Company Hires 1 in 4 From Second Chance Workers

When Alisia Weaver started as an apprentice at Frontier Co-op six years ago, she had a criminal record and limited options. Today, she's a machine operator with her own home, a car, and stable childcare for her son.

Her success isn't unique. It's part of a deliberate strategy that's transforming how one company thinks about hiring.

In 2018, Frontier Co-op launched Breaking Down Barriers to Employment, a program that gives people with justice-involved pasts a real shot at building careers. The results speak for themselves: more than 25% of their production hires last year were formerly incarcerated individuals.

The statistics show why this matters. One in three American adults has some interaction with the criminal justice system on their record. A criminal record cuts a candidate's chances of getting a second interview in half, even when they're qualified for the job.

But here's what most companies don't know: 85% of HR professionals and 81% of business leaders report that workers with criminal records perform as well as or better than those without. Frontier Co-op is seeing this firsthand.

The program goes beyond just removing the checkbox on applications. The company partners with local nonprofits to provide wraparound services, offers subsidized childcare and transportation, runs apprenticeship programs, and recently launched a savings match program to build long-term financial stability.

CEO Tony Bedard says the impact extends far beyond individual success stories. Employees regularly tell him how proud they are that their company offers genuine second chances, especially since so many people know someone held back by a criminal record.

The Ripple Effect

The benefits ripple outward in unexpected ways. Companies gain dedicated workers who bring diverse perspectives and deep motivation. Communities see reduced homelessness and recidivism. Families get stability.

Justice-involved individuals are ten times more likely to experience homelessness than the general population, largely because employment barriers make it nearly impossible to secure housing and transportation. Breaking that cycle creates opportunity not just for individuals, but for entire neighborhoods.

Organizations like the Responsible Business Initiative for Justice are helping more companies adopt these practices. "Hiring justice-impacted job seekers can break cycles of incarceration, revitalize neighborhoods, and forge pathways for people to reach their potential," says CEO Maha Jweied.

Bedard emphasizes that this isn't about lowering standards or rehabilitation. It's about removing bias that unnecessarily limits access to qualified candidates.

"I've come forward to tell my story because I just want to encourage people and inspire them not to give up, no matter what setbacks they face," Weaver says. "It could be beneficial for you, but it could also change someone's life."

April is Fair Chance Month, and more companies are discovering that second chances create first-rate employees.