Ministry celebrates 10 years of 2nd chances
Jessie Taylor wants a job operating a forklift.
The Aurora man has a year's experience driving one, but there's a problem: He also spent time in prison.
"How do I know I can trust you?" the interviewer asks Taylor.
"Right now, you can't trust me," Taylor acknowledges. "If you give me the opportunity and time, I can prove it to you."
Whether Taylor gets the forklift job isn't decided immediately.
The "interview" was part of a two-week job skills class taught at the Aurora-based RITAS Ministry, which stands for Restoring Inmates To America's Society.
RITAS, 325 E. Galena Blvd., works with employers willing to look beyond an applicant's felony record.
It provides emergency housing, food, counseling, GED classes, job referrals, spiritual direction and other services for referred ex-convicts and their families.
"RITAS Ministry is a place where anybody who has been touched by crime can come and be loved," said Linda Martin, executive director.
The organization marked its 10-year anniversary this week and hopes to open a second location in Elgin early next year, if plans go as scheduled, Martin said.
RITAS is funded through a combination of private donations, grants and contributions from businesses.
It works with probation and parole officers and has received its share of accolades over the years.
Martin says she doesn't condone what her clients did in the past. Her goal is to give people the tools to get back on their feet.
Last year, RITAS as a whole received 195 new clients. Of those, 22 percent ended up back in prison.
"I don't care how mad (clients) get at me, just as long as they don't go back to prison. I challenge them to change their thinking," she said.
Taylor's "interviewer" this week was Richard Martin, RITAS founder and Linda's husband.
Richard Martin has good marks for Taylor, but says he needs to make more eye contact.
"It shows the interviewer you have confidence in yourself," Martin said.
Participation is voluntary and they aren't guaranteed a job, but RITAS does everything it can to help, including providing interview clothes, bus ride vouchers and a $3-per-hour bonus for participants for their first two months on a job.
"We teach about values and attitude," Martin said. "It's more than just resumes and cover letters."
Participants in this class, which graduated Friday morning, had high marks for RITAS and what they've learned from Martin.
"(A conviction) is a bad thing over our head, but they show us there's a light at the end of the tunnel and to keep your head up," said Vincent Vargas, an Aurora father of three also taking a free GED class through RITAS.
Since the "Transitional Job Training Program" began in February, 137 people have graduated. Of those, 107 people are employed, a success rate of 78 percent.
Albert Hudson, an Aurora man just released from his fourth stint in prison, said he hopes to become part of that 78 percent.
"I was skeptical at first. Every day I'm glad that I participate," he said. "This is a good program. I'm glad to be a part of it."
Added Danielle Neal, an Aurora woman on work release: "It really helps you get started and back on your feet. You've got to want it. You can't come in here and fake it."
Ministry fundraiser
What: RITAS Ministry will hold its annual Fay's BBQ fundraiser
When, Where: 4:30 to 7 p.m. Tuesday in the east parking lot of Westminster Presbyterian Church, 10 N. Edgelawn Drive, Aurora.
Cost: $10 per meal
Info: (630) 966-0252