record, we strengthen not just individual lives but entire communities. Every job secured today is a step towards breaking the cycle of recidivism and creating more just and safe communities.”

Dania Diaz, Managing Director of Philanthropy at Roc Nation, said about the partnership, “Roc Nation is dedicated to amplifying voices that have been silenced and driving positive change in communities that need it most. Today was about empowering individuals to reclaim their futures and build a better tomorrow. Partnering with REFORM, we are helping to create real opportunities for those who have been historically shut out of the workforce. This event is a testament to the power of second chances and the potential within every person when barriers are removed.”

There are 80 million Americans living with a criminal record. The majority of people on probation make less than $20,000 per year and the unemployment rate for formerly incarcerated individuals hovers around 27%, worse than the highest rate during the great depression. REFORM Alliance and Team Roc are proud to continue their nationwide efforts to address these challenges. 

Photos and Video:

  • Photos: [Link HERE]
  • Video/B-roll: [Link HERE]
    Photo Credit: REFORM Alliance & Team Roc
    Video Credit: REFORM Alliance & Team Roc
    Caption: REFORM Alliance and Team Roc Host Job Fair in Richmond, Virginia

 

Additional Quotes From Notable Figures:

Sincere Allah, Virginia Organizer for REFORM Alliance and Virginia Safety Coalition lead said “As someone who’s been through the system, I’ve seen how hard it can be to even get a foot in the door. This job fair is about being seen, being valued, and being given a shot to rebuild. REFORM is making real change happen in Virginia, and I’m proud to be part of it. We’re connecting people to jobs—but we’re also connecting them to hope, to dignity, and to a future where they can believe in themselves and provide for their families.”

Chad Dotson, VADOC Director: “At VADOC, we recognize that public safety is paramount and ensuring fair chances for people after incarceration and helping them reintegrate back into the fabric of the Commonwealth is essential to safe communities. This job fair, sponsored by Team ROC and REFORM Alliance, aligns perfectly with our agency’s mission by providing crucial opportunities for those reentering our communities. We are proud to actively hire individuals who have been released from custody, recognizing their potential and the value they bring to our workforce. Together, we can create meaningful pathways to employment, helping to build a stronger, more inclusive Virginia for everyone.”

Mayor Levar Stoney, who stopped by the event midday, added: “The City of Richmond is dedicated to fostering a community where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. I’m excited for the City of Richmond to present over 200 job openings across various city departments, reinforcing our commitment to second chances. We believe that by providing meaningful employment opportunities to people in our community, we can help build a stronger, more resilient city. Together with Team ROC and REFORM Alliance, we are proud to support individuals on their journey to success.”

Wahab Bakhtiari, Recruiter at MJ Morgan Group, said “At MJ Morgan Group, we specialize in connecting businesses with the talent they need, while giving job seekers—regardless of their background—a real opportunity to succeed. By joining this job fair alongside REFORM, Team Roc, and other employers, we are helping individuals with records get back into the workforce and empowering them to build brighter futures while addressing Virginia’s critical workforce shortages and meet the needs of our clients. We are proud to support second chances and helping our local community thrive.”

Kaurik Raj, Talent Acquisition Development Manager, The Greater Richmond Transit Company: “At GRTC, we recognize that a strong and thriving community depends on giving people the opportunity to succeed, and that includes providing second chances. By partnering with REFORM Alliance in this job fair, we’re actively seeking talented individuals who may have been overlooked in the past due to their criminal records but have the skills and dedication to contribute to our region’s growth. As our community and transit system grow, so does our need for a diverse and skilled workforce. Offering these opportunities strengthens not only our team but the broader Richmond community, reinforcing our commitment to both public safety and a future where everyone has a chance to rebuild and succeed.”

Cindy Reeder, Talent Acquisition Manager, Goodwill of Central and Coastal Virginia: “As an organization founded on the principle of empowering people through employment, we are proud to participate in this transformative job fair.  We work with individuals facing all types of obstacles, including those under supervision, and  know that a job is often the first step toward rebuilding a stable and meaningful life. It’s been beautiful to join REFORM and Team Roc in removing barriers and offering second chances today.”