New Second-Chance Employment Initiative at Harvest House Launches

by Shaelina Holmes

December 14, 2021

New Second-Chance Employment Initiative Launches at Harvest House

SARASOTA, FL.  December 15, 2021 – As a labor shortage and an intense battle for talent looms, local employers are embracing second-chance hiring, and Harvest House is stepping up to make the most of the opportunity.

Harvest House is one of the largest human service providers in the region, including a particular focus on second chances for adults with a history of incarceration for substance abuse. The organization recently launched Purpose Works, a new initiative designed to find employment opportunities for their clients and encourage more inclusive hiring processes at local companies.

“We needed a solution to both increase clients’ access to stable employment and help local employers hire great talent,” said Erin Minor, CEO of Harvest House. “Well-paying, long-term career opportunities with benefits and upward mobility tremendously improve the economic mobility of the people we serve, especially those with a history of incarceration and substance abuse.”

Girl teen worker with safety helmet happy smiling working labor

The new initiative is supported by a $300,000 grant from Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation and $50,000 from William G. & Marie Selby Foundation to assist with program-related expenses such as transportation for clients and identifying workplaces that will welcome second-chance workers.

The initiative was developed in partnership with Tervis Tumbler in Venice, FL which is also the inaugural employer for the effort. Tervis now accepts persons with non-violent felonies, and there are currently ten Harvest House clients employed by the company. That number is expected to grow in the coming weeks.

“Tervis is a job where anyone who wants to grow and prosper can do so,” said Vanessa, a participant of the program. “Some of our bosses started in the same position I work in now and worked their way up the ranks in a short amount of time. Tervis is even paying for school for some of them now. The company means a lot because there are not many who will hire a person like me, but Tervis was willing to give me a chance.”

To incentivize long-term employment, participants will receive bonuses after 60, 120, and 180 days. A few participants are nearing the 30-day mark and are looking forward to the upward mobility the initiative provides.

“We are grateful for our successful partnership with Harvest House,” said Rogan Donelly, Tervis President and CEO. “Tervis products are excellent because of the outstanding people who make them. We are honored to be alongside the journey of our employees who are part of the Harvest House program as they develop new skills while building a bright future.”

To learn more and become a second-chance employer, visit harvesthousecenters.org/purposeworks.