Today, the Center for Employment Opportunities (CEO), the US's largest re-entry organization, launched "More Than a Background" (#MoreThanABackground) - a public-awareness campaign to limit the use of criminal background checks in the hiring process.

Legislation Would Help Cover Cost of Basic Necessities During Critical Reentry Period and Help Reduce New York's High Recidivism RateALBANY, N.Y., March 5, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The Center for Employment Opportunities (CEO), a founding member of the Coalition for Reentry Cash, lauded New York Senator Kevin Parker and Assemblymember Edward Gibbs for introducing groundbreaking legislation aimed at transforming the reentry experience by replacing the insufficient amount of 'gate money,' the money people receive when leaving incarceration, with an innovative Reentry Fund.New York-based members of the Coalition for Reentry Cash - CEO, The Fortune Society, The Osborne Association, and Center for Community Alternatives - have been leading the advocacy for the proposed legislation, [S6643A/A9115], which would establish a reentry fund, with an approximate allocation of $2,550 per eligible individual, to empower thousands of New Yorkers to cover basic necessities, such as food, housing costs, and preparation for employment upon release from prison.Currently, the more than 11,000 people who are expected to reenter communities from prisons in New York this year are provided with a meager $40 in "gate money" when they leave incarceration and face strict supervision conditions that generally require them to be able to pay for housing and transportation, along with food and other basic needs."As the first formerly incarcerated person in the New York State Legislature, I understand the monumental challenges facing those reentering society from our state prisons. Every year, thousands of individuals return to our communities, often with little more than the clothes on their backs," Assemblymember Edward Gibbs stated. This isn't just about financial assistance; it's about dignity, stability, and reducing the likelihood of re-offense. By offering this support, we're not only aiding individuals but also investing in the safety and prosperity of our communities. I urge my colleagues to recognize the transformative potential of the Reform to Gate Money Bill. Together, we can turn the tide on recidivism and pave the way for successful reintegration, ensuring all New Yorkers get a second chance.""Today, people are sent home from prison with $40

Legislation would provide Coloradans returning from incarceration up to $3,000 to cover essential needs, such as housing, food, transportation, and moreDENVER, Jan. 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Colorado State Senators Julie Gonzalez and James Coleman and Representatives Mary Young and Javier Mabrey introduced SB24-012 , an innovative new bill establishing a reentry pilot program connecting formerly incarcerated people with financial assistance to help them get on their feet as they return to their communities. The bill is supported by the Center for Employment Opportunities (CEO), the nation's largest reentry employment provider.Currently, people returning from incarceration in Colorado receive only $100 in "dress out" funds to navigate reentry and the process of rebuilding their lives. Recognizing the inadequacy of this support, the legislation establishes a pilot program to provide cash payments of up to $3,000 per person to help individuals pay for essential needs."We are thrilled to see Colorado leaders build on the success of CEO's Returning Citizen Stimulus program that provided critical financial assistance during the pandemic to Coloradans returning from incarceration," said Sam Schaeffer, CEO of the Center for Employment Opportunities. "These payments have shown to have a transformative impact on a person's ability to successfully reintegrate into their communities. CEO has offered cash support to nearly 750 Coloradans returning from incarceration