Charleston Job Corps Center joined with others in supporting the Day of Empathy and Second Chances, Thursday, March 16, 2017 at the State Legislature. Six students from the SADD (Students Against Destructive Decisions) chapter attended the event with their advisor Tia Welch, Business Community Liaison. The event kicked off with a press conference facilitated by Lida Shepherd, America Friends Service Committee and testimonials. These individuals have paid their debts to society, but due to felony convictions often find employment out of their reach. WV Legislatures Delegate Mike Pushkin and Delegate Jill Upson were on hand to lend their voice of support and encourage attendees to follow the current legislation and contact their representatives.

The legislation includes:

• Second Chance for Employment Act (SB 76, SB 366, HB 2107, HB 2536, HB 2657) which expands eligibility for criminal expungement to persons convicted of certain nonviolent felonies.
• Ban the Box Act (HB 2380) which prohibits public employers from asking applicants for employment to disclose information concerning the applicant’s criminal record or history, under certain circumstances.
• Photo ID for Released Inmates (HB 2727) which requires the Commissioner of the Division of Motor Vehicles and Commissioner of Corrections to provide an identification card for released inmates who do not have a West Virginia identification card or driver’s license.

Several members of the group went to the office of WV Senator Gaunch to drop off testimonial letters and support cards for the Second Chance for Employment Act following the press conference. CJCC SADD Chapter attended the Senate Session to hear and witness legislation for 2017.

The Day of Empathy and Second Chances spotlighted the needs and perspectives of West Virginians impacted by the current justice system – those who are addicted or mentally ill, incarcerated individuals, and people with a criminal record seeking a second chance. Legislators and the public gained insight into the poverty to prison pipeline as well as the economic and human consequences of a criminal justice system where punishment does not end after time is served.

Job Corps is a no-cost education and career technical training program administered by the U.S. Department of Labor that helps young people ages 16-24 improve the quality of their lives through career technical and academic training. The Charleston Job Corps Center is overseen by the Philadelphia Regional Office of Job Corps and is operated by Horizons Youth Services.

Group in Upper Rotunda: Tariq Wise, Emily Budette, Jaron Penn, Deion Lee and Desmond Baker
Gallery Picture (left to right): Tariq Wise and Jaron Penn