Over the years at work I've helped all kinds of ex-offenders find work which is not an easy job. Someone with a criminal record of any kind has a very hard time finding work, especially in a recession. Employers see someone with something on a police record and immediately move on to the next candidate. Instead of joining society, the ex-offender becomes discouraged and returns to the behavior that lead to trouble in the first place. Some employers believe in second chances ant will look beyond what the person has done in the past to what they could do in the future. My work requires I be non-judgemental and help everyone as best I can. Taking the time to listen to a person's story about decisions they have made and then helping them find work is both enlightening and rewarding. I try to keep it positive and upbeat and people respond well. I had a guy, Lorenzo, say to me "Paul, there is enough love in your heart for everyone." I cannot think of a better complement and when I find myself being judgemental or doubting the goodness that exists in all of us, I do my best to live up to what Lorenzo told me.
If you know someone with a criminal record looking for work, they can go to www.getajobwithacriminalrecord.com for free information.
-Paul LaVack
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