Some 60,000 people are released from state and federal prison each year. The obstacles to successful reentry begin with the challenge of finding a job. Officials here in Houston helped launch a job training program for local ex-offenders.
By: Pat Hernandez, September 18th, 2012 12:10 PM
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The U.S. Dept of Labor awarded SER Jobs for Progress, a 1.2 million dollar grant to provide supports services and technical training to some 400 ex-offenders. They will learn the welding trade.
Houston was the only city in the area to recieve the DOL’s Reintegration of Ex -Offenders grant. Houston congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee helped steer funding at a federal level.
“The frame was set by the Congress willing to first, sign on to legislation that I helped draft, the Second Chance Act, which lays the ground work for stopping recidivism in prisoners on the national level, and then the Department of Labor now under that legislation, can operate training programs that relate to incarcerated persons.”
She says the program focuses on how families of offenders are affected, as they look for jobs and become contributing members of society.
“It is well known and documented that the children of incarcerated persons are more likely to go to prison than other children. When you intervene by giving that adult a lifeline and a job, it stops the idea of children believing there’s no other pathway, but to go to prison.”
Recruitment will be done through SER’s existing partnerships with the Texas Department of Criminal Justice, the Harris County Sheriff’s Department and other agencies, to mentor and prepare ex-offenders with entry into the labor market.
Karlton Harris with the Sheriff’s Department knows too well the challenges.
“It took me three months after I was released from prison, before I found my first job. But I kept seeking, I was determined to be a law abiding citizen and not result back to that same environment. And I tell people that it doesn’t matter what community you go back to. If you’re changed and you go back into that same community as a changed person, now instead of your environment changing you, you change your environment.”
Welders are needed for the construction of buildings. Diane Schenke is with the Greater East Management District.
“The East End is certainly’s experiencing a Renaissance. What we want to do is make sure that people who are living here currently are part of that Renaissance. And so many people particularly Hispanics, don’t have that high school education that’s really required for them to participate in the Renaissance. So we want them to get the kind of job training it will take, to be part of whether its green jobs or welding.”
Through SER’s first hand experience delivering workforce training programs in the community, it developed an extensive partnership base made up of educational, correctional and employer partners.
Ft. Worth, Texas
Are you an ex-offender or felon who has a question about finding a job with a criminal record? You could have your question answered right here. Email your question to: BelievePublications@comcast.net
Let me suggest a very underutilized resource that an ex-offender can use to find jobs,
One-stop Career Centers . Each state has a network of centers that [Ex-offender in Texas needs job search help] offer a variety of free services that can get you ready for work and assist you in finding employment. In addition, these centers offer training programs that may prepare you for a career. Some services available are:
Career planning and counseling
Workshops (Resume Writing, Interviewing Skills, and related topics.)
Computers with internet access and word processing
Daily access to thousands of job listings
Job-related magazines and local newspapers
Job postings and referrals
Printers, fax machines, phones, and copiers for job search use
There are counselors there whose function is helping citizens gain employment. Many of them have experience working with ex-offenders and felons looking for employment. There are four such centers in your area.
WorkForce Solutions for Tarrant County-Northside Workforce Center
2100 N Main St., Suite 100
Fort Worth, TX 76164-8572
817-626-5262
WorkForce Solutions for Tarrant County-Northside Workforce Centr
Workforce Solutions – Tarrant County – Westside Workforce Center
2100 N Main St., Suite 100
Fort Worth, TX 76164-8572
817-626-5262
Workforce Solutions – Tarrant County – Westside Workforce Center
WorkForce Solutions for Tarrant County – Eastside Workforce Center
4701 E Lancaster St.
Fort Worth, TX 76103-3835
817-531-7800
WorkForce Solutions for Tarrant County – Eastside Workforce Center
WorkForce Solutions for Tarrant County-Resource Connection Workforce Center
1400 Circle Drive
Fort Worth, TX 76119
817-531-5670
WorkForce Solutions for Tarrant County-Resource Connection Workforce Center
As stated before, there centers often have counselors with experience helping ex-offenders and felons looking for jobs
Welcome Back – A Ministry to Ex-Offenders and their Families
Bellaire Baptist Church
Contact Name: Paul Lively Phone: 806-795-1219
Address: 5514 34th Street City: Lubbock
State: TX ZipCode: 79407
E-Mail: paul@bellairelubbock.org
Description:
BRCC Prison Ministry
Contact Name: Neal & Diane Lange Phone: 210 523 8141
Address: 7506 Alverstone Way City: San Antonio
State: TX ZipCode: 78250
E-Mail: shadow7506@aol.com
Description: A support group for families of offenders and for offenders themselves.
Burning Hope Baptist Church
Contact Name: Jim Parrish Phone: 936-594-3623
Address: P. O. Box 1972 City: Trinity
State: TX ZipCode: 75862
E-Mail: aparrish@txucom.net
Description: Church that ministers to ex-offenders and families.
