To improve public safety by restoring former offenders to productive roles in society through training, counseling and education programs that remove the barriers to meaningful employment and that teach skills for today's workforce.
“You tend to remember people that come to you when you’re in need,” reflects Jerome Moore while picking up a Thanksgiving basket at CEi, Chattanooga’s leading prisoner reentry program. “I can’t tell you how much it means to me not to have to worry about how I’m going to afford dinner for my family.” The agency’s board purchased holiday meals for everyone in its program this year, hoping to make their difficulties finding employment during the current economic downturn more sufferable.
“It’s a tough under ordinary circumstances for someone with a felony record to find employment,” says Tim Dempsey, CEO. “But with so many people in the job market right now, former offenders find themselves standing at the back of an extremely long line.” The agency provides employment-related assistance to those returning to Chattanooga from prison. However, when jobs are scare, Mr. Dempsey’s staff spends more time on support services just to help participants make ends meet. “It’s a day to day struggle for many of them.”
Despite market woes, CEi is determined that the holidays this year will add some levity to the lives of its participants and their families. “Thanksgiving is a time for sharing,” says Barrett Taylor, Chairman. “And sharing now, even in these tough economic times, with those supported by CEi really feels good.” Mr. Taylor’s generous spirit represents the agency’s belief in second changes. “Filling up a few grocery carts with Thanksgiving fare provided a great sense of participating in the lives of families who need just a little support.”
Timothy Thompson came for his basket with his three year old daughter. “It feels good knowing that someone is thinking of my family when I’m having trouble providing for them,” he observes. Mr. Thompson is taking advantage of the soft job market to go back to school and pick up some additional skills. “If no one is hiring right now, the least I can do is make myself more employable for when they do.” That's a good use of his idle time, but he was still faced with the prospect of a bare table on Thanksgiving...until the CEi board stepped in. "And for that I am truly grateful!"
For more information about CEi and how you can help with its mission, please call 423.266.1888.
