Aspire Supports Reentry Efforts and Workforce Development at HIRE Career Fair
The HIRE Career Fair, held at Martin University in Indianapolis, provided a critical opportunity for individuals who have been incarcerated to connect with potential employers and access essential resources for reentering the workforce.
The event, organized under the Hoosier Initiative for Re-Entry (HIRE), was aimed at helping attendees secure jobs, improve financial literacy, and find transportation and professional clothing options for work.
“It was nice to be a part of the event and really feel like I was helping people that needed assistance figuring out their next steps,” said Jennifer Hollingshead, School to Work Specialist at Aspire Johnson County, who tabled for Aspire at the event on July 25th.
“They were even offering free haircuts during the fair,” she added.
Hollingshead attended the fair to share information about educational programs and job training opportunities available in Johnson County. She noted the enthusiasm from job seekers who were eager to learn about certifications for high-demand careers offered at no cost through the NextLevel Jobs program.
“All of the job seekers were friendly and most everyone was very enthusiastic about the educational programs that we offered in our region,” Hollingshead said. “I gave out every single flyer about NextLevel Jobs training and the job opportunities sheet from Franciscan Health.”
The HIRE Career Fair aligns with Aspire’s workforce development goals from the Economic Development Strategic Plan. Aspire focuses on connecting employers with job seekers and adults looking to upskill.
Hollingshead says that by participating in events like HIRE, Aspire aims to bolster the local workforce by providing accessible pathways to education and employment.
Hollingshead also shared a few memorable encounters from the fair.
“I spoke with a man that had only been released six days prior to the job fair. He handed me his resume and told me about his job experience in truck driving and asked what I was hiring for,” she said.
“Several people expressed remorse to me about the mistakes they made, and they had hoped to find a job and do better now that they had another chance.”
The fair featured a variety of exhibitors, including Hostess, which drew attention by offering full-size boxes of chocolate and caramel cakes to attendees.
“I think I need to up my game when it comes to giveaways for our next table!” said Hollingshead.
Aspire provided resources from several community partners, including Central Nine Career Center, Ivy Tech, WorkOne, and Franciscan Health, to help job seekers take the next steps in their careers. The event highlighted the necessity of reentry programs in talent building and retention as well as the importance of creating opportunities for people to rebuild their lives.