Over 5,200 in attendance…
After weeks of planning, Houston City Council Member Dwight Boykins (Dist. D), his hardworking staff and selfless volunteers pulled
off his second annual 2nd Chance Job Fair at the George R. Brown Convention Center that drew over an estimated 5,200 participants. Over 70 companies and 20 agencies were on hand to assist those looking to provide opportunities for individuals who were unemployed, underemployed, had dropped out of high school, and those who had made mistakes in the past, including non-violent ex-felons.
Many of the people in attendance were looking for a chance to do something they have been searching for the right time and the right opportunity to do – get a job.
Participants also had an opportunity to hear testimonials from Mr. Gregory Williams and Ms. Brenda Clay, who are both ex-offenders that were provided with a second chance and are now living successful, productive lives. Mr. Williams is now a Senior Inspector with the City of Houston’s Public Works & Engineering Department. Ms. Clay is not only employed by the Houston Veteran’s Affairs Office, but she also received assistance through the City of Houston’s Workforce Housing Down Payment Assistance Program.
The anticipated increase in attendance and the success of last year’s event prompted Council Member Boykins to move it to a larger venue in order to invite more companies and agencies looking to help provide greater opportunities for individuals looking for a second chance at life.
“This year, I partnered with Mayor Sylvester Turner’s ‘Turnaround Houston’ initiative that will provide training and resources for the hard to employ within our city,” said Boykins. “I believe that providing individuals with a second chance is the most effective solution for reducing crime, unemployment, homelessness and encouraging sustainable personal changes that positively impact society. Additionally, the economic vitality of our great city depends on having a progressive and productive workforce.”
Voting is an essential part of civic engagement and many of the job fair attendees believed they were not eligible to vote. However, the trained volunteers at the event informed attendees of the specific requirements and assisted in registering close to 100 attendees and residents as Harris County voters.
The mission of the 2nd Chance Initiative is to address Houston’s workforce shortage by empowering members of our community, improving their quality of life, and financial stability. The initiative will assist those who are in need of a second chance by addressing the City of Houston workforce shortage and will empower members of our community by improving their quality of life and providing financial stability.
For more information about the 2nd Chance Job Fair, please visit their website at www.secondchancejobfair.com.