Mayor Lori Lightfoot introduced a new city official who will help formerly incarcerated people ease their way back into society. It’s an issue she knows inside out.
Willette Benford has been named to the newly created position of Director of Re-Entry for the City of Chicago.
In a video from the City, Benford told Mayor Lightfoot that her experience as someone who has spent time behind bars has helped her understand the challenges returning residents face.
Benford’s a social justice advocate who was, herself, incarcerated for a time.
Benford was denied housing after she was released. Prior to landing this role, she led the decarceration work for Live Free Illinois, a grassroots organization dedicated to ending gun violence and mass incarceration.
In the City video, Benford told Mayor Lightfoot returning individuals need help with housing, jobs and mental health.
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Benford said she hopes to create a system that will provide more resources for people during and after incarcerations.
The Mayor asked what she would say to make the case to potential employers about hiring returnees. Benford said to look at herself and what she's done with her life. She said people who can make a living wage and get their lives on track could be the best employees.
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