Reentry Services

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José Rosado

Senior Quality Assurance Inspector, Phillips Light Industrial

“You have to have the desire to change.” José Rosado

When I was 17 years old, my father passed away. I got wild, I had no fear. I ended up in prison from age 18 till I was 27.

In prison, you only have time on your hands. So while I was incarcerated, I got a basic business certification from Ashland University. I learned about entrepreneurship and economics. I did a lot to educate myself, and became a tutor for other prisoners.

But when I came home at age 27 to find a job, it was hard. I signed up at Tri C for a drug counseling program but ran out of financial aid and couldn’t finish. Things didn’t work out. I got in trouble and was lucky to only get another six months in prison.

Then my twin boys were born. I knew I needed to change my life, but I kept getting turned down for jobs. My probation officer told me about Towards Employment. The Networks 4 Success workshop is very hands-on. If you’re late once, you’re fired! We learned how to do a resume, mock interviews, how to work in teams and to be a leader.

Towards Employment is full of resources – and as an ex-offender, that’s what you need! They do more than job applications – I needed glasses to work and they helped me get them.

When they got me a job interview, I felt real comfortable and well-prepared. I did research on the company and knew about their background, and I impressed the guy! I was able to ask about their company and their direction for the future.

I got hired by Phillips Light Industrial to inspect Ford parts at the Brookpark Engine Plant, and 90 days later I was made a team leader. I am now assistant manager* – and when I need to hire, I call Towards Employment and ask for dependable guys to interview. I want to give them a chance.

I started my own Hispanic Empowerment Program to help those who don’t speak English to get jobs. For those coming out of prison, it’s especially hard. This is my program for my people — I see them struggling every day. God blessed me and I want to give back now.

*Shortly after this interview, José was promoted yet again to Senior Quality Assurance Inspector.

Transforming Lives after Incarceration

Nearly 7,000 people return to Cuyahoga County each year from Ohio prisons. Include federal and local facilities, and that number climbs to more than 10,000 people.¹ Research shows that the two most critical elements in preventing a return to prison (recidivism) are social support and employment.²

Since 2004, we have steadily increased our commitment to serving the unique needs of clients with criminal records who are seeking work. Reentry has become a major focus at Towards Employment – and we are making an impact.

Networks 4 Success – The Job Readiness Workshop

We developed this 4-week workshop to address specific barriers to employment facing those with a felony on their record. The expectations are high. The setting mimics the workplace: we require consistent attendance, punctuality, a positive attitude and business casual clothing. Our participants are highly motivated to succeed. They receive no payment to attend, with many relying on help from family or a night-shift job. Many make great sacrifices to attend and show remarkable commitment.

The workshop effectively balances the job search skills needed to get a job with essential interpersonal skills needed to keep a job. Participants learn effective interviewing skills, how to write a resume and the "soft skills" of work-appropriate communication and behavior. They learn how to address their conviction with honesty, how to deal with shame and regret about their past, and how to speak confidently. Many participants believe that their convictions define their identities. We help them transform that self-image, to see their “whole person” and emphasize their successes, rather than their setbacks.

¹ The Cuyahoga County Office of Reentry (2010)

²Sampson, R.J. & Laub, J.H. (1990) Crime and Deviance Over the Life Course: The Salience of Adult Social Bonds. American Sociological Review, 55(5), 609-627.

Visher, C., Yahner, J. & LaVigne N. (2010) Life after Prison: Tracking the Experiences of Male Prisoners Returning to Chicago, Cleveland, and Houston. Washington, DC: Urban Institute.

Our Partners in Success

Eva L. and Joseph M. Bruening Foundation
Council for Economic Opportunities in Greater Cleveland (CEOGC)
Cuyahoga County Department of Workforce Development
Cuyahoga County Office of Reentry
Deaconess Community Foundation
Eaton Charitable Fund
Lakewood ABLE
The Legal Aid Society of Cleveland
The Louise H and David Ingalls Foundation
The Murphy Family Foundation
Oriana House, Inc.
Recovery Resources
The Billie Howland Steffee Family Fund
The United Black Fund of Greater Cleveland, Inc.
WECO Fund, Inc.
The Thomas H. White Foundation

Reentry Works. In 2010 we saw...

Full-time Placements 158 individuals with a criminal background placed into jobs after completing our programs
Higher Wages Average wage of our participants was $9.30/hour ($2 above minimum wage)
Longer Employment 70% of our clients with criminal backgrounds achieved at least 160 days in the workforce
Low Recidivism Less than 2% of our "Networks 4 Success" graduates return to prison (based on release in prior 12 months)
More Cost-Effective $26,000/inmate average cost of one year of incarceration in Ohio prisons compared to $3,500/person placed for our program

Next: Pathway to Success