This document provides information from an organization that helps families of incarcerated individuals overcome barriers to employment. It outlines common barriers like lack of education, skills, or a criminal background. It then offers tips to address these barriers such as continuing one's education through vocational schools or apprenticeships, exploring funding options, and networking. Additional advice includes starting a business, volunteering, mentoring, and ensuring one's voter registration and selective service status are in order. The overall message is that with education, skills development, and persistence, those with criminal backgrounds can achieve their goals.

1. FAMILIES OF INCARCERATED
INDIVIDUALS, Inc.
www.familiesofincarcerated.org
258 N. Merton, Suite 200
Memphis, TN 38112
901-726-6191

2. Barriers to
Employment Success
Facilitated By:
Rebecca Mann, M.Ed., M.P.A.

3. You Got a
Background…….And????????
 What have done since then?
School, work odd jobs
 What do you want to do with your
life?
Business Owner, Lawyer, Truck Driver
 Is there anyone depending on your
success?
You, kids, other family

4. Barriers to Employment
 Lack of education needed
 Lack of skill set needed
 Disability (physical or mental)
 Criminal Background

5. Educate Yourself
 Decide your field of interest:
 Business, Education, Carpentry, Electrical, etc.
 Explore different schools: Technical,
Vocational, Training, Apprenticeships, 2 or 4
year schools or universities
 Research funding options: grants, student
loans, scholarships, etc.
 Visit schools, ask questions……

6. I Need a Job So Bad!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Check out Employment
Boards/Postings
Visit organizations that
help with Job
Readiness/Training.
Network with
friends/family members
that currently work.

7. Tips for Landing a Job
 Be yourself/Sell yourself
 Know your value: what can you do……

8. Start a Business
Decide what you want to do.
Use free resources for Business Startups:
Black Business Association,
SCORE Memphis,
Accion Delta,
BHL Business Resources Dept.

9. Try This Too……..
 Volunteer: Child’s School, Community
Center, Places of Interest
 Become a Mentor for a Child

10. Don’t Forget to…..
 Restore or Register to Vote
 Check Selective Service Status (men)
 Check on eligibility for government
benefits during job search or school
enrollment
 Driver’s License Status

11. GOOD LUCK!!!!!
If this workshop was helpful please sign-up for
our next event.
Thanks for your time!