Second chances will be celebrated in the city of Memphis as a MATA bus is set to advertise a new website.
On Saturday, April 13, Shelby County Mayor Lee Harris, Senior Policy Advisor Jerri Green and MATA CEO Bacarra Mauldin are scheduled to unveil a MATA bus wrap promoting “Work to Break the Cycle” — a site with an initiative geared towards raising awareness about job opportunities within Shelby County Government for those with prior convictions.
The reveal is said to coincide with a "Second Chance Block Party" that is scheduled from 12 p.m. to 12:45 p.m. This event has been organized to assist ex-offenders and employer partners in connecting with job opportunities.
"By empowering justice-impacted individuals with resources and opportunities, we reshape lives and enrich our workforce," Shelby County Mayor Lee Harris said.
Harris is said to be joined Saturday by MATA CEO Bacarra Mauldin and MATA Employee Darrell Anderson.
The first few attendees who visit the website during the event are said to receive twenty-five free day passes.
"In Shelby County, nearly 9,000 ex-offenders begin the difficult reentry process every year, yet studies show that when formerly incarcerated individuals are employed, recidivism rates decrease considerably," Shelby County Senior Policy Advisor Jerri Green said. "Since implementing Work to Break the Cycle, over 20% of residents have found employment.”
Shelby County Office of Reentry Director DeAndre Brown said it’s "difficult if you don’t have any support and guidance when you are released from prison."
"That’s why it is important to let the community know that we are here — we have resources that people don’t know exist,” he said.
Those interested in more can find out at www.worktobreakthecycle.com.
