Center for Employment Opportunities

📅 Tuesday, March 4, 2025 📍 NY State Capitol Albany Join us, @ceoworks, @thefortunesoc, @BrennanCenter, and @CCA_NY on March 4 for Better Reentry Advocacy Day in Albany! Let's #RaiseTheGate and support successful reentry! RSVP here: ceolink.co/ReentryMar4

After returning home from incarceration, Raymond connected with #CEONewYorkCity to gain the certifications needed to reenter the workforce. He refused to compromise on unsafe job conditions, a decision that ultimately led him to found Safety Above All LLC. Today, his company provides critical safety services on the Edgemere Commons project in Queens, helping build a safer, stronger community. Read his story: ceolink.co/3EQenUQ #BlackHistoryMonth

Breaking: @RollingStone covers CEO's work in advocating for the Reentry Assistance Bill (A.1.93), introduced by @AMEddieGibbs, to provide $425/month for six months to help people secure jobs, housing, and stability after returning home from incarceration. Stay tuned as we head to Albany on March 4 to push for policies that truly support successful reentry in New York. People deserve real resources and opportunities in order to thrive. Read the full article: ceolink.co/4hUSD8Z ✍️ @andrejgee

Our February Newsletter is here! This month, we’re celebrating #BlackHistoryMonth by spotlighting CEO participants who are building their own legacies through entrepreneurship. Plus, check out our 2024 Annual Report, learn more about our new AI partnership with the GitLab Foundation, and take a look at what our coalition is doing to advocate for #BetterReentry in New York. Read the full update: ceolink.co/4gYsPre

After coming home from incarceration, Maria struggled to find work. With no income or support, she couldn’t provide for her kids. But with reentry cash assistance, she was able to secure basic necessities and begin rebuilding her life. No one should start over without the resources to move forward. Read her story: ceolink.co/3Qq2Kqa

In 2024, thanks to your support, CEO helped nearly 7,500 individuals build new career paths, provided $19.3 Million in wages, and placed nearly 3,900 people in permanent employment. Through our transitional work programs, advanced training pathways, and systems advocacy work, we are breaking down barriers and helping justice-impacted people reach their limitless potential. Read our full 2024 annual report: ceolink.co/3DfTTnO

Born into a family of entrepreneurs, Willie always dreamed of owning a business. After facing barriers to employment, he turned his passion for cooking into Fedenterprises—a food truck business he’s building to create stability for himself and his daughter. Read his story: ceolink.co/3ELFIY7 #BlackHistoryMonth

ATTN: Advocacy Day is approaching! On March 4, we’re heading to Albany to push for policies that truly support successful reentry in New York. A bus ticket isn’t enough—people deserve real resources and opportunities. Join us and take action. RSVP today: ceolink.co/ReentryMar4 #BetterReentryNOW #RaiseTheGate

Reentering society comes with financial barriers that make it harder to succeed. George, a #CEODenver participant, used reentry cash assistance to cover essentials like rent, work tools, and transportation—allowing him to focus on work and his family instead of struggling to get by. Read his story: ceolink.co/3EGhv5v

Recently, three of our participants completed a Google Workspace Gmail certification, building foundational workplace communication skills. With guidance from job coaches, they developed critical skills to help them succeed in a technology-driven world.

"I don’t think I should be punished twice for my conviction…I already paid that debt." In too many states, a past conviction can mean a lifetime ban from essential support like SNAP. That means parents like Yasmeen—who is working, providing, and building a stable future—are blocked from accessing the food assistance they need. These policies create unnecessary barriers to economic mobility for entire families. Read her story: ceolink.co/3WXZSo0

At our #CEOCharlotte open house, featuring Black-owned vendors, we renewed our commitment to connecting justice-impacted individuals with fair chance employers. With the support of local Black-owned businesses and community partners, we’re supporting more opportunities for success, celebrating innovation and community empowerment. #BlackHistoryMonth

LA employers, here’s what you need to know! 📢 Join CEO and @EconOppLA for a free online session and learn about the new Fair Chance Ordinance and what it means for your hiring practices. 📅 Feb 26 | 12 PM PST We’ll cover compliance basics, hiring strategies, and free support resources. Register here: ceolink.co/fairchancela

After starting as a CEO crew member, DelShawn built a career in workforce development and launched his own real estate business. Now an Outreach & Retention Specialist for #CEOMichigan, he’s focused on expanding opportunities for others reentering the workforce. Read his story: ceolink.co/3EFogok #BlackHistoryMonth

Reentry cash gave Perri the support he needed after returning home. With $500 a month for 6 months, he was able to cover rent, transportation, and food—allowing him to focus on his future. Without financial support, basic needs go unmet and the risk of recidivism increases. Investing in reentry support is a critical step in reducing barriers and increasing long-term success. ceolink.co/3Q98q7M

Access to quality prenatal and postpartum care shouldn’t depend on incarceration status. The CARE Act ensures incarcerated pregnant individuals and their babies get the medical care they need. Thank you, @SenatorCooney, for supporting this important legislation!

We want to thank @senatorrjackson and @assemblymanalt1 for their commitment to getting the Communities Not Cages Act passed. This legislation invests in people, not prisons, by providing the support needed to help individuals rebuild their lives and contribute to their communities.

We’re excited to announce that CEO and @NYSBCTC are partnering on a $1M grant from @GovKathyHochul's Office of Strategic Workforce Development! This funding will create paid training opportunities for 100 justice-impacted individuals in Buffalo, Rochester, and Albany, helping them obtain good-paying, secure careers in the construction industry. Plus, each participant will have access to a $2,500 cash benefit for vehicle down payments to help ensure reliable transportation to their new job. Learn more about the grant: ceolink.co/40MtHc8

Thousands of New Yorkers return home from incarceration every year with nothing - no ID, no housing, no food, and no transportation. That’s not reentry—it’s a setup for failure. On Monday, March 4, 2025, join us in Albany to demand real reentry support by passing the Reentry Assistance Bill (A.193). We can and must do better! RSVP now: ceolink.co/ReentryMar4 #BetterReentryNOW #RaiseTheGate