It is often difficult for people to find work after they are released from prison.
Davis: “In a country where we claim justice for all, people serve prison sentences, but they are still devastated and hurt because they have little to no chance.”
Scott Alan Davis works for SEEL, a company that provides energy efficiency services.
It has partnered with Illinois utility Ameren to provide training in the industry to people at the Adult Transition Center in Peoria, Illinois, which houses people who remain incarcerated but participate in a work-release program.
Davis: “Then when they come out of transitional housing, they have jobs and now their wages are enough for them to afford housing and other things to take care of themselves.”
Within three years, approximately 25 participants were employed in energy efficiency jobs after their release.
The program also provides mental health, financial literacy and other counseling.
Davis said this opportunity can change people's lives.
Davis: “It's not just their lives, it's a generational change for everyone who's going to have different opportunities behind them. … So it's very exciting.
Report source: Sarah Kennedy/ChavoBart Digital Media
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