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Indianapolis Colts Help Ex-Offenders
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by Michelle Says So | August 5, 2008 at 11:01 am
1732 views | 0 Recommendations | 13 comments
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OPINION: I actually think this is a good idea...even if it involves violent criminals. We, as a society have a responsibility to help offenders get back on their feet and learn how to become productive citizens again. I have someone close to me who is a non-violent offender serving time in another state and feels helpless because when he gets out of prison, he knows his options of regaining his life are limited due to the negative stigma of a criminal record.
Kudos to everyone involved with this program! Let's hope it works!
Indianapolis - Melissa Benton has put in her time.
Seven years behind bars and now seven more helping ex-offenders like herself make it on the right side of the law.
"There's still such a stigma attached to being an ex-offender," she told Eyewitness News. "So sometimes, even the training you get doesn't help to get a job."
Benton's employer, The Bonner Center, is one of several local providers teaming up with the city and the Indianapolis Colts to tackle the run on crime and to close the revolving door to prison, through jobs."If they have turned their life around, they want to get a fresh start, we've got to be able to help them," said Indianapolis Colts Coach Tony Dungy, who is serving as the Honorary Chairman of the city's re-entry program.
Mayor Greg Ballard says it's simply the right thing to do.
"This is a major priority for the city," proclaimed the mayor, who made this issue one of his platforms for election. "With 5,000 people coming out every year and a recidivism rate of 74%, this is a major public safety issue."
Translated, that means 3,700 ex-offenders fail to break the cycle of crime and land back here at the Marion County Jail - or in Indiana prisons.
Staggering numbers the city hopes a Super Bowl coach, with a passion for prison ministry, can help defeat.
Dungy says his successful approach on the field is what he uses for inmates behind bars too.
"You start talking about what went wrong, where you want to go and how you want progress, how you want to move forward, just like we talk to our team after a loss."
Dungy began his prison outreach to young men in 1996. Both he and Melissa Benton say inmates worry about jobs and money.
"Trying to get a job right away when you haven't had time to prove yourself is really difficult and to hear rejection and hear no over and over again is very frustrating," Benton told Eyewitness News.
The city expects to lock up nearly a million dollars in grant funding by September 1 and supports an ordinance giving "preference points" to businesses that hire ex-felons. City County Council member Marilyn Pfeister plans to present the proposed ordinance next month.
Ballard's new Director of Re-entry, Khadija Muhammad, vows to work with the Indiana Department of Correction to track progress.
"We'll be able to trace them from the time they enter the city through employment and hopefully a year or so after that to make certain that while we're working with the provider we'll know exactly what their needs are," Muhammad explained.For ex-offenders like Melissa, who served time for voluntary manslaughter, the value of a new start is immeasurable.
"I would not be where I am today if it were not for the church community that I had that supported me," Benton said with gratitude.
"We're going to try to recruit the support of everyone to make our city better," said Dungy, who believes it's imperative the faith based community gets involved. Dungy says the benefits are "not only for these ex-offenders, but for all of us. So I'm delighted to be part of this, proud that the Colts are part of this."
The city is thrilled to have the support of Coach Dungy, calling him an inspiration and true role model. They're counting on his championship status to translate off the field too.
On August 4th and 5th, the city will hold it's first ever re-entry job fair at Ivy Tech. Offenders wanting job consideration must attend several workshops days in advance.
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Michelle Says So
Indianapolis, Indiana, United States
Most RecentMost Recommended Comments (13)
at 13:29 on October 10th, 2008
I agree with getting the ex-offenders back on their feet because well,I myself am an ex-offender and i cant get a job anywhere because of my violent history...its not really violent...It was battery by bodily waste.A D FELONY.And i only did 3 months in prison.But with the history stuck on my back everywhere i apply i am denied anywhere.This even happened 2 years ago and i just got convicted of it now.But this was 2 years ago and i have developed a family and a well productive lifestyle.People do change.And i dont know if its by the grace of god or what,but people DO change.It does take some time but only you can make that descision to change,with the help of a very good friend,or even a stranger.Still till this day i dont have a job.Ive tried from McDonalds to Krogers,Warehouses,even blue collar jobs. And im only 21 with a 12th grade education.If anyone out there could give a helping hand with my troubles of finding a job it would be greatly appreciated. Thank you so much. And if you would like to reach me my Number is 317-787-3264.
at 03:10 on November 12th, 2008
I agree with this I have never had a charge in my life. but recently I had Pleaded to a C-Felony. Now its like all of my constitutional rights are forfeited. I keep on having to move because of the online registry infringing my rights. I used to have great jobs and a stable work history now I cant get any jobs. I tried kroger warehouse, fast food, even temp agencies and all said no. Yet the state is charging thousands of dollars in fees. I have paid over $18,000.00 so far and am only 22. The state is even keeping me away from family and my son. Please if anyone can help with jobs call my cell (317)362-8551. I am a hardworker who just wants to live my life....PLEASE
at 14:28 on November 12th, 2008
To the posters above. I am going to do a follow up story on this after I talk to the representatives from "The Bonner Center". I will forward your phone numbers. "King2", please reply with your name so I can give it to them or email me at michellesaysso@yahoo.com.
