Miami-Dade County Mayor collaborates with FRRC, employers for 305 Second Chance Job & Resource Expo this Friday

Miami-Dade County collaborates with The Florida Rights Restoration Coalition (FRRC) and CareerSource of South Florida to provide opportunities for returning citizens through the 305 Second Chance Job and Resource Expo Friday, June 10, 2022 from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Miami-Dade County Public Library System’s Main Library, 101 W. Flagler Street. The goal of the expo is to connect formerly incarcerated residents to second chance employers and support services.

At the expo, returning citizens will be able to apply for jobs and access the resources and support they need to reintegrate into the community. Services include help with fines and fees, voter registration, seal & expungement review, housing, utility and basic needs assistance, health and wellness resources and much more.

“In Miami-Dade County we believe in second chances for returning citizens who want to support their families, rebuild their lives and contribute to our community,” said Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava. “Everyone benefits when all members from our community have access to employment, training, and educational opportunities, and that is what this expo is all about.”

FRRC, the County’s key partner for this event, is committed to empowering individuals impacted by the criminal justice system in the state of Florida; removing the systemic barriers to reentering society, including access to jobs, housing and voting, and a fair second chance at life.

"We know this job fair will empower people, and create safer, more vibrant communities. By partnering with the mayor, local leaders, the business community, and others, we are making a tangible impact on the lives of people in Miami-Dade County," said Desmond Meade, Executive Director, Florida Rights Restoration Coalition. “We know improving the lives of returning citizens will help boost our economy and reduce recidivism.”

At a time when employers across the nation are struggling to fill open positions, returning citizens make up an often-overlooked talent pool representing millions of citizens. Returning citizens can help advance the economic recovery, which has been sluggish due to the labor shortage. According to the Second Chance Business Coalition, 82% of managers report that the value second chance employees bring to their organization is as high or higher than that of workers without records. The societal return on investment could be even greater if more employers participated.

“Reentry services are vital for a community to thrive,” said Annika Holder, Director of the Miami-Dade County Community Action and Human Services Office of Neighborhood Safety. “The 305 Second Chance Expo brings together employers, service providers, advocates and rights restoration champions under one roof to support the successful reintegration of returning citizens back into their communities,” said Holder.

Miami-Dade Community Action and Human Services Department (CAHSD) is the largest provider of comprehensive social services in Miami-Dade County. “CAHSD’s mission is to empower families, individuals, and communities through our services and this includes returning citizens,” said Sonia Grice, CAHSD Director. To learn more about CAHSD programs, call 786-469-4600 or visit online at www.miamidade.gov/socialservices.

Florida Rights Restoration Coalition (FRRC) is grassroots, membership organization run primarily by Returning Citizens (formerly incarcerated persons) who are dedicated to ending the disenfranchisement and discrimination against people with convictions and creating a more comprehensive and humane reentry system that will enhance successful reentry, reduce recidivism, and increase public safety. For more information, visit https://floridarrc.com/.

To find out more information about this event or to schedule an interview, contact Kinyatta Wright at [email protected], or at 407-664-6451 or Carmen Morris, CAHSD PIO at (305) 812-4115.