Former inmates find help at Janesville service fair
TO LEARN MORE
-- In Elkhorn—Walworth County Literacy Council. Visit www.walworthcoliteracy.com or call (262) 957-0142.
-- In Janesville—Janesville Literacy Council. Visit www.janesvilleliteracycouncil.org or call (608) 756-3125.
-- In Beloit—Stateline Literacy Council. Visit www.statelineliteracycouncil.org or call (608) 362-5207.
Photo
Aarus Mister, right, just released from prison in April, talks with Charles Jones from Veteran's Employment Service at the service fair at the Rock County Job Center in Janesville.
JANESVILLE — After Kyle Atwood was released from the Rock County Jail on Thursday, he sought help with his transition back into the community.
“I’m just trying to better myself and see what’s out there and what’s available,” said Atwood, 30. “Basically, I need all the help I can get.”
He and other former jail or prison inmates found help at the first annual offender re-entry service fair at the Rock County Job Center.
The Rock County Criminal Justice Coordinating Council organized the event to help former inmates and their families adjust to life on the outside.
Thirty-six organizations offered former inmates help with health care, education, housing, employment, banking and church services.
Elizabeth Pohlman McQuillen, a Rock County criminal justice planner and analyst, said the fair could reduce recidivism.
“People released from jail or prison sometimes feel like second-class citizens, and they don’t realize people are out there to help them,” she said. “You kind of feel like you’re out there on your own.”
The idea for the fair came from a similar program in Madison. The Rock County fair was open for a few hours Thursday afternoon.
Organizations had booths. Former inmates scrolled up and down the aisles, grabbing pamphlets and talking with representatives.
Twenty minutes after it began, about 25 former inmates had arrived.
Aarus Mister, 30, was released from prison in April. He said he has been in prison three times, most recently for a parole violation on disorderly conduct and battery charges.
He attended the fair in hopes of finding work. He said employers don’t want to hire someone with a recent criminal record.
“It tends to be frustrating and discouraging,” Mister said.
Tom Gubbin, a corrections field supervisor, said employment is the No. 1 need for former inmates.
A job gives offenders financial security, responsibility and a place to be every day.
“In my book, when somebody is working, that solves so many problems,” he said.
Atwood surveyed the booths at the fair. He said he is ready to turn around his life after serving a three-month sentence for using drugs and alcohol while on probation for battery.
“I’m highly motivated,” he said. “I’ve got three kids—two twin daughters and a son.”
Local literacy councils provide opportunities both for people who want to teach and those who want to learn.
-- In Elkhorn—Walworth County Literacy Council. Visit www.walworthcoliteracy.com or call (262) 957-0142.
-- In Janesville—Janesville Literacy Council. Visit www.janesvilleliteracycouncil.org or call (608) 756-3125.
-- In Beloit—Stateline Literacy Council. Visit www.statelineliteracycouncil.org or call (608) 362-5207.
Jun 6, 2009 at 1:05 p.m.
Suggest removal
bobb1951....I hear what your saying, and it makes perfect sense.
Jun 6, 2009 at 1:03 p.m.
Suggest removal
The laid off people-issue is a serious one, yes. But not exactly a direct comparison, and everyone deserves a chance. I am very skeptical about most of these ex-cons. If they mean business and are ready to buckle down and stay away from the crap that has ruined their lives (and others), then I say more power to them. Otherwise, they are taking advantage of our increasingly socialistic society. Just a little time at the job center is not enough.....these former offenders need to keep it in the middle for ever, or they are lying to themselves. Are you reading this Mr. Atwood? Just stay true and get what you can out of the good stuff, starting with the work force.
Jun 6, 2009 at 8:41 a.m.
Suggest removal
I agree Bob...
Jun 5, 2009 at 7:59 p.m.
Suggest removal
To take nothing away from these ex inmates,Where is the help for people laid-off through no fault of their own.Work,pay taxes,run out of unemployment,Diligently looking for work (NONE HERE IN STATELINE AREA),and be told there is no help???I cant begin to name Politicans,orginations,Agencys Ive contacted to be told no children (Spouse,I,mid 50's)in home,sorry no help in Rock County.
I do commend these people who "come out",say I made mistakes,now want to get a job,be a productive member of society.That takes nerve,and should show all their sincerety and williness to change for the best they can become.Dont get discouraged,I liken your journey as a marathon,not a hundred yard dash.
Now if the rest of us could find help........
Before you post a comment, consider this:
Note: GazetteXtra.com does not condone or review every comment. Read more in our User Policy AgreementPost Comment
Commenting requires registration.