Organizers will host the Jefferson County Second Chance Hiring Fair at Birmingham’s Boutwell Auditorium from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Oct. 17 to help break employment barriers for those with criminal backgrounds.

Hiring fair organizers welcome anyone who has struggled with securing a job, especially those with records. In a collaboration between the District Attorney’s Office, WorkFaith Birmingham, Alabama Career Center System and over 50 employers, organizers have hosted eight hiring fairs since 2019, seen 1,500 job seekers, hired 786 people and created more than $19,650,000 worth of economic impact.

“Things like the hiring fair allow job seekers to discuss their pasts without shame,” Andy Blake, executive director at WorkFaith, said.

WorkFaith Birmingham provides those facing significant employment barriers with training, support and educational opportunities. Many of their clients were once incarcerated, justice involved or recovering addicts.

About 2,000 people reenter the workforce in Jefferson County after incarceration each year, according to District Attorney Danny Carr.

“You can’t prosecute your way out of crime, and you can’t arrest your way out of crime. The way you deal with crime is you change the trajectory of people’s lives,” Carr said.

Carr said having credible messengers find success through events like the hiring fair helps others believe that change is possible.

“This is a huge crime fighting tool. The reality is that a lot of these individuals are going to get out of prison at some point. You want them to come out, get a livable wage job, a meaningful job so they can be the man or woman that they want to see to live a productive life and be that credible messenger,” Carr said

“We find that individuals who show up, show up ready and willing to work. They just need that opportunity.”

So far, 294 job seekers have registered to attend the hiring fair. Organizers say this is the largest number of people to ever register in the hiring fair’s five year history. They expect even more people to attend as walkups are welcome.

Employers at the hiring fair will include Alabama Power, Spectrum Industrial Services, Wood Fruitticher, Jefferson State Community College, Schnellecke Logistics, Birmingham Water Works, Waste Management and many more.

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David Woods, owner and managing partner at DDS Solutions, is a recovering addict. He now uses his experience to give back to those with similar backgrounds. He will attend the hiring fair as an employer.

Woods, a Chicago native, said he struggled when he first moved to Birmingham because of his addiction. He owned his own contracting business but spent all his profits on drugs.

He said his wife and two children inspired him to make a change. Woods said he found his life’s purpose was being a father and giving back to others.

“It started with my kids and then finding purpose. Once I found purpose, I was able to direct myself and that changed my life,” Woods said.

Woods said he “does not care about records,” because both he and his business partner are recovering addicts. He said he can understand, from personal experience, the barriers that those with records may face when seeking employment.

Woods said 50% of his employees are either recovering addicts or have a criminal history.

“Personally, I don’t judge anybody off of that because I have my own history. I care about what you are now and looking forward.”

On their website, one of DDS Solutions’ core values states they are “developing leaders who inspire purpose, innovation and growth.”

DDS Solutions provides life, spiritual and financial coaches for their workers who may be struggling with setting goals or making life plans post incarceration.

Two years ago, Woods and his managing partner started a foundation to help workers pay down their debts through donations or no-interest loans.

“Finances really play a part in people’s happiness. I hate that. We’re trying to create a generational change, get people off government assistance and really start teaching them what it’s like to live on their own and create something,” Woods said.

“We found that people who are employed are the best version of themselves. They’re motivated to do better. They’re motivated to be better. They have a reason to get up, something to look forward to, something to work toward,” Carr said.