Permission granted by BCPS
For years, Jaime Rivera faced obstacles to stable work opportunities as a result of his criminal record. A recent graduate of the Rebuilding Reentrants & Reading program, Rivera (above right) said he was grateful for a second chance.
"If it wasn't for the program I'd probably still be out there getting crap jobs," Rivera said. Now, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, where many have lost their jobs or found their income impacted, Rivera has had stability at his job in Reading, Pennsylvania.
April — dubbed "Second Chance Month" — is dedicated to raising awareness about the barriers formerly incarcerated individuals face when reentering the workforce and helping them find a brighter future.