Joint Center Forum on Reintegrating Ex-Offenders into the Workplace

6/16/2004

From: Liselle Yorke of the Joint Center, 202-789-6366 or lyorke@jointcenter.org

News Advisory:

WHAT: Last year, the Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies surveyed minority-owned firms about hiring ex-offenders. The findings reveal that half of the firms said they were willing to hire them. However, the study also found an information gap about programs that address employability issues for ex-offenders. As their numbers grow, serious consideration must be given to making ex-offenders a useful and productive part of the American economy. The Joint Center is hosting a forum on "Ex-Offenders in the Workplace" to give business owners, lawmakers, policy analysts, and community leaders a better sense of the available options. This forum is part of a series which is being supported by the Mark and Carol Hyman Fund.

WHO:

Opening Remarks:

Rep. Danny K. Davis (D-Ill.-7)

Panelists:

-- Eric Lotke, research and policy director, Justice Policy Institute

-- Mark Mauer, assistant director, The Sentencing Project

-- Dr. Margaret Simms, senior vice president for programs, Joint Center

Closing Remarks:

-- Paula Dressel, director of planning, research and development The Annie E. Casey Foundation

WHEN: Thursday, June 24, 10 a.m. to noon

Archived audiocast available from June 25, 2004, at http://www.jointcenter.org

WHERE: Room 2247, Rayburn House Office Building, Capitol Hill

The Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies, a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization, conducts research and analyses on public policy issues of concern to African Americans and other minorities, promotes their involvement in the governance process, and operates programs that create coalitions within minority, business, and other diverse communities. For more information, visit http://www.jointcenter.org.