Fair Chance

Every year, more than 60,000 individuals return from incarceration in LA County, looking to start anew. Limited access to employment or a place to live contributes to the cycle of recidivism and poverty in families and communities.

In California, the Fair Chance Act was enacted in 2018 to level the playing field for applicants who may be qualified but are often overlooked due to their background. This year, the LA County Department of Economic Opportunity is has launched the Fair Chance Hiring Program, an initiative that brings together fair chance employers and formerly incarcerated job seekers through curated information sessions and job matching.

Shot on commission for Los Angeles County

Agency: Taskforce

Reporting: Alisha Jucevic

Sithy Bin

Case Manager, Friends Outside LA

Home for 2 ½ years

“Employers should hire system-impacted folks because of that fire, that passion, that second chance, and their ability to apply what they are equipped with.”

Sonia Bell

Program Manager, Friends Outside LA

Sithy Bin’s Supervisor

“I've learned so much from system-impacted individuals and their life experiences. They just honestly bring a different type of wisdom, a different type of perspective that only they can bring.”

Vanessa Ebenezer

Ground Maintenance Supervisor, LA County Parks Department

Home for 23 years

“They gave me a second chance, and they believed in me. They didn't look at me for where I was. They looked at me for where I am.”

Sheldon Solin

Recreations Supervisor, LA County Parks Department

Vanessa Ebenezer’s Supervisor

“You will find that most times, the ones that are serious, that they have this determination, they're willing to go above and beyond. Especially the ones who are given a second chance and serious about making something new for their lives.”

Carlos Sanchez

Owner, C&A Simplified Remodeling

Home for 2 ½ years

“I know that I can do it, but having someone believe in you, invest in you, or give you that opportunity is what's difficult.”

Jack Morris

Reentry Program Manager, St. John’s Community Health

Home for 5 1/2 years

“System-impacted people are goal-oriented, and if you can teach somebody how to do it, they can become one of your best employees.”

Elena Fernandez

Chief Programs Officer, St. John’s Community Health

Jack Morris’ Supervisor

"We begin by hiring people who represent our community, whether it's race, socioeconomic status, incarceration history – our peers. That's how we prioritize. We support our mission and vision."

Gloria Cabrera

Legal Assistant, Yang Law Offices

Home for 6 years

“It was just a seed of hope. Somebody believed in me, and it created a tremendous domino effect because of just that.”

Elizabeth Yang

Founder, Yang Law Offices

Gloria Cabrera’s Supervisor

“Whatever we put on her plate, she'll learn and then go above and beyond and do extra research to learn more. Now she's probably the most experienced paralegal in our office.”

Pam Thompson

Senior Life Coach, Anti-Recidivism Coalition

Home for 4 years

“People that are formerly incarcerated discipline themselves to show up on time, to prove that they can do the work. They can be the most trustworthy people.”

Sam Lewis

Executive Director, Anti-Recidivism Coalition

Pam Thompson’s Supervisor

Home for 11 years

“When you tell a person that has gone through the system ‘I believe in you, and I'm going to give you a chance,’ you create a level of loyalty and a willingness to work hard to show you that your investment was worthy of that person.”