CONTACT: Karina Henderson
414.278.4216 (office) | [email protected]

EXPO MEDIA CONTACT: Lisa Kaiser
414.270.2999 | [email protected]

MILWAUKEE – Employers challenged with finding qualified workers to fill their open positions are invited to attend the inaugural Southeast Wisconsin Reentry Employment Expo, to be held on Thursday, May 17, at the Cousins Center in Milwaukee.

Businesses that employ the formerly incarcerated, government and community agencies that support their transition back to the community, and faith leaders will be on hand to answer questions, provide introductions, and encourage employers to consider hiring work-ready returning citizens.

Milwaukee Archbishop Jerome Listecki has written a letter to encourage local businesses to attend the Expo and hire returned citizens.

“I have heard that many business owners would embrace the opportunity to hire those returning from prison but they don’t know how to take the first step, feeling uncertain about taking on what some see as unnecessary risk,” the Archbishop wrote in his letter. “We want to work with you to break down the barriers to taking that first step.”

The Southeast Wisconsin Reentry Expo will be held from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Thursday, May 17, at the Cousins Center, 3501 S. Lake Drive, Milwaukee. Employers are encouraged to stop by this no-cost event as their schedules permit. Auxiliary Bishop Jeff Haines will welcome morning guests. RSVPs are appreciated, but not required, at reentryexpo.eventbrite.com.

The Expo is sponsored by the Milwaukee Community Justice Council, Archdiocese of Milwaukee Office for Urban Ministry, Employ Milwaukee, Milwaukee County Office of African American Affairs, Milwaukee Reentry Council and the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Eastern District of Wisconsin.

The Milwaukee Reentry Council is a committee of the Milwaukee Community Justice Council. Its mission is to reduce recidivism in Milwaukee by 50 percent within five years. That’s a lofty goal, but it is achievable if reentry services are coordinated and formerly incarcerated individuals are given the chance to find employment that pays steady wages and provides them with a sense of community and self-worth. Connecting them with employers is a good step toward reducing recidivism and increasing peace and prosperity in Milwaukee.

Media Contact: Lisa Kaiser, [email protected] or 414-270-2999

Contact for Employers and Exhibitors: Anne Haines, Respect Life Director for Urban Ministry at Archdiocese of Milwaukee, [email protected] or 262-339-0367; Kenneth Gales, Reentry Coordinator at the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, [email protected] or 414-297-1923.

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