Hamilton County, TN – Recently, the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office Re-Entry Program hosted a job fair at the Hamilton County Jail and Detention Center for inmates who are nearing their release date. Several local businesses and social service organizations attended to provide employment opportunities and resources for newly released inmates who are transitioning back into society.

In preparation for the event, HCSO Re-Entry Program staff held classes to help inmates document their job skills, create personalized resumes, and develop interviewing skills. Altogether, (19) inmates participated in the job interviewing exercise. The goal of the event was to help inmates secure employment and the resources they need upon their scheduled release.

The HCSO would like to thank the following businesses and organizations for participating in our Re-Entry Job Fair:

• Veritas HHS Child Support Office

• DRC – Day Reporting Center

• Hamilton County Coalition

• CEMPA Community Care

• Talley Construction

• Southern Spear Iron Works

• Chambers Welding and Fabrication

• Mental Health Cooperative

• First Things First

• American Job Center

• Moccasin Bend Mental Health Institute

• AIM Center

• A Step Ahead

• Her Song

• Persevere

• Goodwill Industries

• Consumer Credit Counseling Services of Chattanooga

• SRI Health Care – Novo Health Services

• Friend’s House Ministries

• Oxford House

Events like this are important to demonstrate how corrections and re-entry personnel are working to assist those being released with securing gainful employment, earn a livable wage to support themselves and their families, and the ability to live happier, more productive lives.