Breaking Barriers and Embracing Second Chances

Montgomery County Office of Reentry | 2024 Spring Newsletter

Second chances offer opportunities for growth and redemption, and Reentry Career Alliance Academy (RCAA) graduate Alonzo Davis is not taking his second chance for granted.

Davis and 14 other RCAA graduates participated in the Montgomery County Office of Reentry's latest Reverse Career Fair.

Commissioner Debbie Lieberman & Alonzo Davis

Rather than navigating through booths where employers promote their businesses, these job seekers took center stage with their own booths. "I have been to a couple of job fairs, and have never been to one that we are the ones that are showcased," said Davis.

Participants met with 17 employers from various industries and organizations, including Foodbank Inc. and Gem City Tires. "There are jobs that there is no way I would ever believe I could apply for because of my background, and they're at my table," said Davis. Employers were at his table, ready to offer a second chance. "I think it's important for us as returning citizens to know that we have support from the workforce," Davis said.

Successful futures are the goal of the RCAA. The four-week career and job readiness program focuses on education, networking, social responsibility and more. The academy provides critical support and resources to returning citizens, helping them successfully reintegrate into society, reduce recidivism and build better lives for themselves, their families and their communities.

An estimated 800 individuals have graduated from the RCCA. Recidivism rates for these graduates are less than 9 percent.

"We are incredibly grateful to offer this opportunity to our returning citizens," said Commissioner Lieberman. "Creating an environment with essential resources and support is pivotal in helping them rebuild their lives. This initiative is a collaborative effort within the community, and the progress of these individuals profoundly influences the well-being of our entire community."

Davis calls the program a one-of-a-kind experience. "I've been incarcerated a couple of times in my life, and I've never been released to a program like this," he said. "It put me in front of beneficial resources that I didn't know were available to some people, let alone someone with a criminal background."

As Davis puts his RCAA teachings into practice, he's living by the motto no boundaries, no barriers. "A lot of times coming back into society, we are stigmatized, and we think that the hope is gone," said Davis. "I think it's important for people to know there's still a chance."

To learn more about the RCCA, go to mcohio.org/373/Reentry-Career-Alliance-Academy