Submitted content via the Hamilton Center.
Hamilton Center Offers Second Chance Program
According to the National Employment Law Project, employment is the most influencing factor in decreasing the rate of recidivism. However, gainful employment is one of many barriers faced by the formerly incarcerated. These statistics in part signify the creation and implementation of Hamilton Center’s New Citizen Program. This pilot program launched in 2013 by CEO, Melvin L. Burks, is purposed with proving individuals with a second chance.
According to Burks, the program gives individuals “a new start on life, and an opportunity to pay back what they have taken from society.”
Burks quotes Congressman John Lewis regarding the risk of the program to be “good trouble.”
Burks said he knew there would be individuals in the community who would balk at the idea; however, the New Citizen Program is a need for those who have paid their debt to society.
Participants of the New Citizen Program complete a one-year probationary period. During this time, the participant will train in different areas of the company to gain skills and experience. The core elements of the program include job skill training and job placement opportunities, career development, establishment of referrals and references, improved community perception, and development of positive relationships with community leaders. The key to success of the New Citizen Program is the mentor committee. The committee includes Burks, staff selected from administration, and previous graduates of the program. Since inception, Hamilton Center proudly reports five successful graduates.
Tatu Brown, Director of Human Services at Hamilton Center, is the first graduate of the program. Brown said that upon completion of the New Citizen Program, he has had many opportunities for growth and skill building at Hamilton Center. Brown was given the opportunity to establish a mentoring program for at-risk youth, and he chairs the annual “We Live” event, which focuses on giving back to underserved children in the community.
Through his work in the mentoring program, Brown said, “I am able to utilize the same principles and mentorship skills established in the New Citizen Program to help shape the lives of young people in our community. With the expansion of the New Citizen Program, opportunities will be given in other area businesses, expanding the fundamental goal of growth for the program.”
The goal of the New Citizen Program is to gain support from community partners and expand the program to organizations across the state. In 2019, two organizations adopted the program, Wabash Valley Asphalt and Garmong Construction.
Wabash Valley Asphalt completed onboarding with the first New Citizen participant in May 2020. John Collett, President of Wabash Valley Asphalt, chose to implement the program after hearing Burks present at a Terre Haute Chamber event.
Collett said, “Historically, we (Wabash Valley Asphalt) had not been supportive of this segment of our population, and a partnership with Hamilton Center, through the New Citizen Program, appeared to provide the support structure that would be necessary to be successful.” Collett created a mentor team within Wabash Valley Asphalt. The team meets weekly with New Citizen, Mike Hambright, and selected members of Hamilton Center’s New Citizen mentor committee. Collett commented on the seamless process of hiring and interviewing. Collett said he would recommend the New Citizen Program to other organizations in the community. He commented on the current workforce shortage and the ability of the program to act as an additional “tool in the toolbox” to find the right employee for the job.
According to Hambright, this program will allow him to secure a future for himself and his children. He said, “I believe everyone deserves a second chance. Sometimes we just choose to go down the wrong path, and the consequences can be devastating. However, most of us, like myself, have paid our debt to society, and now it’s time to give back.”
Burks said the program not only allows the individuals a second chance, but it also allows participants to “feel at home” in their respective communities.
“Reaching out and embracing those individuals who have stumbled and struggled in life shows them that we still believe in them. They have value. When you talk about good trouble, you are going to have those individuals who are going to be naysayers and try to cast doubt. This is the time to let people know it is worth it, and we need to stand up for what is right,” Burks said.
To learn more about the New Citizen Program visit www.hamiltoncenter.org.
If your organization is interested in implementing the program, please reach out to Tatu Brown at tbrown@hamiltoncenter.org or call 812-231-8107.
