Jason Wang, the founder and CEO of Free World, discusses the challenges faced by individuals with criminal histories when reentering society.
Manage episode 395941689 series 3445966
Jason Wang, the founder and CEO of Free World, discusses the challenges faced by individuals with criminal histories when reentering society. He highlights the financial burden they face due to low-paying jobs and accumulated debts. Jason shares his personal story of growing up in poverty and experiencing abuse, which led him down a dark path resulting in incarceration. He explains how he became involved in criminal justice reform while in prison and eventually started Free World to help people find employment opportunities after serving their time. The organization focuses on training individuals for the trucking industry, which offers short training programs, a driver shortage that is open to hiring those with criminal records, and living wages. The average age of participants is 39 years old, and many have served approximately ten years behind bars before joining Free World's program. Jason also mentions numerous success stories from graduates who have found stable employment through their program.
A formerly incarcerated individual faced challenges finding employment after release from prison, leading him to return to criminal activities. However, he went through a program called the Prison Entrepreneurship Program and received training that allowed him to obtain his CDLA within six weeks. He found a job that significantly improved his financial situation and was able to support himself and his family. Eventually, he was offered a position at Free World due to his passion for helping others impacted by the criminal justice system. Free World connects employers with their graduates who have successfully completed the program, providing qualified candidates for various positions in the trucking industry. The organization offers support, financial incentives, and evidence of their graduates' success in order to address any concerns employers may have about hiring individuals with criminal histories. Employers can connect with Free World through their website or by contacting them directly via email.
Jason discusses the challenges faced by individuals with criminal records when seeking employment or housing. He emphasizes the importance of providing opportunities for reintegration into society to prevent further crime. He highlights how companies can benefit from hiring these individuals and encourages listeners to visit his website, freeworld.org, to learn more about connecting with potential employees. The conversation concludes with gratitude and an invitation to contact Jason for further information.
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31 episodes