MILWAUKEE — An organization in Milwaukee is giving formerly incarcerated men and women a chance to learn a skilled trade. It’s helping both minority contractors and homebuyers.
Ezekiel Community Development Corporation (CDC) was founded in 1998. Its overall goal is to renovate boarded up homes to rid the city of some of its blight. It sells them to first-time homebuyers.
What You Need To Know
- An organization in Milwaukee is giving formerly incarcerated men and women a chance to learn a skilled trade
- Ezekiel Community Development Corporation's goal is to renovate boarded up homes to rid the city of some of its blight
- The program then sells them to first-time homebuyers
- Ezekiel CDC hires minority contractors and creates jobs for unemployed and formerly incarcerated people
Five years ago, Kevin Freeman joined Ezekiel CDC. Since then, he’s been able to master the craft of electric work. He said it’s something he would have never imagined doing.
Ezekiel CDC hires minority contractors and creates jobs for unemployed and formerly incarcerated people.
“It was like you came in with a clean slate,” said Freeman. “They gave you a chance to learn and just expose you to all different opportunities.”
Freeman said when he reentered society, he faced some challenges finding employment. Now, he said it’s been fulfilling to see himself and others working with him succeed. He’s been able to work his way up to project manager.
“I’ve become one of the trainers here,” he said. “Just to see the impact it has on other young men and other young women to be exposed - that’s the real reward and pay day.”
Jim Gaillard is the the organization’s vice president and lead trainer. He said they are able to revitalize neighborhoods in Milwaukee and provide on-site job training to minority firms.
“One of the ways we feel we can help the community be a better place is to put people to work,” he said. “Not just in a job, but a real career.”
Gaillard said this approach is a win-win for minority contractors, Black unemployed males, neighborhoods and potential homebuyers.
“We’re filling a void that’s getting bigger and bigger,” said Gaillard. “There’s not enough skilled trades people out here.”
He wants people to know that there are honest ways to make a living. They work to provide to tools to reduce recidivism.
"I always say, if a guy has a nice check coming on Friday, he may not act a fool on Wednesday,” said Gaillard.
According to its website, Ezekiel has already completed four home renovations. It also successfully sold six homes at market value and trained 35-40 workers who were previously unemployed.
Freeman is one of many success stories. He said it’s become his passion to share his knowledge and skills with others.
“Don’t give up on yourself,” said Freeman. “Never doubt yourself because anything is possible. If you get that second chance, make good on it.”
He’s thankful he was given a second chance. He said he’s learned so much along the way and will continue to pay it forward.