Baltimore Chosen to Participate in National League of Cities’ Transitional Jobs Initiative 
City’s Participation Will Promote Work Among Ex-Offenders

Baltimore, MD – Based on Mayor Martin O’Malley’s commitment to crime prevention and public safety, and a willingness to embrace a new approach to employing ex-offenders, Baltimore has been selected by the National League of Cities (NLC) to participate in a national program to promote transitional jobs programs for individuals with barriers to work. Leading this effort is a coalition of workforce development experts, foundations, government agencies and business partners who have formed the Baltimore Transitional Employment Initiative for Former Prisoners.
“Our community still has a large number of people who are unable to find and keep a job on their own. Paid work experience in structured, well-supervised settings is the best preparation for permanent employment,” notes Mayor O’Malley. “Our transitional jobs program will help ex-offenders overcome barriers to employment and rejoin the local workforce.”

As one of 10 cities competitively selected for NLC’s Transitional Jobs Project, Baltimore will receive two years of technical assistance, access to national experts, and opportunities to work with other cities on common challenges. Through this effort, Baltimore will explore options for providing temporary jobs and training opportunities to improve long-term employment opportunities for the ex-offender population in the community.

“Giving ex-offenders real opportunities for employment is a scenario where everyone wins. Our Transitional Jobs Program will be a vital component of Baltimore City’s plan for safer neighborhoods and stronger families,” says Karen Sitnick, director of the Mayor’s Office of Employment Development, a coalition partner.

Each year, approximately 8,000 individuals return to Baltimore after being released from prison. For many, securing employment represents a major hurdle. Study results show that there is a strong connection between post-release employment and recidivism. The recidivism rate for those who have no arrangements for employment after incarceration is double that of those who do. Reducing that rate bears a direct correlation to reducing the City’s crime and unemployment rate, while increasing public safety.

Diana Morris, executive director of coalition partner Open Society Institute (OSI) says, “People returning from prison face significant obstacles to employment. A transitional employment program will help them overcome these barriers and assist them in becoming productive, contributing members to the community, to the benefit of everyone involved.”

David Esteppe, hiring manager of MD Office Relocators, is an employer who has demonstrated his belief in the need to provide employment opportunities for ex-offenders. He has hired dozens of ex-offenders in the last two years. They have been assigned as drivers, helpers, movers and supervisors. He's willing to hire ex-offenders, "because people need a break. It's also hard to get people to work. Giving ex-offenders a chance helps with retention because they are grateful for the chance.” He says, “Hiring ex-offenders is a hit or miss just like hiring anyone else off the street. Someone from the group will stand out, and you get to keep a good employee."

Duane Medley, an ex-offender who is currently employed by MD Office Relocators as a mover, is extremely appreciative of Mr. Esteppe’s commitment and says, “I am glad that someone gave me an opportunity, and I’m going to make the best of this chance.”

The NLC Transitional Jobs Project will be administered through the National League of Cities’ Institute for Youth, Education, and Families (YEF Institute), which will work with the City of Baltimore to develop an action plan and implement strategies for improving employment opportunities. YEF Institute staff will broker technical assistance partnerships between the Baltimore and national organizations such as the Economic Opportunity Institute, the Center for Law and Social Policy, and the Transitional Work Corporation. The coalition intends to fully develop the program’s framework within the first year, with expectations to then implement within the next 12 months.

“NLC applauds Mayor O’Malley’s leadership and looks forward to supporting his efforts to help ex-offenders gain work experience, secure permanent jobs with family-supporting wages, and avoid returning to a life of crime,” says Executive Director of NLC’s Institute For Youth, Education, and Families, Clifford M. Johnson.

The Transitional Jobs Project is funded through a grant to the National League of Cities Institute from the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation and the Joyce Foundation. The National League of Cities, the oldest and largest national organization representing municipal governments throughout the United States, serves as a resource and advocate for 18,000 cities nationwide. For more information about the National League of Cities, visit www.nlc.org.