Enhance partnerships with community reentry programs  

Enhancing partnerships with community re-entry programs is an initiative of the City of Tallahassee’s Five-Year Strategic Plan to support training and job readiness for populations under the Impact of Poverty priority area. This strategic initiative is focused on removing barriers to employment. The City of Tallahassee is one of the largest employers in the region, with a diverse workforce that delivers a broad array of essential services to residents and businesses. As such, the City is well-positioned to provide employment opportunities and job training to individuals rejoining society. Employment with the City provides these individuals with the opportunity to learn a skill or trade, reconnect with their family and community, and secure financial resources as they prepare for release.

Re-entry program participants add value to City operations while they take pride in their work and prepare for their future. Over the past 15 years, the City has hosted 532 individuals through the Department of Corrections’ work release programs, with an overall 70% success-completion rate. Furthermore, 80 of these individuals have been successfully employed with the City across various departments including Golf, Fleet, Community Beautification & Waste Management, Environmental Services & Facilities, StarMetro, and Parks, Recreation & Neighborhood Affairs. Other departments such as Underground Utilities and Public Infrastructure, Human Resources, and the City Attorney’s Office have also played a key role in ensuring the success of program participants.

Program participants spend an average of 4 to 12 months in a City department before their release. City departments work closely together to ensure participants are prepared to successfully compete for employment upon completion of the program. City departments hosting participants utilize all resources available across the City, including Certified Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) and Forklift instructors, and safety experts to prepare participants for the written portion of the certifications. City equipment is also used to train and help certify participants. CDL and Forklift certifications are marketable skills that have proven valuable in assisting program participants to gain employment. The success of the program is also possible with volunteer community members and City employees who dedicate their personal time to teach participants life skills ranging from resume writing and mock interviews to personal financial management.

The City plans to continue this effort to remain a leading community partner that actively connects individuals to resources that remove economic and social barriers.

CBWM, Fleet, Golf, ESFM. Last updated: August 2022.