My Journey from CROP to Exygy: The Power of Second Chances
More than 650,000 individuals exit the justice system each year. I was one of those individuals two years ago. But what is often not told is that nearly 68% of formerly incarcerated individuals are rearrested within three years. This tendency for convicted persons to reoffend is called recidivism. However, stable employment has been shown to significantly decrease recidivism rates.
Thankfully, I had the opportunity to work with the Creating Restorative Opportunities and Programs (CROP) organization re-entry program. This lead me to Exygy, whose leadership saw me as more than my previous mistakes and gave me a second chance. That chance has blossomed into an opportunity for me to work with Exygy as their full time Sales Development Representative where I’ve been able to make a positive impact in day to day operations and long term growth.
Today, my involvement with CROP and Exygy has not only helped me create a stable life for myself, but they’ve also enabled me to beat the odds and choose my own narrative—one that’s not rooted in the cycle of recidivism.
That’s what Fair Chance Hiring is all about—recognizing potential beyond past mistakes and giving people the opportunity to contribute, grow, and thrive. It’s not just about offering a job; it’s about breaking cycles, strengthening communities, and building a workforce that reflects resilience and determination.
The Benefits of Fair Chance Hiring—It’s Smart Business
When organizations open their doors to justice-impacted individuals, they’re not just changing one life. They’re creating a ripple effect of positive change. However, choosing to hire people with criminal records isn’t just about being nice. It’s a strategy that can make your business and community stronger. Here’s how:
1. Finding New Talent and Ideas
Many companies struggle to find strong candidates. By hiring justice-involved individuals, you open the door to a highly motivated talent pool that is often overlooked. Entry-level sales roles frequently require strong communication, adaptability, and resilience—skills that many justice-involved individuals have developed through navigating challenges, overcoming adversity, adapting to new problems, and staying committed to their goals. By embracing fair chance hiring practices, organizations can tap into a pool of talent that embodies these key qualities, thereby enhancing their workforce with individuals who bring unique perspectives and a proven capacity for growth.
2. Improving Your Brand and Promoting Diversity
People care about the values of the companies they support, and integrating Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) into hiring practices sends a powerful message. At a time when some federal decisions are scaling back DEI initiatives, Exygy remains steadfast in its commitment to building a more inclusive workforce—and we’re not alone. McKinsey & Company has publicly reinforced its dedication to DEI, recognizing that diversity isn’t just the right thing to do; it drives better business outcomes. Their 2023 report, Diversity Matters Even More, found that organizations with diverse leadership teams continue to outperform their peers financially. When companies hire individuals who have faced systemic barriers, they foster a culture of fairness, innovation, and opportunity—strengthening both their brand reputation and internal team morale. True diversity goes beyond appearances—it’s about embracing different life experiences and perspectives to build a stronger, more inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and included.
3. Helping the Community and Reducing Recidivism
Fair Chance Hiring helps break the cycle of incarceration by providing opportunities for individuals to build stable, fulfilling lives. Employment is one of the most effective ways to reduce recidivism, as it offers a pathway to stability and personal growth. According to the Bureau of Justice Statistics, 68% of released prisoners are rearrested within three years, and 83% within nine years. By offering fair chance employment, businesses can play a key role in disrupting this pattern, empowering justice-impacted individuals to reintegrate into society and contribute to safer, stronger communities.
Addressing Concerns and the Power of Partnerships
When I moved from CROP to Exygy, it wasn’t just luck. CROP helped me with job training, practice interviews, and building important skills. Exygy got a motivated employee, and CROP provided extra support to make sure everything went smoothly.
If you have concerns about hiring people with criminal records, you’re not alone. You might worry about reliability or how it will affect your team. Thankfully, you can ease these worries by connecting with the Exygy team to learn how we embraced Fair Chance Hiring, or by partnering with justice reform organizations.
Organizations like CROP, Mass Liberation, The Last Mile, Defy Ventures, and ARC prepare justice-impacted individuals for employment by teaching them new skills, building their confidence, and providing support. They can help your business by connecting you with prepared, motivated candidates who want to prove themselves.
Creating a Positive Work Environment
Some companies fear that hiring someone with a criminal record might cause problems at work. But with the right support and training, these new employees can become some of your strongest collaborators. Both in my experience and the experience of several of my CROP fellows, they are usually very determined to succeed and show that they deserve the chance you gave them.
Justice reform organizations can help you set up good hiring practices and provide guidance to your team. This way, everyone feels included, and your new hires have the best chance to shine.
Building a Loyal, Hardworking Team
Data shows that justice-involved individuals often stay at their jobs longer and work harder. A study by Twin Cities Rise reported that formerly incarcerated graduates had an 80% retention rate after one year and 70% after two years, surpassing the national average for entry-level positions. Twin Cities Rise!
By working with groups like CROP, you gain a partner who helps both you and your new employee succeed. This collaboration can also strengthens your brand both for your consumers and your employees as it showcases your commitment to DEI and creating a positive impact.
Additional Resources
Explore these resources to deepen your understanding of Fair Chance Hiring and its impact:
Taking the First Step: How You Can Embrace Fair Chance Hiring
When businesses commit to Fair Chance Hiring, they send a powerful message: that everyone deserves the opportunity to contribute and succeed. That’s why Fair Chance Hiring is more than just a smart business move—it’s about giving second chances, recognizing potential, and creating opportunities for people to improve their lives. By opening your hiring process to justice-involved individuals, you can tap into a pool of talented, hardworking employees while making a meaningful impact in your community.
At Exygy, we’ve seen the impact of Fair Chance Hiring firsthand, and we’re here to help. If you're interested in learning how we implemented Fair Chance Hiring—or if you’re looking for resources to get started—email Hannah Rachael Smith, Director of Growth at Exygy. We’d love to connect you with the right tools and organizations to support your journey toward building a more inclusive workforce.
About Exygy
At Exygy, we specialize in designing and building human-centered digital solutions for organizations driving social impact. From justice reform and housing to health equity and climate resilience, we partner with mission-driven organizations to create innovative tools that empower communities and drive lasting change.
Curious about how we can help your organization make an impact? Reach out to us today or subscribe to our newsletter to stay up to date on ways to make a difference in your organization and community. Let’s build a better future together.
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