United States Attorney’s Office and McKinney School of Law co-sponsor Indianapolis job fair

Office to work with Indiana University McKinney School of Law and PACE to bring job opportunities for formerly incarcerated individuals

PRESS RELEASE

Indianapolis – United States Attorney Josh J. Minkler, Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law, Dean Andrew Klein and PACE Executive Director, Rhiannon T. Edwards today announced a partnership to help bring community-wide resources and a job fair to individuals returning to Central Indiana after having been incarcerated.  

When: Friday, April 6, 2018, from 10:00am – 2:00pm

 Where: Light of the World Christian Church, 4646 North Michigan Road, Indianapolis, Indiana, 46228. 

 “Helping citizens return to a normal life after prison is a responsibility we all shoulder,” said Minkler. “Getting someone on their feet with a job, transportation, a place to live and a support system gives them purpose as well as reduces crime and recidivism.”

 "The Federal District Court fully recognizes the importance of helping previously incarcerated individuals become re-integrated into society. There is always a delicate balance between holding people accountable and helping to give them a second chance through viable jobs,” said U.S. District Judge Tanya Walton Pratt. “I applaud the employers who are willing to take a chance on people who are striving to become more productive. Work is often more than a job but a great source of pride.”

“At McKinney, the law school has a demonstrated commitment to helping individuals re-enter into society,” said Dean Klein. “Professors, staff, and law students work with community agencies throughout the year to provide a supportive network to those newly released persons seeking independence and stability outside of the prison walls. The fair hopes to bring critical resources and opportunities together in one central location.”

“PACE has been dedicated to serving those returning to our community for more than 50 years,” said PACE Executive Director Rhiannon T. Edwards. “We are committed to ensuring that everyone receives a second chance and are thrilled to be partnering with the United States Attorney’s Office on this job fair. Obtaining self-sufficiency is key to the reduction of criminal activity and increased public safety. Criminal justice and community partnerships are essential to lowering recidivism in Marion County.”  

"The Reentry Fair will assist the U.S. Probation Office in targeting key barriers to successful reentry,” said Chief U.S. Probation Officer Dwight Wharton. “Securing employment, finding affordable housing, navigating complex child support issues and obtaining proper identification are obstacles many of our returning citizens face. By specifically targeting these areas, the Reentry Fair can address several important barriers in one setting. The U.S. Probation Office is grateful for the hard work of those involved in making this special event a reality. Their efforts pay dividends individually and within the communities we both live and serve."

Some of the employers participating in the job fair include City of Indianapolis-Marion County Human Resource Division, IndyGo, Goodwill, Fed Ex, Comcast, UPS, Jiffy Lube, Penske Logistics, Home Depot, the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles and so many more, all of which are hoping to fill a range of positions. The goal of the job fair is to give formerly incarcerated individuals the opportunity to meet with many local employers from a wide range of industries.

Job fair participants will also be able to meet with a range of community service providers including Indiana Department of Workforce Development, PACE and Independence Job Corps. All of these community service providers have valuable resources to share with this population.  

Members of the McKinney Law School community will be managing the resource fair with the assistance from Indiana Legal Services, the Marion County Bar Association, and local law firms including Faegre Baker Daniels, Bingham, Greenebaum and Doll, Ice Miller and Barnes & Thornburg. The resource fair will focus on providing free brief service and advice in the areas of record expungement, child support, license reinstatement and specialized driving privileges. In addition, the fair will provide assistance with resume drafting, SNAP/HIP2 questions and applications, as well as Section 8 and low income housing information.

Formerly incarcerated individuals face many barriers upon their release. The purpose of the Community-Wide Job Fair and Resource Fair is to provide returning citizens with the opportunity to connect with useful re-entry and community agencies that will help provide referrals and resources to enhance their employment opportunities.

U.S. Attorney Minkler thanks all of our partners and the community for their continued support of this re-entry initiative.

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