New Haven Independent

Camacho was one of 30 men and women who graduated Thursday from a community re-entry program that gives ex-offenders a leg up in the work world.

Easter Seals/Goodwill Industries runs the program. Thursday’s ceremony took place at the Hamilton Street headquarters of the organization. Easter Seals President Rich Borer said, with 700,000 people nationwide released from jails and prisons each year, the need is great for programs such as this.

The men and the few women in the program are a range of ages, with varying educational and work histories, said Rona Scott (pictured), the supervisor of Community Re-Entry Services. The 30-hour program teaches them how to write a cover letter and resume, how to act in a job interview, how to budget their money, and even helps some of them get back custody of their children. Besides all that, it seems to provide the participants with some structure, some goals to aim for, and the support to reach their goals.

Scott added that some participants have had only illegal work experience when they come into the program. But even those skills can be helpful, she said. Click here to listen.

Participants also learn how to talk to a potential employer about their criminal record. The key, Francisco Camacho said, is be honest about his record but not to dwell on the details “” to acknowledge his mistake (using and selling crack cocaine) and make clear he doesn’t intend to make that mistake again, and to mention all the self-improvement classes he took while incarcerated. Click here for more detail.

Scott said another function of the program is to build self-esteem. “Sometimes ex-offenders feel they need to humble themselves because they’re so lucky to get a job. No,” she says, “we want people to feel empowered and to advocate for themselves.”

Camacho also credited returning to his faith with helping keep him on the straight and narrow, legally speaking. In fact, before the ceremony a fellow graduate asked him for a light for his cigarette. Camacho muttered, “You don’t need a cigarette. You need Jesus.”

Guadalupe Valentin is a job counselor. She said many of the graduates start off with temp jobs but most eventually get regular employment. “That’s the whole aim,” she said.