IN- Ex-offenders struggle to find work

Given that former sex offenders are usually excluded from these programs, I pose this question to those who favor exclusion, "How long are you willing to pay welfare for those you exclude from these programs?" you know that is where they end up, draing your pocketbook......

9-3-2009 Indiana:

Finding a re-entry program can be a problem

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) - An accused serial armed robber said he went on a crime spree because he'd just gotten out of prison and was broke. Social workers say his story of repeat offense is becoming more common.

Experts say more than 60 percent of people in jail or prison are repeat offenders. There are plenty of re-entry programs available to help them get jobs and housing. The problem is finding a program.

Joey Bluestein, 21, was just released from prison for a robbery conviction. But he's now back behind bars facing a laundry list of felony charges. Police said he admitted to robbing six Marion County businesses since mid-July.

"I needed the money," said Bluestein. "The government isn't trying to help me. Maybe if they helped felons, we wouldn't be in this situation."

Bluestein said he tried applying for jobs, but didn't get any offers.

Michael Woods isn't surprised. Woods works with an ex-offender program called Pace/OAR. He said it's difficult for most felons to find work without professional help.

"A lot of times, they come out and present themselves as ex-felons," Woods said. "They ask, 'Do you hire ex-felons? I'm looking for a job.' Well of course the answer is 'no.' So we teach them how to market themselves as a person with skills."

The Department of Corrections said it doesn't provide offenders with programs that can help them readjust to society. They said it's actually up to the offenders and the community to find out what's out there, so they don't end up back behind bars.

"There wasn't a program for me," Bluestein said in a jailhouse interview. "The only program I knew of was what my parole officer signed me up for and that's substance abuse program."

Woods said there are programs for every ex-felon to help them find housing, job training and employment. It just takes work to find one since the non-profit groups have little money to advertise.

Pace/OAR and Indiana Helpers are two programs that help ex-offenders and homeless people find work.

Indiana Helpers has more than 1500 programs listed that can help offenders in every area of re-entry. ..Source.. by Liza Danver