at 13:34 on December 9th, 2008
My name is Stephenie and I am not the ex offender, but my fiance and father of my 6 month old daughter is. I am almost like a single mother when it comes to taking care of lifes finances because of the simple fact that he cant get a job after being convicted of a c felony. I need some advice on telling him where to go because he can not work anywhere where there are children. The only minor he is allowed to have contact with is our daughter, and is very fortunate to have that. But I need help as I am also a college student. If there is anyone that can give me any advice, PLEASE e-mail me at Cutes_87@yahoo.com... Thank you VERY much.
at 11:45 on July 24th, 2009
I have been released from prison a whole year, and I still have not been able to find employment. I have a four year degree, that I achieved while incarcerated. I did not hurt anyone, nor am I a Sex Offender. I have lived with my sister and her husband for a whole year, I realize, I would not of made it this far, with out the support of my family. I'm not asking for a hand out, I'm asking for a opportunity to work. I went to the job fair at Ivy Tech, I was really disappointed in the workshops that I attended. I went through Keys to Work to be able to attend the workshop, by attending classes, and orientation on how to write a resume etc. I was mislead into believing I would get a interview, possibility a job, over 600 people attended, their were not enough vendors for all the peope that came I realize times are hard, and sometimes the decisions we make can hurt us in the future. I just want to work, maybe even start my own business some day soon. I'm currentlly working toward my Masters in Public Health. Please e-mail me for any opportunities for employment. Thank You M.Adkisson
at 09:40 on December 17th, 2008
hey, i'm 21 and have been homeless since i was 18.I pleaded to a d felony not much before i turned 19.I did 6 1/2 months in prison and upon being released i had nowhere to turn.I have'nt been able to find a job,i only have a 9th grade education with little positive work history.I tried everything i could to find a stable job,i have 3 children in whome need my help and i havent been able to provide.i'm a hard worker,i'll work any hours any job.i'm in dier need of direction,so to any one who could help me out in any way pleace call me at 317-289-7064 or email me.i'd aprieciate any tips or info in helping me finding a job.Thank you
at 16:18 on December 31st, 2008
Hi Michelle, I came across this while helping my son look for a job. He has 2 felonys which in my opinion they should not have been. But at this point that doesn't -matter. He is 19 years old and has a son who is 1 1/2 years old. He is homeless, has no where to live. He has put in a ton of applications, but no one will give him a interview. He is a good kid and a hard worker. He would do just about any job some one would give him. He has made mistakes, but he has learned from them. He did his time, but no one will give him a chance now. This is why a lot of people go back to jail. No one will help.
If you know of any place that will hire felons could you please give me the information. I don't want him to go back. He is staying out of trouble, but don't know how long he can go on like this. Please any information you may have would be very much appreciated.
Thank You for your time.
Becky Aikman
317-947-7116
beckyaikman@hotmail.com
at 11:42 on February 2nd, 2009
I work for a teen parenting program and I'm always looking for jobs for the babies father which some of them have felony on their records. If you know of any place that I can refer any of these fathers that really want to work let me know my by email. Some have lied to get jobs and when the companies find out that they lied then out the door you go, which to me if they are doing a good job sit down and talk to them. I'm not saying that I believe that a man should lie about his history but there are some good young men out here that need a second chance.
Thank you,
at 06:18 on April 6th, 2009
I am a violent offender and have tried 1001 so called felony friendly jobs, job fairs, and program's. I am still with out a job and really am crying out for help. I am a single parent and I have lost my home, pride, and much more due to me being unemployed. I can't get benefits from the goverment because of my pass mistakes. If anyone still signs on this page maybe they can help me, or atleast some of us people who have made mistakes. indnplsjenkins@aol.com
at 13:47 on July 8th, 2009
Have you tried the exoffender re-entry program located at the Mayor's office. Let me know if you have'nt and I will send info for contacts.
at 18:39 on April 16th, 2009
I currently have a Prison Pen Pal site and very interested in providing inmates with resources to help them get on their feet upon release.
If anyone has any information that will help these men and women, please email them to Customer_Service@outlawsonline.com
Thank You
at 06:44 on April 17th, 2009
I've been trying my best to find information about this dilemma, but I'm coming up dry so far. So, to all those I've told I will try to help, I'm still at it. I think the probation board needs some letters... HINT HINT...
at 11:30 on June 1st, 2009
I have recently been released from prison and i am find it very hard to make it. I have searched and searched for a job with no luck. I have corrected my lifestyle i dont use drugs or alcohol I obey all Laws of the state of Texas, I am doing my best and I need a job in the san Antonio Area of the State of Texas if anyone can help me please send an E-mail to smalldog1961@live.com. Thanks