The current employment climate presents an opportunity to fill staffing gaps with grateful, hard-working, and often overlooked talent.

Project 5:20

Project 5:20 is an initiative to ensure every business in the county being served, has a robust fair chance employment policy.

Project 5:20 is a community alliance that provides resources, tools, programming and education to help create and deploy talent acquisition and retention best practices which include second chance candidacy. 

"...where sin increased, grace increased all the more." Romans 5:20

Corporate Social Responsability (CSR)

The arrival of the coronavirus and the great resignation that followed was a watershed moment. It shed light on the importance of aligning with current and prospective employee values. Employers that highlight their efforts to develop a diverse and inclusive culture are more likely to attract and retain talent. And importantly, develop more traction within the community by focusing on people and areas of greatest need.

Opportunity to Grow a Healthy Workforce

  • Step In

    One-fourth of the population, which is approximately 78 million Americans, has a criminal record. The unemployment rate for the formerly incarcerated is 27%.

  • See Value

    82% of managers say that the value of hiring second chance candidates is as high or higher than hiring candidates without records.

  • Take Action

    Only 5% of managers and 3% of human resource staff are actively recruiting second chance candidates even though they have lower turnover rates.

Generosity Breeds Reciprocity

Upstream reciprocity is the study of how gratitude can improve your organizations teamwork and culture.

A study from Northwestern University found that workers with criminal records stay in their jobs longer, saving employers the expensive costs associated with employee turnover. Many employers have reported that second chance hires are more grateful, loyal and willing to go the extra mile.

However, employers more often are using broad exclusionary background checks stifling the opportunities afforded by uncovering second chance candidates. People are returning to prison because they could not find a job. Lack of employment is directly linked to recidivism rates.

BE a part of the solution.

THE opportunity to grow your company, culture, and community is significant.

CHANGE the fear-based narrative and take action for a win-win-win scenario. 

  • Formerly incarcerated wins = dignity of work
  • Community wins = reducing recidivism and crime
  • Employer wins = gain valuable, loyal talent

SUPPORT PROJECT 5:20

Get in touch.

  • Reach out if you want to be an alliance partner.

  • Request a consultation of your CSR and Second Chance programming.

  • Seeking employment and need mentoring.