Reentry Employment Services 

Regional businesses are facing one of the most challenging hiring markets in decades. With unemployment in the region at historic lows, finding quality employees is difficult. As the massive baby boomer generation has been retiring and fewer skilled workers are available to replace them, companies are facing labor shortage of dramatic proportions, which makes finding innovative sources of employees important. The term “reentry” describes individuals returning to the community from jail or prison. Employment is proven to substantially reduce the risk of reoffending; however, many former offenders struggle with a lack of adequate education and job skills that employers demand. 

To help citizens overcome barriers and successfully reenter the community, as well as to provide innovative sources of talent for employers, Employ Milwaukee partners with the State of Wisconsin, local government, public and private employment and training providers, and community- and faith-based organizations to provide employment services to justice involved individuals; those incarcerated in jails and prisons and/or within the community on supervision. Employment services are provided pre- and post-release, including career planning, skill training, and supportive service referrals. County and statewide, Employ Milwaukee serves as a resource conduit for walk-ins of justice involved individuals and their families to direct them to the appropriate services. 

Employ Milwaukee is determined on breaking down the barriers and changing the culture for justice involved individuals, their families, and the community. Employ Milwaukee uses collaborative and evidence-based strategies that promote a greater likelihood of success after release and provides effective interventions to enhance public safety, increase employment, and reduce recidivism. Employ Milwaukee is intentionally at the forefront of workforce development for re-entry - offering thought leadership and leading on collaboration, innovation and diversified funding strategies to ensure effective cross system intersections to cultivate wholistic systematic improvement.