Kenrick & Duval's Second Chance

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A nonprofit fundraiser supporting

EMERGE Community Development
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Kenrick & Duval almost lost hope securing jobs because of criminal records, but got a second chance

$3,453

raised by 34 people

$4,500 goal

Several hundred men and women a year return to the community from incarceration, to seek housing and jobs in an area where unemployment is triple the state average. We know many return to the prison system due to the lack of support for their re-entry. We cannot immediately fix all the barriers to re-entry into society -- but with your help, EMERGE can provide promising second chances.

 

Today we introduce you to Kenrick and Duval who share similar stories… 

 

Like many who come to EMERGE, both Kenrick and Duval began to lose hope in securing a job due to having a criminal record.

 

Shortly after being released from incarceration and eager to get their lives on track, both men immediately began applying for work. After experiencing one rejection after another, doubt and risks of not meeting release requirements set in. Then, both heard of EMERGE helping others like them. Distressed yet determined, both made their way to EMERGE's social enterprise, Second Chance Recycling to find out more, and both were offered the same front-line transitional position recycling mattresses.

 

Kenrick was incredibly motivated. He earned his forklift certification and took in-house training in metal baling and other tasks. Then, after a few months, a lead position opened up and he immediately applied. EMERGE Management eagerly hired him as a permanent employee, valuing his dedication and desire to move up.

 

Duval worked the front-line position a bit longer. Thinking of creative ways to do his job more efficiently, he became a top performer deconstructing 40+ mattresses a day. Management was so impressed with his work ethic and positive attitude, they offered him a lead position that he gladly accepted.

 

For Kenrick, Second Chance gave him the opportunity to exceed expectations; having management listen, trust, and support him in his role makes him feel empowered and proud of his journey to where he is now.  

Kenrick states that he genuinely enjoys problem-solving, and managing and developing people. “Helping my guys learn the things no one teaches you, like coming in on time, communicating with the team to fix a problem, and how to behave in a working environment is the key to their next job. And we all want them to get that next job.” He says, every day at Second Chance is interesting and challenging and that is what makes it fulfilling. Kenrick plans to stay with Second Chance Recycling for now, because he enjoys helping others grow their technical and soft skills.

 

For Duval, being recognized by Second Chance management for his cheerful demeanor and the effect it has on the work environment, gives him great joy. The stability from full-time permanent employment with EMERGE, enables him to stay near his family and rebuild relationships at home, while working towards his dream of owning a home.

 

Kenrick and Duval are only two of the many individuals that EMERGE’s Second Chance Recycling has had the opportunity to serve. With so many more individuals in similar positions as Kenrick and Duval, can we count on you for the gift of a second chance?

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