“Jails to Jobs” program gives ex-inmates a fresh start

It’s a fresh start for ex-criminals just out of jail or prison. A Santa Cruz County agency is launching a pilot program aimed at helping newly released inmates find jobs.

Many people have filled out job applications, but there’s one line that trips up a lot of criminals — ‘Have you been convicted of a felony or a major misdemeanor?’

“Jails to Jobs” is the brain child of the Community Action Board’s Alcanse, which aims to help match employers with possible job candidates who may still be behind bars.

“They don’t just throw anybody at any job,” Ismael Valdivia, a Community Action Board employee said. “If the fit looks right from both ends, if it’s a match, it’s a match, you know.”

Valdivia is sort of a poster child of the program. As an ex-gang member, he remembers how tough it was to find a job. Luckily, programs like Alcanse helped him and could help others in the future. His old probation officer, Erin Nelson-Serrano, is also the program director at the Community Action Board. Working as a driver for a local bakery, Valdivia also works for CAB as a crew leader helping people complete community service projects. This $60,000 program already has a lot of support from local law enforcement on county and city levels.

“We have support from the county sheriff,” explains Javier Diaz, with the CAB. “From the chief of probation, from the Watsonville chief of police and I think the Watsonville chief of police said it best, “It’s crime prevention is what it is” and really, that’s what we’re pushing, how this betters the community.”

While some businesses may be hesitant to hire convicts, the incentives could change their minds.

“We’re looking at the Workforce Opportunity Tax Credit as an incentive for businesses,” Nelson-Serrano said. “It’s something we would like to work on with the Workforce Investment Board of Santa Cruz, to look for opportunities to grow and create subsidies for employers.”

Incentive or not, Watsonville business Wonderfully Raw Gourmet Delights say they’d be open to hiring workers through this program. As a former arts and corrections instructor at the Salinas Valley State Prison, owner Sequoia Cheney says she could see the potential in some of the inmates.

“It’s part of the company,” Cheney said. “We make really healthy food so people can improve their lives with their diet and food. So why not give people an opportunity to improve their lives by work?”

Her daughter-in-law, Carly Hara has seen a difference in some of their workers with a troubled past.

“In the beginning, it’s a transition but in the days, weeks, months, years, we see young men and women grow from timid, harsh and uncomfortable to confident, happy, vibrant young people that are starting to turn their lives around,” Hara said. “I think it changes the mentality of somebody and make them feel like they’re important and that’s what everyone wants to feel. You want to feel valued.”

If you aren’t a criminal but still need a job, there’s an upcoming job fair. The Community Action Board’s Trades and Jobs Fair will be held on Thursday at 4:30 at the Watsonville Civic Center.