Citipointe Church
Contact Name: Pastor Gary Taylor Phone: 972-491-7044
Address: 4201 Greenfield Drive City: Richardson
State: TX ZipCode: 75082
E-Mail: mailbox@citipointe.org
Description: www.citipointe.org Ministers to families in ZIP Codes of 75002, 75040, 75041, 75044, 75048, 75074, 75075, 75080, 75081, 75082, 75083, 75085, 75086, 75088, 75094, 75248.
Covenant Fellowship
Contact Name: David Valentine Phone:
Address: PO Box 10769 City: Huntsville
State: TX ZipCode: 77340
E-Mail: dbhvalentine@suddenlink.net
Description: www.cfhuntsville.org Ministries to law enforcement and their families. New starts (small groups and churches) for ex-offenders and their families.
Cowboy Way Church
Contact Name: Dan Haby, Jr. Phone: 817-832-5865
Address: 1465 E Renfro St. City: Burleson
State: TX ZipCode: 76028
E-Mail: cowboydan@juno.com
Description: www.cowboywaychurch.com
Fellowship of Believers Baptist Church
Contact Name: Pastor Julian Davis III Phone: 713-941-5800
Address: 9004 Airport Blvd #404 City: Houston
State: TX ZipCode: 77061
E-Mail: pastor@fobbc.org
Description: www.fobbc.org Ministers to families in ZIP CODES: 77058, 77061, 77062, 77573, 77581.
First Baptist – Marble Falls
Contact Name: Weldon French Phone: 830) 693-438
Address: 501 12th Street City: Marble Falls
State: TX ZipCode: 78654
E-Mail: weldonf@marblefallsfbc.org
Description: www.marblefallsfbc.org
Ministers to ex-offenders and their families.
First Baptist Church
Contact Name: Phone: 936-291-3441
Address: 1229 Avenue J City: Huntsville
State: TX ZipCode: 77340
E-Mail: info@fbchuntsville.org
Description: www.fbchuntsville.org
First Baptist Church
Contact Name: Weldon French Phone: 830-693-4381
Address: 501 12th Street City: Marble Falls
State: TX ZipCode: 78654
E-Mail: weldonf@marblefallsfbc.org
Description: www.marblefallsfbc.org
Gateway Community Church
Contact Name: Eric Williams Phone: 972-442-3140
Address: 1100 McCreary Road City: Wylie
State: TX ZipCode: 75098
E-Mail: eww1840@aol.com
Description: www.gatewayonline.org
Jason Bishop
Contact Name: Jason Bishop – Lead Navigator Phone: 806-594-6221
Address: 3011 68th Street City: Lubbock
State: TX ZipCode: 79413
E-Mail: jason@journeylubbock.org
Description: Lead Navigator
Mercy Heart
Contact Name: Roger Hollar Phone: 817-281-3361
Address: 4805 NE Loop 820 City: Fort Worth
State: TX ZipCode: 76137
E-Mail: roger@mercyheart.org
Description: www.mcercyheart.org A ministry to families of inmates.
Mercy Heart – Burleson
Contact Name: Roger Hollar Phone: 817-295-0134
Address: 500 NE Alsbury Blvd. City: Burleson
State: TX ZipCode: 76097
E-Mail: roger@mercyheart.org
Description: www.mercyheart.org 1st meeting on July 26, 2007 at Alsbury Baptist Church
Mercy Heart – Burleson
Contact Name: Roger Hollar Phone: 817-295-0134
Address: 500 NE Alsbury Blvd. City: Burleson
State: TX ZipCode: 76097
E-Mail: roger@mercyheart.org
Description: www.mercyheart.org First meeting is on July 26, 2007 at Alsbury Baptist Church.
Mercy Heart – East Arlington
Contact Name: David Glaze Phone: 817-277-6721
Address: 415 New York Avenue City: Arlington
State: TX ZipCode: 76010
E-Mail: roger@mercyheart.org
Description: www.mercyheart.org Meets on 1st & 3rd Saturdays (6pm) at Highland Baptist Church.
Mercy Heart – Wills Point
Contact Name: Roger Hollar Phone: 903-848-4011
Address: 30487 State Highway 64 City: Wills Point
State: TX ZipCode: 75169
E-Mail: roger@mercyheart.org
Description: www.mercyheart.org Starts September of 2007 meeting at Brookside Baptist Church
Pastor Bernie Silva
Contact Name: Pastor Bernie Silva Phone: 817-379-7665
Address: 456 Ridgeview Circle City: Keller
State: TX ZipCode: 76248
E-Mail: berniesilva417@yahoo.com
Realization Ministries
Contact Name: Rev. Ray Phone: 971-344-1850
Address: 4110 Green Vista Place City: Round Rock
State: TX ZipCode: 78665
E-Mail: revray@realizationministries.com
Description: A ministry of support and love.
