James Chen does not talk much about his past. What he does talk about, with quiet pride, is his present. At thirty-seven years old, he is an IT support specialist at a regional healthcare network, earning more than he ever has. He owns a car. He is saving for a home. His two children see a father who goes to work every morning in a company polo shirt.
Three years ago, none of this seemed possible. James had just completed a four-year sentence for a nonviolent drug offense. He was released with seventy-five dollars in his pocket, no job prospects, and a criminal record that slammed doors before he could even knock.
The Reentry Challenge
The statistics on reentry are sobering. Within three years of release, a significant majority of formerly incarcerated individuals are unemployed or underemployed. The barriers are systemic. Background checks filter out candidates before their qualifications are even considered. Employment gaps raise red flags. And the soft infrastructure of professional life, a network, a resume, workplace norms, often needs to be rebuilt from scratch.
James experienced all of this. In his first three months after release, he applied for dozens of jobs and received two callbacks. Both employers rescinded their interest after the background check.
"I started to think maybe the system was right about me," James says. "That maybe I was not going to amount to anything."
Finding BridgeWorks
James was referred to BridgeWorks by his parole officer, who knew about our programs for returning citizens. During his initial intake, James described an interest in technology that dated back to his teenage years. He had taught himself basic computer repair as a kid and had even helped set up a rudimentary computer lab during his incarceration.
Our intake team recognized that James had both the aptitude and the motivation for our technology training track. They also connected him with our reentry support services, which address the specific barriers that formerly incarcerated individuals face.
The Training Experience
James enrolled in the twelve-week technology program. The curriculum covered hardware and software troubleshooting, networking fundamentals, customer service skills, and preparation for the CompTIA A+ certification exam. He also participated in our workplace readiness modules, which cover everything from professional communication to navigating background check conversations with potential employers.
"The hardest part was the certification exam," James recalls. "I had not taken a test in years. But the instructors ran practice sessions and study groups. By the time exam day came, I was ready."
James passed the CompTIA A+ exam on his first attempt.
Navigating the Job Search
Job placement for returning citizens requires a different approach than standard career services. Our career coaches work with participants on how to address their criminal history honestly and positively. We also leverage our relationships with employer partners who have committed to fair-chance hiring practices.
BridgeWorks connected James with a healthcare network that had recently adopted a fair-chance hiring policy. The company evaluated James based on his certifications, his practical skills assessment, and his interview performance. He was hired as a helpdesk technician.
Building a Future
Two years into his career, James has been promoted once and is working toward additional certifications. His supervisor describes him as one of the most reliable members of the team. James has also become a vocal advocate for fair-chance hiring, speaking at employer events organized by BridgeWorks.
"People like me are not asking for special treatment," James says. "We are asking for a fair shot. When you give someone a real opportunity, they will work harder than anyone to keep it."
James's story is a reminder that talent and potential exist in every community, including those that society has too often written off. At BridgeWorks, giving people a fair shot is what we do every day.
