Midlands Reentry Job Fair & Expo

Columbia, South Carolina ----– The United States Attorney’s Office, the South Carolina Department of Probation, Parole and Pardon Services; SC Department of Employment and Workforce; SC Works; SC Vocational Rehabilitation; SC Department of Social Services; and the US Probation Office are continuing their statewide partnership to help individuals with prior criminal backgrounds secure employment.

The Second Annual Central Reentry Job Fair & Expo will be held Wednesday, May 23, 2018, from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm at the Dutch Square Mall, located at 421 Bush River Road, Columbia, SC 29210.

This fair, which supports job seekers in the Midlands, is one in a series of fairs held annually, including in Florence, the Upstate, and the Lowcountry. These job fairs are specifically designed for South Carolinians with a criminal history. The aim is to assist these South Carolinians with obstacles they face when they return home after incarceration, including employment, transportation, certifications needed for skilled labor, and other keys to living a law-abiding life. 

“We are excited to work with our federal and state partners on this second year of reentry fairs,” said U.S. Attorney Beth Drake. “Last year, we welcomed hundreds of job seekers and enthusiastic employers, many of whom were able to offer employment opportunities on site.”

The fair and expo will include area employers and other organizations who support, and provide resources for, returning citizens. Any interested employers or vendors should inquire with Diana Goldwire at (864) 315-9751 or dgoldwire@dew.sc.gov. 

U.S. Attorney Drake added, “Supporting the formerly incarcerated in their search for stable jobs and lives is key to crime prevention and community safety. Rehabilitation is one of the key goals of criminal justice. As President Trump said, ‘We’ll be very tough on crime, but we will provide a ladder of opportunity to the future...[We are] committed to helping former inmates become productive, law-abiding members of society.’”

For more from President Trump on the importance of helping inmates get jobs upon release and thereby giving those with a criminal record a second chance, please see the below links.   

https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/president-donald-j-trump-proclaims-april-2018-second-chance-month/

https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefings-statements/remarks-president-trump-meeting-prison-reform/

Professional dress is required. Job seekers should inquire with Robbie Carroll of the US Probation Office at robbie_carroll@scp.uscourts.gov or George Whitehead at (803) 734-9143, (803) 667-1258 or george.whitehead@ppp.sc.gov if they have any questions about the event.

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