Changing Lives Through Meaningful Employment
At JBM, we believe everyone deserves a fair chance. That’s why we created a holistic second chance program that provides the justice-involved population with resources they need to thrive at work and in life. Since 2016, our Fair Chance Program has helped individuals returning from some form of correctional supervision learn transferrable and meaningful job skills as they turn their lives around and find new meaning and purpose.
How It Works
While we do not offer open hiring, we do offer opportunities to those who fit our culture and are ready to work hard. Working with more than 30 correctional and workforce development partners, we identify qualified candidates who are ready to make the necessary changes to create a better life. As individuals re-enter society and begin working at JBM, we offer a welcoming environment with individualized support, including one-on-one sessions with JBM’s Better Lives Coach, peer mentoring, on-the-job training and access to community organizations that can help with transportation, housing, financial advice and legal support.
How It Works
While we do not offer open hiring, we do offer opportunities to those who fit our culture and are ready to work hard. Working with more than 30 correctional and workforce development partners, we identify qualified candidates who are ready to make the necessary changes to create a better life. As individuals re-enter society and begin working at JBM, we offer a welcoming environment with individualized support, including one-on-one sessions with JBM’s Better Lives Coach, peer mentoring, on-the-job training and access to community organizations that can help with transportation, housing, financial advice and legal support.
Why It’s Important
It’s often difficult for people released from prison to find gainful employment. It’s even harder to find support services and guidance on re-entering society and navigating the challenges that lie ahead. At JBM, we look at things differently. We know that good people can make bad decisions and deserve a Fair Chance. We believe meaningful employment and support services can change lives.
Why It’s Good for Our Community
Giving formerly incarcerated workers gainful employment strengthens our communities by breaking a cycle of economic hardship and lowering the rate of recidivism. JBM’s Fair Chance Program helps our employees strengthen their financial health, which results in a positive contribution to our local economy. Our Fair Chance team members also become role models among their family and friends for taking positive steps to turn their lives around. We believe these efforts are changing lives and our employees are proud to say we’re making a difference inside and outside our organization.
Why It’s Good for Our Community
Giving formerly incarcerated workers gainful employment strengthens our communities by breaking a cycle of economic hardship and lowering the rate of recidivism. JBM’s Fair Chance Program helps our employees strengthen their financial health, which results in a positive contribution to our local economy. Our Fair Chance team members also become role models among their family and friends for taking positive steps to turn their lives around. We believe these efforts are changing lives and our employees are proud to say we’re making a difference inside and outside our organization.
OUR GOAL
Our bold goal is to hire 500 fair
chance team members
by 2030.
OUR GOAL
Our bold goal is to hire 500 fair
chance team members
by 2030.
Success Stories
Amanda Creates a New Life Through Fair Chance
In high school Amanda was a straight A student, served as the Community Service Club President and was a member of the National Honor Society. She attended college and soon began a successful career in management and corporate training. Then her life took a turn. After a series of poor choices and bad decisions stemming from a battle with addiction, she became someone unrecognizable to family, friends, and even herself.
However, while serving a two-year prison sentence at the Ohio Reformatory for Women (ORW) Amanda was determined to turn her life around and leave prison a better person. She began working on herself from the inside out. By the time she left ORW she was well on her way to recovery, mentally and physically fit, close to her family and excited for a new job opportunity at JBM Packaging through their Fair Chance Program.
In less than two years at JBM, Amanda went from an entry level machine operator to Lead Trainer to her current role in HR as Talent Acquisition and Training Specialist. Amanda continues to share her personal story of healing as a Peer Mentor facilitator and recruiter striving to be a symbol of hope for those who are incarcerated and have felony backgrounds. Her outreach to regional prisons and halfway houses is opening doors to employment for people in our community from a variety of backgrounds.
How Fair Chance Helped Brian
With a new house, car, and a great job as a business office manager, it appeared that Brian was living the American dream — but looks can be deceiving. Caught in an unhealthy relationship that led him down the wrong path, Brian found himself in a position where he compromised his integrity at work which ultimately landed him in prison.
While incarcerated, Brian made the decision to rebuild his life, but as his release date drew closer, he realized he would be starting from scratch — he had nowhere to live, no vehicle and no job. That’s when Brian was introduced to our Fair Chance Program.
After his first interview at our plant, Brian says he felt accepted almost immediately. He was hired, and through the coaching process, Brian committed to setting and keeping healthy boundaries, building a strong support system, and gaining the trust and respect at work that he lost so many years ago. Starting as a Machine Operator, Brian showed a keen eye for details and a strong work ethic, resulting in multiple promotions and ultimately led him to his current role as the Second Shift Supervisor where he excels today.
Our Partner Network
Our partner network is key to the success of our Fair Chance Program. Consisting of several non-profit and government agencies, the network provides re-entry support services so that each employee has the opportunity to succeed. Our partners include:
JBM In the News
We love to talk about our Fair Chance program and feature JBM employees who benefit. Take a look at some of our recent news stories!
Are you a member of the media? Reach out to learn more about our program or to set up an interview:
JBM In the News
We love to talk about our Fair Chance program and feature JBM employees who benefit. Take a look at some of our recent news stories!
Are you a member of the media? Reach out to learn more about our program or to set up an interview:
