Tallahassee, Fla. – CareerSource Florida is announcing promising early results of the pilot program Florida HIRES, which stands for Helping Inmates Realize Employment Success. The Florida HIRES program, managed by Florida Ready to Work, helps incarcerated Floridians with employability skills to secure employment after release.
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Funded by the Florida Legislature and developed in collaboration with the state Department of Corrections, the pilot program is providing employability training to an estimated 120 inmates at Baker, Lowell and Polk Correctional Institutions, in partnership with CareerSource Northeast Florida, CareerSource Citrus Levy Marion and CareerSource Polk. Approximately 67 individuals also are receiving technical training and certifications through the new program. All participants will be matched with a CareerSource Florida network employment specialist to develop an individual employment plan. Members of the CareerSource Florida Board of Directors received an update on the program during their quarterly board meeting last week.
“Helping returning citizens secure and maintain good jobs is critical to ending the cycle of recidivism, which saves tax dollars and, even more importantly, protects public safety,” said CareerSource Florida Board Chairman Kevin Doyle, founding partner of Wexford Strategies. “On behalf of our board, I commend the Florida Department of Corrections, our network partners and the Florida HIRES team for developing and implementing a program that makes a real difference.”
“This collaboration with CareerSource Florida is an excellent example of how partnerships enhance our ability to provide inmates with the tools they need for a successful transition back into Florida’s communities and workforce,” Department of Corrections Secretary Mark Inch said. “I look forward to building on these achievements and continuing to expand our statewide re-entry initiatives, which will help reduce recidivism and have a positive impact on public safety.”
During the board meeting, members received a summary of CareerSource Florida’s annual independent audit of financial statements, which was reviewed and accepted by the board Finance Council during its meeting earlier in the day. The audit was prepared by Carr, Riggs & Ingram of Tallahassee and reflected the 19th straight year independent auditors issued CareerSource Florida a clean audit with no findings.
Board members also participated in a review of Florida’s Government in the Sunshine laws on open meetings and public records. As part of the ongoing commitment to integrity, transparency and accountability in stewardship of public funds, the CareerSource Florida board is participating in continuing education to support and enable high-performing board leadership and engagement.
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ABOUT CAREERSOURCE FLORIDA
CareerSource Florida provides oversight and policy direction for talent development programs administered by the Department of Economic Opportunity, Florida’s 24 local workforce development boards and their 100 career centers. Together, the CareerSource Florida network connects employers with qualified, skilled talent and Floridians with employment and career development opportunities to achieve economic prosperity. Learn more at careersourceflorida.com.