U.S. Labor Secretary Thomas Perez made a stop in New Haven, Connecticut to make what he called, a house-call. He was checking in on an ex-offender reentry program supported in part by the federal government. It helps those formerly incarcerated prepare for jobs once they’re released back into the community.

Secretary Perez heard from about a half dozen inmates at the New Haven Correctional Center. They’re part of an on-site program with a goal to prepare people like Liam Daly, from Groton, CT to get out with a plan and hopefully a job at the end of his sentence.

“I got 30 days left and go back out,” said Daly. “And this workshop, I heard about it so I came down, volunteered to take it and it’s the best move I made. I think it is one door closes another one opens so to speak.”

The program opened in February. It will serve 175 inmates who are within 6 months of the end of their sentence. So far, 34 have completed the curriculum, which includes preparing for job interviews. More than half are now working.

Perez told a group of inmates he’s seeing an increase in the number of employers across the country willing to hire ex-offenders.

“And what they want to see is the ability to work with a team, making sure you’re there on time and that work ethic,” said Perez. “I think you all have it. And we’re working hard to make sure that there’s more employers out there. And the good news is, there are. That’s why we’re trying to connect with you here so, that you’re ready day one.”

Connecticut is one of 14 states awarded a $500,000 grant to provide training to inmates and ongoing support once they’re out.

Perez made a second stop where he spoke with ex-offenders and their employers. Bonnie Kent from Millwood Incorporated, a company that makes wooden shipping pallets, talked about what it’s been like to have Chris Garcia as an employee. Garcia went through the program and was released less than two months ago.

“He’s been with us for about 4 weeks,” said Kent. “We personally didn’t think he was going to last very long, because it’s a very demanding, physical job. A lot of times we have guys that leave within the first 3 or 4 hours. And he comes every day, whether it’s walking or bussing he gets down there and he’s been doing a great job.”

Perez told program participants they were an inspiration and encouraged them to keep up the work and advocacy for the program. 

This report comes from the New England News Collaborative, eight public media companies coming together to tell the story of a changing region, with support from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.