BRIDGES Returning Citizens Center: Reducing Recidivism
The Challenge…
A young man preparing to reenter society after more than 10 years of incarceration was excited about a fresh start and motivated to find work. However, he knew he would face significant barriers and was worried about accessing opportunities and being accepted.
The Solution…
A case manager from the BRIDGES Returning Citizens Center (BRCC) team at the MassHire Metro North Career Center met this young man at a community provider re-entry fair at the prison. MNCC and BRCC are operated by Action for Boston Community Development. He was impressed by the young man’s positive demeanor and his enthusiasm to “make up for lost time.” He suggested the young man consider a sales position in a growth industry like clean energy. The two met the day after the young man’s release, and the case manager encouraged him to apply for a position with an energy company. He did well in his interview, and not only was he offered the job, but he became a trainee team leader. At a follow-up meeting, the young man reported that the job was going very well, and he was grateful for the program and his new employer.