Approaching a job interview can provoke feelings of nervous anxiety in any candidate. For people who are looking for a second chance after being imprisoned, this is especially true.
Graduates of a new program called REEP, (the Replanting Employment Expansion Project) got a boost to their confidence with new clothing to help them look their best while they meet with potential employers and restart their careers.
“This was like a magic trick,” said Brother Shane Price, director of re-entry services at the Power of People Leadership Institute. “We could see the esteem grow on their faces; their spirits were full of joy."
REEP is an intensive two-week training program designed to prepare people who are newly released from prison for employment. The first cohort group of 18 is now graduating and participants are preparing to meet with local employers who have “shown interest in giving second-chance guys an opportunity,” in Price’s words.
“We’ve done interview role-playing, we’ve helped them prepare their resumes. They are ready to introduce themselves to these businesses,” Price added.
To help the REEP participants make a positive impression, they each got a chance to select outfits to wear for their upcoming face-to-face job interviews. Marsha D. Carter, founder of the nonprofit Beyond New Distribution Center in St. Paul, arrived at the REEP training room on West Broadway in North Minneapolis ready to offer wardrobe makeovers. She unloaded bin after bin filled with dozens of gently used men’s suits, dress shirts, sport coats, slacks, sweaters, shoes and neckties.
Carter, along with her husband Tony and her brother Charles Snargrass, set up racks and tables of the gently used donated apparel for the participants to select from.
“We want them to be able to present themselves to employers in a professional manner,” said Carter. “Hoodies and sneaker have a place but blazers, suits and sport coats also have a place. When you look your best, you feel your best.”
While Marsha Carter, a longtime hair stylist, helped individuals shop the apparel and pull together well-fitting business clothing and accessories, Tony Carter offered impromptu instructions on how to tie a tie others in the group. A barber was also on site to offer hair cuts and trims.
“We asked each one what they were interested in. A suit? Slacks and a sweater? Sport coat and dress shirt?” Marsha said. “We had something for everyone, including a man who was a size 50.”
Price said that he was impressed by the skill and respectful attitude that Carter and her volunteers brought to their mission.
“To get that personal makeover was astronomical,” he said. “Not only did she have these beautiful clothes and shoes but with that charming personality, she made every guy feel like they were special. It made for one amazing afternoon.”
Price believes that current business conditions are proving to be productive for people who are returning to the community. He sees many open jobs in the Twin Cities in manufacturing, construction and light industry.
“Coming out of COVID, employers are struggling to find individuals who want to come back and work. They need people,” he said. “The time is right for committed employees who have worked on their issues and are ready to put in a hard day’s work.”
Price is practicing what he preaches.
“At the Power of People Leadership Institute, I am an employer, too, and two of my staff members are ex-offenders; we can’t do this work if we are not willing to provide a second change opportunities in our own business,” he said. “It’s worked out exceedingly well for us.”
Price is already setting his next REEP group. The next cohort that will undergo the training to prepare them for re-entry to the workforce will start in February of 2024. Anyone interested in learning more about joining the upcoming REEP cohort can call 763-535-5711 to find out more.
“We are going to have great success stories to share,” Price promised.