The Queens Public Library in New York launched a week of programming to help formerly incarcerated patrons and their family members pursue careers, education and opportunities for entrepreneurship. Each day this week, QPL’s “Justice Without Barriers” initiative will provide virtual workshops and information for formerly incarcerated New Yorkers reentering the job market and building their resumes. A full schedule of events is available online at the Queens Public Library web

Earlier this month, Montgomery County, Maryland Council unanimously approved expansions to the existing Maryland “Ban the Box” legislation. The new bill bars all county employers (except those providing services to vulnerable populations) from inquiring into a candidate's criminal background until after offering employment. It also prohibits consideration of certain types of arrests and convictions when making employment decisions. “If a person has paid their debt to society,

“Before I was incarcerated, I had been a homeless teen for a couple of years. I was abusing drugs and alcohol really badly before I was locked up,” said Blakeman, who lost his father at 15; his mother came in and out of his life. “When I got locked up, I was sober for the first time in a couple of years. I looked around ... and was able to see the path I was headed down.” - Harley Blakeman, Founder & CEO, Honest Jobs Read the article " Harley Blakeman’s journey from prison to