New Careers Help Former Offenders Turn Lives Around In Newark

NEWARK, NJ — Everyone deserves a second chance, advocates say. And this week, dozens of eager Newark entrepreneurs who have spent time in the criminal justice system got a big boost as they rebuild their lives – a $2,500 cash infusion to start a new business.

Earlier this week, 30 participants in the city’s StartUp U reentry initiative celebrated their “graduation” from the program, a collaboration between Newark and the New Jersey Department of Corrections.

The program provides job training and business education to former prison inmates and other people who have had brushes with the law. While in the program, each participant received their OSHA 30 certification. Participants also pick up some more tangible skills on their way to graduation, such as forklift driving. They will continue to be eligible for career coaching, mentoring and more vocational training through the Newark One Stop Career Center.

On Wednesday, the latest class of graduates gathered at The Leaguers at 405 University Avenue to celebrate their milestone.

“I’m one of the happiest people in this room,” said Dennis Sims, the founder of Family Interior Painting LLC.

“As a 74-year-old man, I’ve been blessed to have this opportunity to start my business,” Sims said. “I thank everyone belonging to this program, because they have given me a chance to get started on this new journey.”

Many of Sims’ peers have already obtained LLC standing and/or are scheduled for additional training programs. Some plan to acquire their minority business enterprise certification status – giving them a further boost towards success.

It wasn’t an easy road to travel, city officials say. More than 50 people were referred by halfway houses, parole officers and word of mouth for the program; only 30 made the final cut. They were then assigned to Newark municipal departments, working Mondays through Thursdays for 30-hour weeks and getting paid “above the minimum wage.” On Fridays, the participants attended four-hour outreach sessions to solidify their work readiness, time management, conflict resolution, entrepreneurship and business acumen.

Towards the end of the program, the new entrepreneurs got a chance to pitch their business plans in a “Shark Tank”-style competition.

The seed money was provided through the commitment and support of Wasseem Boraie, vice president of Boraie Development, city officials said.

“Crime doesn’t happen in a vacuum and neither does recovery from having been an offender,” Mayor Ras Baraka said.

“In Newark, public safety is treated with the same compassionate care as public health, as we focus on the causes and conditions that lead people to desperate acts,” Baraka continued. “I’m moved by the strength and determination of these men and women, and I’m proud that our Newark community embraces them with support and encouragement.”

Newark Workforce Development Board executive director Karen Gaylord agreed that the program’s participants have shown they have what it takes to turn their lives around.

“As they continue on their respective journeys, they deserve the support of a community that puts resources behind its rhetoric, as the City of Newark has,” Gaylord said.

Deputy Mayor of Employment Rahaman Muhammad said the city will bring back the program in 2024.

“In Newark, we’re serious about giving people second chances when they’ve bought into some of the lies they hear on the street, or acted out of desperation,” Muhammad said.

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• See Related: Training For NJ Prison Inmates Could Ease Worker Shortages: Advocates

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