JACKSON, MS (Mississippi News Now) -
Jackson Mayor Harvey Johnson says it's one of the biggest obstacles facing the capitol city. Finding work for convicted felons, released from prison.
As a way to reduce the crime rate, local ministries and organizations have now become instrumental in providing work to keep offenders from returning to prison.
Melvin McLurin was released from prison a year ago and still hasn't found a job.
"I went to fill out applications, never did get hired," said McLurin. Melvin is hoping a new program with the city of Jackson called Fresh Start will finally be the answer.
Louis Armstrong, Director of Human and Cultural Services said, "It assists individuals with employment housing and other related services to make sure they don't revert and engage in recidivism, it's really designed to reduce the crime rate."
Those running prison to work programs in Jackson say nearly 550 felons are released into metro area communities every year, all looking for work.
Larry Perry runs the non-profit organization, New Way Mississippi. This faith based prison to work program provides not only jobs, but counseling, and help re-entering the community, and the lives of their families.
Larry Perry said, "What are these men to do? Are they to just starve or not take care of their families? With New Way Mississippi, we actually have to be innovative and partner with other agencies."
New Way has a partnership with the city bidding to clean overgrown lots.
The work is hard, the pay is minimal, and sometimes much of that goes to pay fines and restitution, but having a structured program to participate in has been the answer to keeping many from going back to prison. Providing jobs that are hard to come by for a part of the workforce often shunned by those hiring.
New Way Mississippi's website: www.newwaymississippi.org
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