Adult Probation Job and Resource Fair 2024
On April 24, 2024, the County of Santa Clara Adult Probation Department will host a Job and Resource Fair. The event is tailored to supporting individuals with criminal records and will offer a diverse range of services.
For justice-involved individuals like Justin Patient, events like this can become a lifeline and open new opportunities on their path to a better future. Justin, who attended the event in 2023, has overcome many challenges, including navigating the justice system and the stigma associated with having a criminal record. But he’s held on to hope through these hurdles, fueled by his determination to turn his life around and become a positive influence, especially for his daughter.
"I faced some challenges and obstacles, like getting jobs with a record,” Justin remarked, reflecting on his journey. “But I'm trying to overcome that. And it's a good thing that we have resources like this."
The Job and Resource Fair offers a valuable collection of services, including expungement assistance to clear a criminal record, job search support, access to treatment and recovery resources, educational guidance, re-entry programs, and tattoo removal.
“I think everybody deserves a second chance,” said Destinie Trias, with the staffing agency PeopleReady. “And it's important for people to know that opportunities are out there regardless of their past or their future.”
Participating organizations such as Goodwill, Catholic Charities of Santa Clara County, UPS, Amazon, Downtown Streets Team, EDD, Dress for Success San José, the San Jose Sharks, and the Bill Wilson Center will be present, looking to extend opportunities for employment and support.
“We understand that things happen in life, whether in your control or out of your control,” said Kayla Aviles, a representative for the San Jose Sharks who attended the job and resource fair last year. “We want people to know that there is an opportunity for them outside of those instances, those one-second moments that change your life. There is more life after that. And we want to be a part of that.”
The fair serves as a platform for individuals with a criminal record who want to reintegrate into society after facing legal challenges. Providing access to employment opportunities, educational resources, and support services empowers these individuals to rebuild their lives and make positive contributions to their communities.
Rudy Fuentes, from the Center for Employment Opportunities, highlighted the center’s focus on second chances: “We focus on reentry work and transitional work for folks who are looking to get back into the working field, maybe having had a pause in their career or never worked before. We give them the opportunity to train and give them the opportunity to get daily pay.”
This event underscores the County of Santa Clara's commitment to fostering rehabilitation services for its residents from all walks of life. Through events like the Job and Resource Fair, justice-involved individuals can rewrite their narratives and forge brighter futures for themselves and their loved ones.
WHAT: Adult Probation Job and Resource Fair 2024
WHEN: Wednesday, April 24, 2024, from 11 am to 2 pm
WHERE: Adult Probation Courtyard
2314 North First Street
San José, CA