Job Fair For Coyote Ridge Inmates
CONNELL -- Coyote Ridge Corrections Center held its first job fair for inmates with less than a decade to go on their sentence.
Prisoner Micah Nelson didn't want to admit what he's doing time for.
He's at the tail end of a two year sentence at the Coyote Ridge Correction Center.
At just 20 years old, he's got a lifetime ahead of him, and plenty of chances to get on the right track. But with a felony conviction, he'll have a hard time finding a job and a place to live.
"Some people think it will be easy just like it was before they got locked up. I don't think it will be," said Nelson.
Which is why the Department of Corrections is trying to help out. The prison held its first job fair for offenders.
"When I came in, I didn't know there was going to be this many resources to help me get a job when I get out, but now I came here, I can see there is a lot of opportunities and resources to help me get a job like I want," said Nelson.
Jobs available may be in construction or landscaping. More than 15 companies were there to help offenders who will be released within the next decade.
"We're able to provide information in a short amount of time and fulfill our mission," said one resource employer.
Nearly 300 inmates showed up to the job fair. Most KEPR talked to had less than three years to go on their sentence. Everyone looks forward to putting their past behind them and knowing there's hope for the future.
"I just want to get on with my life. I don't want this to bring me down in any way. I just want to keep my head up and just start doing better," Nelson said.
Coyote Ridge hopes to hold this event yearly.
Prisoner Micah Nelson didn't want to admit what he's doing time for.
He's at the tail end of a two year sentence at the Coyote Ridge Correction Center.
At just 20 years old, he's got a lifetime ahead of him, and plenty of chances to get on the right track. But with a felony conviction, he'll have a hard time finding a job and a place to live.
"Some people think it will be easy just like it was before they got locked up. I don't think it will be," said Nelson.
Which is why the Department of Corrections is trying to help out. The prison held its first job fair for offenders.
"When I came in, I didn't know there was going to be this many resources to help me get a job when I get out, but now I came here, I can see there is a lot of opportunities and resources to help me get a job like I want," said Nelson.
Jobs available may be in construction or landscaping. More than 15 companies were there to help offenders who will be released within the next decade.
"We're able to provide information in a short amount of time and fulfill our mission," said one resource employer.
Nearly 300 inmates showed up to the job fair. Most KEPR talked to had less than three years to go on their sentence. Everyone looks forward to putting their past behind them and knowing there's hope for the future.
"I just want to get on with my life. I don't want this to bring me down in any way. I just want to keep my head up and just start doing better," Nelson said.
Coyote Ridge hopes to hold this event yearly.
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