The three things that prohibit employment for recently released individuals (education, opportunity, experience) and how to combat it. Getting out of prison isn’t the end of an inmate’s journey – it’s the beginning. There are several obstacles to overcome before reintegration is possible and, with a criminal record,…
The close of a year and the beginning of a new one is an especially beautiful time to reflect on accomplishments and growth. We’re entering a new decade, and leaving behind 10 years of work and progress. This monumental turn-of-the page feels like a critical time to look…
At HopeWorks, we ensure our mission and results are clear to our community. We want you to know that every cent you give is changing lives in Memphis! To keep our communication clear and honest, we outlined exactly how your donations help your neighbors! #1 - Pre- and…
HopeWorks has been a nonprofit force in Memphis for nearly 35 years. A lot has changed in that time! Whether you’re new to HopeWorks, new to Memphis or have been following for a long time, you may find yourself wondering, “What is HopeWorks actually doing?!” We aim to…
A Prison Policy study found that formerly incarcerated people are unemployed at a rate of 27% – that’s higher than the unemployment rate during the Great Depression, which was 25% (prisonpolicy.org). We know that seeking a job post-release isn’t easy and this statistic doesn’t sound promising, but we…
Finishing high school can be difficult. Sometimes, traditional schooling isn’t even an option. But, your circumstances do not define your future. At HopeWorks, we believe it’s never too late to go back to school! So, why is it important to earn your HiSET? And, how do you know…
HopeWorks, Inc. has been providing hope and opportunity in Memphis for more than 30 years. But tenured organizations such as ours must start somewhere. Let’s dive into a brief history of HopeWorks in Memphis. In 1988, a large gap separated Memphis’ social services and government agencies. From this…
A required part of many interview processes is submitting a resume. If you don’t have job experience, have spent time out of the workforce, or aren’t sure what to include on your resume, it can be hard to create one that impresses future employers. Even getting started can…
After completing the PCD program at HopeWorks, you’ll feel prepared and capable to hold a job. But working is the easy part – getting a job is the challenge! The job hunting process is rarely easy no matter who you are. So, we’ve put together a few steps…
HopeWorks participants come from all walks of life, including the Shelby County Division of Correction. We offer a pre-release program that takes place inside the prison for inmates who will soon be reentering society. This program consists of our standard Personal and Career Development course, as well as…