Restorative Justice Ministry Network of Texas
Contact Name: Emmett Solomon Phone: 936-291-2156
Address: 1229 Avenue J, Suite 360 City: Huntsville
State: TX ZipCode: 77340
E-Mail: esolomon@sbcglobal.net
Description: The Network of Welcome Back
San Antonio Baptist Association
Contact Name: Wendell Skinner Phone: 210-525-9954
Address: 5807 I-10 West City: San Antonio
State: TX ZipCode: 78201
E-Mail: wendells@sanantoniobaptist.org
Description: www.sanantoniobaptist.org Willing to minister to those living in San Antonio, Texas
Temple Baptist Church
Contact Name: Robby Ballew Phone: 817-496-4011
Address: 6824 Randol Mill Road City: Fort Worth
State: TX ZipCode: 76120
E-Mail: rballew@templebaptistchurch.net
Description: www.templebaptistchurch.net
The Journey
Contact Name: Jason Bishop Phone: 806-549-6221
Address: 3011 68th Street City: Lubbock
State: TX ZipCode: 79413
E-Mail: jason@journeylubbock.org
Description: Jason Bishop is the Lead Navigator. Willing to minister to those living in ZIP CODES 79401 to 79424.
The Journey
Contact Name: Jason Bishop Phone: 806-549-6221
Address: 3011 68th Street City: Lubbock
State: TX ZipCode: 79413
E-Mail: jason@journeylubbock.org
Description: www.journeylubbock.org Ministers to families in ZIP 79401-79424
Walker County Cowboy Church
Contact Name: Mark Terry Phone: 936-662-4333
Address: 1229 Avenue J City: Huntsville
State: TX ZipCode: 77340
E-Mail:
Description:
Welcome Back Church
Contact Name: Rev. Hank Byrd Phone: 713-819-2258
Address: 3101 Southmore Blvd. City: Houston
State: TX ZipCode: 77004
E-Mail: cwamhope@aol.com
Description: Major ministry of Houston area that trains and starts Life Transformation Groups, ex-offender churches and ministers to ex-offenders and their families.
This list has been compiled by the Harris County Housing Resource Center. If a resource is not listed correctly or you know of one we should include, please email us.
Cossaboom YMCA (713) 643-2804
7903 South Loop E.
Houston, TX 77012 Men only.
De George At Union Station (Veterans Only) (713) 224-1418
1418 Preston Avenue
Houston, TX 77002
Downtown Branch YMCA (713) 758-9250
1600 Louisiana
Houston, TX 77007
The Launch Pad (713) 661-8882
2656 South Loop West, Suite 578 (713) 667-4629 Fax
Houston, TX 77054 Men only
Moe’s Place (832) 752-4138
2004 Crocker
Houston, TX 77006
The Women’s Home (713) 521-3150
607 Westheimer
Houston, TX 77006 Women only
Quick Resources for Emergency Help
Baytown Community Development (281) 420-5390
Christian Community Service Center (713) 871-9741
Emergency Aid Coalition (713) 522-0667
Gulf Coast Community Services (713) 393-8730
Texas Low Income Housing Counselor
Specialized Housing – Ex-Offenders and Parolees
This list has been compiled by the Harris County Housing Resource Center. If a resource is not listed correctly or you know of one we should include, please email us.
Cossaboom YMCA (713) 643-2804
7903 South Loop E.
Houston, TX 77012 Men only.
De George At Union Station (Veterans Only) (713) 224-1418
1418 Preston Avenue
Houston, TX 77002
Downtown Branch YMCA (713) 758-9250
1600 Louisiana
Houston, TX 77007
The Launch Pad (713) 661-8882
2656 South Loop West, Suite 578 (713) 667-4629 Fax
Houston, TX 77054 Men only
Moe’s Place (832) 752-4138
2004 Crocker
Houston, TX 77006
The Women’s Home (713) 521-3150
607 Westheimer
Houston, TX 77006 Women only
Quick Resources for Emergency Help
Baytown Community Development (281) 420-5390
Christian Community Service Center (713) 871-9741
Emergency Aid Coalition (713) 522-0667
Gulf Coast Community Services (713) 393-8730
Texas Low Income Housing Counselor
HDHHS Community Re-Entry Network Program (CRNP)
For additional information, including enrollment information, call 832.393.5503 or email hdhhs.reentry@houstontx.gov.
Mission Statement: To work in partnership with the community to assess, plan, and implement effective strategies to reduce recidivism, increase public safety and successfully assist and support ex-offenders in their transition into productive, contributing members of the Houston Community.
The City of Houston Department of Health and Human Services has developed an innovative program and support system for those that have been incarcerated. The core program components are case management, job readiness/development and life skills education classes and training to stabilize the participant’s ability to be independent and self-sufficient. Community Re-Entry Network Program (CRNP) works closely with community agencies to assist participants in getting their needs met.
If you have been through the Criminal Justice System and you want to work hard on yourself, be a provider for your family, become a more productive citizen and give back to your community; then you just might want to give us a try. You have tried others and it just hasn’t worked for you. Contact us at 832-393-5467 or email us at Hdhhs-reentry@houstontx.gov or go to our website http://www.houstontx.gov/education/prisonerreentry.html. We are also on Facebook as Houston Re-entry and Twitter @COH_CRNP.
For additional information, including enrollment information, call 832.393.5503 or email hdhhs.reentry@houstontx.gov.
Program Components:
We offer a twelve week program which includes:
Two weeks of courses focused on (see curriculum schedule)