By Ariele Vaccaro
County Executive Chris Abele spoke during a Monday press conference, endorsing the soon-to-be American Job Center. Photo by Ariele Vaccaro.
During a Monday press conference, the Milwaukee County House of Correction (HOC) and the Milwaukee Area Workforce Investment Board (MAWIB) announced a new program that will set up incarcerated individuals with job training and education before they are released from prison.
The program, called the American Job Center, would aim to reduce recidivism by helping former prisoners make a smooth reentry into society and the workforce.
HOC and MAWIB were able to move ahead with the American Job Center after Milwaukee was chosen to be a pilot for the program.
The U.S. Department of Labor will supply the county with a grant to find training, education, and jobs for prisoners as they approach their release dates.
MAWIB President Earl Buford sees this as a move in the direction. He thinks the new job center and other local efforts — like MATC’s Promise Program — to better job prospects for those who might not otherwise be likely to receive training or education reflect a recent trend of coordination within Milwaukee County.
“There’s a lot of stuff happening, but this stuff has to connect”” said Buford.
Incarcerated individuals have shown strong interest in construction and manufacturing, according to Buford.
He also sees a lot of potential for former prisoners in hospitality.
It’s an industry that, he argues, offers a lot of opportunities for advancement despite low entry-level wages.
At the helm of the program, along with HOC and MAWIB, is Angela Turner, principal at AMTC & Associates — a Milwaukee business that helps nonprofits plan future programming.
MAWIB is encouraging local businesses to get involved.
On Wednesday, Oct. 14, the board will talk to business leaders about supporting the new initiative with resources and job opportunities.
Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele endorsed the program during the Monday conference.
“The idea of actually having a job center at the House of Correction is something we’re pretty damn happy about,” Abele told a room of attendees at the MAWIB headquarters.
Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett expressed his support.
He saw the job center as a method of bettering the chances of a former prisoners successfully settling back into society with gainful employment.
“They’re going to be part of our community again,” Barrett said.
HOC Superintendent Michael Hafemann also shared his support for the job center.
At the helm of the program, along with HOC and MAWIB, is Angela Turner, principal at AMTC & Associates — a Milwaukee business that helps nonprofits plan future programming.