Montgomery Day Reporting Center Resource Fair Connects Participants with Unique Career Opportunities

By Jakiya Dudley, Media Specialist

MONTGOMERY, Ala. – On Thursday, February 20, the Montgomery Day Reporting Center Resource Fair became the first step towards career advancement for nearly 50 eager participants. In partnership with Alabama Power, the Economic Development Partnership of Alabama (EDPA), J.F. Ingram State Technical College (ISTC), and the Alabama Community College System (ACCS), the Montgomery DRC hosted a successful resource fair that opened doors to new employment and training opportunities to probationers, parolees, ISTC students and the nearby reentry population.

The event was designed to bridge formerly incarcerated individuals with potential employers, helping them to engage directly with job recruiters, submit applications on-site, and participate in immediate interviews. This initiative supports the broader mission of reducing recidivism while strengthening Alabama’s workforce.

In full support of the resource efforts, Bureau Director Cam Ward emphasized the importance of employment in successful reentry, stating, “Jobs are a crucial component of successful reentry. When someone overcomes an underlying mental health condition or substance use issue, stable employment is essential. Statistics show that good employment reduces the likelihood of reoffending. I am grateful to all the public and private stakeholders who have partnered with us in this effort.”

Assistant Director for Reentry Rebecca Bensema, praised both the participants and the team behind the event, emphasizing the significance of their efforts. “We are extremely proud of you for showing up today and taking advantage of the support services available. I also want to commend the DRC team for their dedication in bringing this event to life,” Bensema said.

Building on the success of past events at the Perry County PREP Center and Huntsville Day Reporting Center, the Montgomery event was met with enthusiasm and strong participation. Attendees walked away with new connections, opening doors to meaningful career opportunities.

The event received remarkable support from members of the Parole Board, whose attendance emphasized their commitment to helping the reentry population succeed. Board Member Gabrelle Simmons shared her enthusiasm, saying, “It’s amazing to see all the opportunities available to you today. Make the most of it, ask questions, learn as much as you can, and remember that we’re here to support you every step of the way.”

“This event brings together the community college system and private employers who are actively looking for talented individuals like you. We are incredibly proud of your progress so far, and we’re here to help you take the next step into the workforce,” Board Member Darryl Littleton said.

The Bureau greatly appreciates our partnership with J.F. Ingram State Technical College, acknowledging that the event’s success and the wide range of training opportunities provided would not have been possible without their support. ISTC President Annette Funderburk emphasized their commitment to providing resources to the reentry population: “Our mission at Ingram State is to develop responsible citizens. We are here to ensure you have the tools needed to succeed,” she said.

The event also featured the return of the Alabama Experience, or ALEX, which helped inspire participants to explore new career opportunities. ALEX is a mobile exhibit with interactive kiosks and educational displays, guided by an informed team ready to answer questions. This innovative workforce development resource provided attendees with a closer look into what life in Alabama has to offer from job opportunities and educational programs to recreational activities and living costs. By engaging with ALEX, participants were able to learn about careers in the building trades, discover options for continuing their education, connect with local employers, and gain valuable insights into thriving industries across the state.

The Bureau extends its gratitude to J.F. Ingram State Technical College, the Alabama Community College System, Alabama Power, the Economic Development Partnership of Alabama, and the many employers who participated for their partnership in this program and looks forward to future resource fairs and partnerships with ALEX. Looking ahead, the Bureau is committed to expanding these efforts across the state to enhance reentry and rehabilitation services.