U.S. Department of Labor

200 Constitution Avenue, NW 

Washington, DC 20210

Project Manager: Robin Y. McDonald 

(202) 693-6450

National Partners

National Association of Blacks in Criminal Justice (NABCJ)

Prison Fellowship Ministries

The Jobs Partnership

Center for Workforce Preparation

U.S. Chamber of Commerce

U.S. Department of Justice

U.S. Department of Labor

CENTER FOR FAITH-BASED

AND COMMUNITY INITIATIVES

"Ready4Work gives hope and opens a

door for people who are ready for work,

willing to make positive life changes, and

able to meet the needs 

of their families and communities. Linking

people with jobs, through the work of

faith-based and community nonprofit

groups, changes lives and strengthens the

American workforce." 

-Elaine L. Chao, 

United States Secretary of Labor 

Working in Partnership

READY 4 WORK

A Business, Faith, Community & Criminal Justice Partnership
❑ Faith-based and community nonprofits are leading the way in successfully reintegrating ex-prisoners. 

Identifying ex-prisoners who are prepared to do their part is critical to the re-entry process. Partnerships with 

corrections, parole and probation officials are indispensable since these criminal justice professionals are able 

to assess the capabilities, commitment and attitudes that are essential to success. Ready4Work brings together 

the business, faith, community and criminal justice sectors to select, mentor and employ the most qualified 

candidates. 

❑ Ready4Work, through its national partners—National Association of Blacks in Criminal Justice, Prison 

Fellowship Ministries, and The Jobs Partnership—mobilizes local coalitions of religious leaders, faith-based 

and community nonprofit organizations, and corrections, parole and probation officials to work together for 

sustainable ex-prisoner re-entry.

❑ Ready4Work partners receive comprehensive mentor training, technical assistance and skills development to 

help prepare faith-based and community organizations to meet the challenge of preparing ex-offenders to 

re-enter the marketplace.

❑ By 2008, the U.S. economy will produce 7 million more jobs than it has workers to fill.

❑ Employers must tap underutilized worker populations to ensure continued economic growth and stability.

❑ Ready4Work helps link skilled individuals who are striving for a better future to faith-based and community 

groups and employers.

❑ Ready4Work, through its network of local faith-based and community service providers, will help rebuild 

communities by preparing and placing ex-prisoners in jobs. Employment will improve community stability and 

strengthen families.

❑ Ready4Work targets several major cities and communities. Jacksonville, FL was selected as the initiative’s model 

city based on the strength and vigor of community re-entry programs already underway. Proposed expansion sites 

include, Chicago IL/Gary IN, Detroit MI, Metropolitan Washington DC, St. Louis MO, and Oakland CA.

❑ Ex-prisoners benefit from jobs that provide income to support themselves and their families.

❑ Meaningful employment helps ex-prisoners build self-respect, which results in lifestyle changes that reduce 

recidivism and lead to positive engagement in the community.

❑ Studies indicate that ex-offenders who change their criminal behavior tend to do so at crucial turning 

points in their lives, such as when they secure gainful employment.

READY 4 WORK A Business, Faith, Community & Criminal Justice Partnership

Expanding the workforce.Addressing public safety concerns. Rebuilding communities. Restoring hope. These are the objectives of Ready4Work–a reintegration employment project that helps businesses meet employment needs in partnership with community organizations that train and mentor job-ready ex-prisoners. Many employers

balance their needs for skilled, reliable employees with their sense of civic responsibility. Indeed, when asked, employers often describe hiring ex-prisoners as "contributing to the community" or "giving someone a second chance." Research also indicates that at the time of release from prison, most inmates want to rejoin society as

productive members. Ready4Work creates a partnership between local government, religious leaders, businesses, nonprofit organizations, and the criminal justice system to improve outcomes for ex-prisoners and the communities in which they live.

Working in Partnership Good for Business

Good for Communities

Good for Individuals