Recovering Drug Users Get 'Second Chance' At Work With New Delco Program

MEDIA, PA – Delaware County officials and business leaders unveiled a new program in the county that will help those recovering from drug addiction find fruitful employment through education, coaching, and more.

"Second Chance Employment" was debuted Tuesday, Sept. 19 by Delaware County District Attorney Jack Whelan, county Councilman Dave White, members of the Heroin Task Force, Delaware County’s Office of Workforce Development Board, the Delaware County Chamber of Commerce, Educational Data Systems (EDSI) and MVP Recovery.

The program was launched to help alleviate some of the challenges individuals in recovery face when finding a job. Those include having a criminal record, a lapse in employment, a lack of professional references, not having the confidence and/or interviewing skills to land a job, and more.

In August, Brian Corson, Executive Director of MVP Recovery met with Whelan and White to discuss the great need for those in recovery, especially women to find work. MVP Recovery which provides a safe, sober and structured community for those in long-term recovery, according to the county.

Following the meeting, the Delaware County Heroin Task Force and various partners launched the Second Chance Employment program.

“We understand that a vital piece to helping our residents succeed in long-term recovery is having a job which provides stability and accountability and allows them to reenter the community as responsible and contributing members of society,” White said. “Research shows that when those in recovery don’t have jobs they are more likely to fall back into old habits. We need to keep these men and women on the road towards long-term recovery. It’s good for them, it’s good for our community and it’s good for all of society.”

The pilot program is targeted towards women currently in treatment at MVP Recovery.

EDSI, which is contracted through the county Office of Workforce Development, will go to MVP Recovery and assist the women with resume writing, career counseling and interviewing skills.

Having the training on location allows for a safer sober environment and addresses the issue of transportation as getting around can be difficult many of the MVP residents, the county said.

In addition to career counseling EDSI will assist with employment opportunities, interviews and job placement.

The Delaware County Chamber of Commerce’s partnership includes educating its members and the business community about the need and also the benefits of hiring a person in the recovery. The Chamber will meet with the business community and hold presentations to highlight the great need to employ those in long term recovery.

“The opioid epidemic is a community problem and it needs a community solution and the business community has the ability to help,” Whelan said. “We understand that there may be some hesitation to hire someone with a criminal record or lapse of employment but these are men and women who have worked hard at recovery, they are working the program and they are motivated to get their lives back and become positive and healthy members of their communities. Without a job they are less likely to succeed.”

The goals of the program are to help those in recovery:

• build confidence and self-esteem through workshops, assessments and skills analysis;

• develop an employment portfolio – resume, cover letter, thank you letter, applications;

• enhance their interview skills and techniques;

• provide one to one career coaching;

• build a career pathway that demonstrates the steps needed to obtain both short and long term career goals;

• and connect to employment opportunities that align with their career pathway.

"The opioid epidemic is no longer just an isolated problem for a few. It’s affecting everyone. It has touched every single one of us in some way," White said. "We need to remove the stigma. We have identified the need for employment and now we are providing those in recovery with the tools they need to obtain a job and we are asking the business community to give them a second chance. A job provides not only financial freedom but it offers hope and the power to succeed at a lifetime of recovery."

Businesses interested in learning more about Second Chance Employment can contact EDSI staff member Laura Zales at (610) 876-4855.

Pictured above are county leaders, recovery specialists, and business leaders discussing "Second Chance Employment"

Image via Delaware County