Photo by: TIMOTHY A. CLARY / Getty Images
(CLEVELAND) - The Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court and its Re-Entry Court are partnering with others to present the 2017 Re-Entry Business Summit on Friday, April 21, 2017, at the Huntington Convention Center of Cleveland.
One of the greatest challenges for those returning to society from prison is finding a job. Numerous studies show that when someone is gainfully employed, they are less likely to end up back in the criminal justice system. The summit’s ultimate goal is to provide relevant information to businesses who may be interested in hiring motivated individuals who are ready and committed to starting a new career.
The summit will focus on opportunities available for businesses that wish to participate in re-entry hiring. Participants will be provided with guidance, as well as legal advice, tax credit information and real-life examples of the rewards, both personal and professional, in hiring our returning citizens and building stronger neighborhoods. A number of local businesses owners will discuss the overwhelming success of current re-entry programs and how their companies benefit from taking part in this important effort.
Speakers include Cuyahoga County Executive Armond Budish, Common Pleas Re-Entry Court Judge Nancy Margaret Russo, and Todd Ishee, Regional Director of the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Corrections. Also scheduled to speak are nationally-recognized labor law Attorney Stephen Zashin, U.S. District Court Judge Daniel Polster, and Dennis Terez, a former U.S. Public Defender for the Northern District of Ohio.
“Successful re-entry and meaningful employment for ex-offenders is a proven means of reducing recidivism, rebuilding families and communities, and creating safer neighborhoods,” says Judge Nancy Margaret Russo. “The 2017 Re-Entry Business Summit’s mission is to increase awareness of re-entry efforts and local successes as we work together to reduce crime and create safer neighborhoods for everyone in Northeast Ohio.”
The 2017 Re-Entry Business Summit is open to all Northeast Ohio businesses at no charge. Continuing Legal Education credits are available to attorney attendees for a minimal cost.