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Maria Anton believes that sometimes in life a second chance is all you need.
As the human resources administrator at Brentwood Industries, she tries to put that belief into practice. That’s why she spent Monday morning manning a booth at the DoubleTree by Hilton hotel in Reading.
Anton and dozens of representatives from other companies across Berks County took part in a career fair hosted by Connections Work. The aim of the event was to provide people who have been involved in the criminal justice systems a chance to find steady and secure employment.
“We certainly find it very impactful to our community to come and give these people the second chance that they have been working for,” she said. “We all start somewhere so it’s important for us to give them that chance.”
Anton said the event not only provides opportunities for the job seekers, but over the years has proven successful for the plastics manufacturer as well.
“We have hired people that we met at these career fairs and they have turned out to be great employees,” she said. “Some have worked their way up to leadership positions within the company over time.”
Anton said many people are interested in operating machines or working in the warehouse, but she also includes some office posts like customer service positions.
She said offering second chances has long been part of the culture at Brentwood. But there has been even more emphasis on the effort since members of the leadership team at the company participated in a simulation this summer meant to show the challenges that people released from prison encounter after their release back in the community.
She said the simulation was offered through the United Way of Berks County and was an illuminating experience that educated her on all the complexities faced by those involved in the criminal justice system.
“We saw what it is like for some of our coworkers who are coming back into the workforce so we could better understand some of the challenges they face,” she said.
Tykee Copeland was one of those people at the fair seeking a second chance.
The 43-year-old dropped off his resume with Anton after hearing that they have a position he thinks would be perfect for him.
“I’m looking for an opportunity that will provide stability and good benefits,” the Boyertown resident said. “I have a lot of work experience so there are a lot of different jobs that would fit with my skills.”
Copeland said he believes his criminal history is making it difficult to find work.
“People will tell me I’m not qualified for a job, but if you look at my resume you will see that I have experience,” he said. “So there’s only one thing it could be after that. It’s very hard to move on when my past keeps holding me back.”
And that hardship is the point of the career fair.
Over the last 15 years, Connections Work has hosted two fairs annually for those looking to become contributing members of society.
Lori Stoudt, employment development specialist for the nonprofit, said the fairs are important for several reasons: Employers show they are willing to hire individuals with a troubled background, and the individuals who need that second chance are given an opportunity to connect directly to those employers.
Stoudt said the organization has worked hard to cultivate relationships with many companies in the region over the years to explain the mission of Connections Work, and how they can help the community by offering those second chances.
“It’s continuous outreach that takes place online and at events to spread the word about what we do to prepare people for the workforce,” she said. “We want to share our story with those who are making the hiring decisions.”
There were about 30 employers attending the event Monday. Those companies included Morgan Truck Body, Tower Health, Elk Environmental Services and New Castle Lawn & Landscape along with several local social service providers.
“We are very fortunate to have built relationships with many of the fair chance employers here in Berks County over the years,” she said.
Unique Snacks is another one of those local businesses willing to hire those serious about putting their lives back together.
Tristan Spannuth, a production superintendent at the company, said Unique is committed to treating everyone with respect regardless of what missteps they may have made in the past.
“We know that people make mistakes — that mistakes are a part of learning and growing,” he said.
Spannuth said the company has had a great success rate with people they have hired through the career fair in the past, noting that some are now working as training supervisors and shift leaders.