OHIO — Closing the workforce gap has been an issue that the state has been working on for several years now. But a second chance program is looking to help, one former prisoner at a time.

What You Need To Know

  • Gov. Mike DeWine is working with employers on a second chance program 

  • The program would help former prisoners get hired and find job opportunities 

  • DeWine believes this program will help bridge the workforce gap 

Darek Givens is one of them. He was hired by Nehemiah Manufacturing Company in Cincinnati after spending 10 years in prison.

“I love it here because they don't hold that against you,” said Givens. “They don't hold the drug happens against you. They don't hold your criminal behavior against you, you know, criminal background against you.”

Gov. Mike DeWine said there are 18,000 more people like Givens who will be released soon from prison looking for jobs. Which is why he’s pushing a second chance program that he believes it will help bridge the workforce gap. 

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