The Kentucky Comeback program has helped hundreds of Kentuckians find employment. Read their compelling stories below.
Fair Chance Employer Testimonials
“This was an exciting opportunity for us to participate in and we were able to take what we’ve learned to help build upon a relationship with our local recovery center. We have hired more than 20 individuals from Addiction Recovery Care, increasing our intentional hiring practices with fair chance populations because of what we learned in the Fair Chance Academy.”
“Kentucky’s business community has long sought to be part of the solution for the terrible addiction crisis impacting our Commonwealth—and thanks to the Kentucky Transformational Employment Program, we now have a defined and viable pathway to do so. KTEP also helps employers address another critical challenge: finding and retaining quality employees. I commend the Kentucky General Assembly and Governor Beshear for recognizing these critical needs and supporting this innovative program.”
“Everyone deserves a second chance. Business leaders have the power to change the mindset around these hiring practices. Providing individuals with second-chance opportunities gives stable employment, a career path, but most of all, a purpose in life.”
“I feel so fortunate to have attended the academy these last three weeks. Prior to this, I felt like I was alone, and this task ahead of me was all on me to do by myself,” said The Jordan Center CEO David McKenzie. “Now, I feel like I have tremendous resources that I have never had before. It gives me even more confidence that we’re going to be successful in doing something that no one else has ever done. In my industry, no one has ever tried to do this, and now I have a path forward.”
“I feel so fortunate to have attended the academy these last three weeks. Prior to this, I felt like I was alone, and this task ahead of me was all on me to do by myself. Now, I feel like I have tremendous resources that I have never had before. It gives me even more confidence that we’re going to be successful in doing something that no one else has ever done. In my industry, no one has ever tried to do this, and now I have a path forward.”
“Here at Dorman Products in Warsaw, KY we believe in 2nd chance employment. In fact, the terminology has evolved to transformational employment. The folks in our community that have struggled with addiction become some of the most resilient people. I’ve come to learn that many of those we’ve taken the chance on have become pivotal members of our team. They are a big part of helping us transform our business and culture in our quest to be a world class organization.”
“America is about second chances, so why shouldn’t employers be? Second chance employment is not just the right thing to do; it’s smart for business. At TAI, we believe there are talented people everywhere, from every walk of life, equipped with the values we desire and the skills we need for our business. A person’s past doesn’t have to determine their future, and the results we’ve seen with this program so far are proving just that.”
“It is never too late for new beginnings when you’re trying to rebuild your life….you just need a second chance opportunity. We feel we have the responsibility to give people opportunities. More often than not, when people are rebuilding their life and are given the right opportunity, they make amazing, loyal employees.”
“We found that these individuals are good or better employees than the general population. They have instilled strong work ethics, they like work that is purposefully fulfilling, and they want to do a good job.”
“The South Central Workforce Development Board is a believer in the power of employment to transform lives. In keeping with that belief, we have become a ‘second chance’ employer for individuals who have been justice involved or who have struggled with substance abuse disorder. The unique contributions of our diverse workforce are central to our success as an organization and as a leader in workforce development.”
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