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When we talk about building stronger, more resilient organizations, we often focus on talent, innovation, and culture. But what if the key to a thriving workforce is found in those who are most often overlooked?

Hiring people with criminal records, using person-first language and recognizing their humanity, isn’t just a charitable act. It’s a powerful business move. Second-chance hiring unlocks access to a pool of highly motivated individuals who are ready to contribute, grow, and prove their worth. For the companies bold enough to look beyond a background check, the rewards are tangible.

1. Loyalty That’s Hard to Find

People with past convictions know what it feels like to be counted out. When someone finally gives them a chance, that loyalty runs deep. Time and again, employers report that second-chance hires are among the most dedicated workers on their teams. They show up early, stay late, and are determined not to take the opportunity for granted. This level of commitment reduces costly turnover and builds a dependable workforce from the ground up.

2. Real Skills, Real Potential

Many individuals with a background have completed job training programs, earned certifications, or gained hands-on experience while incarcerated or during their reentry. These are not unskilled workers, they are untapped talent. They bring resilience, resourcefulness, and a deep appreciation for stability. With the right onboarding and support, they often outperform peers who had traditional career paths.

3. Culture That Reflects Your Values

When companies embrace inclusive hiring practices, it sends a clear message: people matter. Redemption matters. Opportunity matters. Creating a culture of fairness and second chances can boost employee morale across the board. It shows your team that your company doesn’t just talk about values, you live them. Customers and community partners notice too.

4. A Ripple Effect That Strengthens Communities

A job does more than provide a paycheck, it restores dignity. It stabilizes families, reduces recidivism, and boosts local economies. Each hire has the potential to change a life and set off a chain reaction of positive outcomes. Imagine the impact your company could make, not just within your walls, but across neighborhoods and cities.

5. Why Partnering with Persevere Matters

When you partner with Persevere, you’re not doing this work alone. We specialize in preparing justice-involved individuals for careers in technology and other high-demand fields through comprehensive training, wraparound support, and job placement services. Our participants graduate with industry-recognized certifications, mentorship, and the soft skills needed to thrive in the workplace.

But we don’t stop there. Persevere supports employers too. We help you navigate the hiring process, connect you with job-ready talent, and offer ongoing support to ensure long-term success for both the employee and the organization. Our placement model has proven to work, with retention rates and outcomes that outperform traditional hiring pipelines.

Whether you’re a small business or a large enterprise, partnering with Persevere means becoming part of a bigger solution. It’s about rebuilding lives, strengthening the workforce, and contributing to real, measurable change.

6. Practical Steps to Start Hiring Fairly

If you’re ready to be part of the solution, here are a few ways to begin:

* Review your hiring policies to remove blanket exclusions for criminal records unless legally required

* Train your team on fair chance hiring practices and unconscious bias

*Partner with organizations like Persevere that can provide support, screening, and job readiness training

* Create a workplace environment that fosters accountability, mentorship, and growth

The Bottom Line

Second-chance hiring isn’t about lowering standards. It’s about broadening your vision. It’s about seeing potential where others see problems. When we stop defining people by the worst thing they’ve done and start focusing on who they are now, we unlock possibilities for our businesses, our communities, and our collective future.

Be the company that believes in redemption. Be the leader who opens the door.

Partner with Persevere. Help build a workforce that reflects resilience, redemption, and real opportunity.