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Finding a job can be a major obstacle for people who have been convicted of a crime. A career fair in Tucson Wednesday brought job hunters together with employers who were ready to look beyond criminal records.
Organizers expected about 750 people to turn up, but two hours into the fair at the Tucson Convention Center more than 1,000 had already turned up, holding resumes and hoping to meet future employers.
Rachel Wells stood in line to meet with representatives from Jim Click. Wells said she's had trouble finding a job since she was convicted of a felony two years ago.
Rachel Wells has had trouble finding a job since her felony conviction two years ago. She said she's hoping to find an office position with Jim Click. "A lot of places do not hire felons," she said. "So unfortunately I've run into a few obstacles."
Jim Click is Wells's top pick. And while she wants work in an office, she said she's ready to take pretty much anything.
"If there’s somebody here from a contractor and they want me to dig ditches I’ll do it," she said. "I really need a job."
Suzanne Kaiser, co-owner of JAM Culinary Concepts, said she's always looking for good people to work in her three restaurants. Suzanne Kaiser, owner of JAM Culinary Concepts, said she’s always looking for people to work in one of her three restaurants.
"We’re fine with people giving people a chance," she said. "It really doesn’t matter about their backgrounds as long as they’re ready and willing and able and will show up on time and all those things that an employer needs."
Mayor Jonathan Rothschild wandered the packed auditorium, saying he was overwhelmed by the turnout - of job seekers, employers and social service organizations.
"This event today shows that we can make it right," he said. "That the people that made mistakes in their past can make it right and that we as a community can help them succeed. "
The job fair was called Second Chance, but job hunter Rachel Wells said she didn't think the name was accurate.
"I don’t need a second chance at anything. I’m a successful person. I just need someone to overlook the fact that I’ve made a mistake."
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