Media contact(s):
Lester Holmes: (216) 881-4598; lester.holmes@jfs.ohio.gov 
Mary Louise Madigan: (216) 698-2521; mlmadigan@cuyahogacounty.us 

CUYAHOGA COUNTY, OH — As employers try to find qualified workers to fill open jobs, Cuyahoga County is working to match them with residents who need a fresh start and to break down legal barriers to employment.

Who: Cuyahoga County Office of Reentry

What: Fourth Annual Breaking Down Barriers Hiring Event

When: Friday, July 15, 2022, 10:00 am to 2:00 pm

Where: The Hough Center (Old Salvation Army), 6000 Hough Ave., Cleveland, Ohio 44103

The Cuyahoga County Office of Reentry and Northeast Ohio VA Healthcare System, along with community partners, will host the Fourth Annual Breaking Down Barriers Hiring Event from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Hough Center on Friday, July 15th. The purpose of this hiring event is to remove barriers in the hiring process by placing jobseekers directly in front of companies for on-site interviews as well as providing resume assistance and other employment resources.

Partnering organizations include Cuyahoga Community College, Ohio Means Jobs, Center for Employment Opportunities (CEO), Oriana House, West Side Catholic Center, Volunteers for America and PCs for People, along with over 40 community organizations and employers. The event is free and open to the public.

“The County is proud to partner with organizations dedicated to providing opportunities to those eager to turn their lives around and become productive members of the community,” said Cuyahoga County Executive Armond Budish. “Cuyahoga County is committed to being able to bring employers and community resources together to show our commitment to hiring and breaking down barriers to provide opportunities for our citizens.”

Cuyahoga County Office of Reentry Director Simeon L. Best said employment is crucial to combating recidivism, and the Breaking Down Barriers Hiring Event helps those reentering society to begin their career path.

“Through events like these, we seek to create employment opportunities for justice involved individuals that will aid in their successful reintegration,” said Best. “We believe in second chances, and we join our community partners in helping to provide second chances to restore our citizens.”

For more information about other Office of Reentry programs and events, call (216) 698-3437 or visit https://hhs.cuyahogacounty.us/divisions/detail/office-of-reentry.