Despite the challenges presented by the pandemic, Michigan Works! Berrien, Cass, Van Buren Offender Success program achieved the highest placement rate in the state of Michigan, placing 88% of those served into employment over the last year, serving an area of seven counties in lower Michigan, Offender Success has provided over 22,000 services to the returning population, helping individuals remove barriers and gain employment and stability in their lives.
On average, the team at Michigan Works! assists over 1,200 individuals a year in four different areas – employment, mental health, social support, and residential stability. The targeted interventions aim to reduce crime by having a seamless plan of services, supervision, and opportunities developed with each person with the goal of gaining employment and becoming self-sufficient.
As Michigan’s prison population continues its downward trend, it means more people will be making their way back to local communities looking for employment opportunities. Working with the Michigan Works! Offender Success program may be the light at the end of the tunnel for employers that are currently looking for a talent pipeline to fill gaps in employment.
“We know that looking to the offender population for your hiring needs may be considered non-traditional, however, we have had great success placing individuals in industries that interest them,” said Derek Knuth, Director of Offender Services at Michigan Works! Berrien, Cass, Van Buren. “Right now, businesses are struggling to fill open positions, and we have a talent pool to fill that gap. We have been successful in reducing recidivism as well as building great partnerships in southwest Michigan and the state, but the hope is to get more employers engaged with the program,” Knuth added.
Employers that are interested in getting involved with this program are encouraged to contact Derek Knuth at KnuthD@miworks.org.
Michigan Works! of Berrien, Cass, Van specializes in educating, training, and employing individuals of all ages. We work with local businesses to find out what keeps them up at night and help them tackle the most pressing challenges they may face, including attracting and retaining talent. For more information, visit www.miworks.org.
