MECKLENBURG COUNTY, N.C. — A new state grant is helping convicts just released from prison return to Mecklenburg County's community.
It could help people like Candice Thompson.
She went to prison recently for a crime she said she committed as a teenager.
She's out of jail now, but said her conviction has made it hard to find a job.
"People who are felons they feel like they can't get a job, because they have a felony."
Hope Marshall is the administrator of the new program.
She said many ex-convicts in Mecklenburg County lack skills needed for jobs, they're disqualified from some jobs because of their felon status and she said 65 percent of those released from prison don't have a GED.
"If they can't find jobs, they'll usually relapse in some way," she said.
To break the re-offender cycle, Mecklenburg County and local social service agencies applied for and won a grant that will help fund training courses. The courses will teach them job skills and prepare them to keep jobs.
Those interested in the program should reach out to Mecklenburg County Criminal Justice Services by calling 704-353-0450.
WSOC
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