Prisoners who have served their time got help Tuesday finding a job through a fair designed to help cut down on crime.
Ten local businesses attended the job fair today, along with seven agencies.
The goal is to find jobs for people who have committed felonies and are now trying to re-enter society.
"If anyone wants to work and needs to work it is the ex-offender. Sometimes that's because you're desperate to get back into life again. It's also requirements for those on parole and you want to feel like a human being again," says John Whitehead.
The program is put on by the Re-entry Coalition and the Ridge House to give ex-offenders a chance to meet potential employers face-to-face.
Today's career fair was held at the Evelyn Mount Community Center on Valley Road in north Reno.
It's also designed to raise awareness in the community as well as help people move forward with their rehabilitation.
Although it's tough for former inmates to get their foot in the door, experts say when prisoners find work, it reduces the chance that they'll re-offend and end up back in prison.
One ex-felon we talked to says finding a job after being in prison is like climbing a mountain.
Another told us being honest about his past is a step in the right direction. "It's been an adjustment to go through an interview and be honest with the employer about your past and man-up for the mistakes you've made in your life," says Donald Druskovich.
Written by Jennifer Burton
