Getting A Job Means Going Straight, Study Shows

By RICHARD ANDERSON

A pro-job organization on Thursday announced the results of a study showing that quickly finding a job after release helps reduce recidivism among ex-felons.

From June 2009 to December 2010, 259 male violent and nonviolent ex-offenders were studied in New York City. Participants who received help from the organization America Works opposed to traditional services were 24.8 percent less likely to be rearrested, the study showed. America Works is dedicated to finding work for former criminals, homeless, and military veterans quickly into the workforce.

“In every city New York, Oakland, Baltimore, Highpoint North Carolina the average recidivism rate was between 30 to 45 percent. Where America Works went was three to seven percent” said founder Peter Cove  to the applause of the crowd. “There was a 20 percent reduction in recidivism to crime which is a phenomenal significance in science research.”

America works also found similar reductions in Baltimore. Seventy-one percent of the employed participants through America Works remained employed for 90 days. The recidivism rate of the employed was five percent for the year while the statewide average was forty percent.

Two men who have benefited from America Works job placement spoke to the crowd.

“I was homeless, a veteran, disabled, with support of America Works and guidance that helped me with some of the skills that I brought in and obtained I was able to become successful and enhance my quality of life” said Arnold Brown who recently landed a job as a bus driver at the Brooklyn Navy yard.

Another ex-offender also was helped.

“I came home April 7,” said Phillip Proszowski. “I came here April 13; on April 14 I had an interview and I got the job.”