Kentucky’s umbrella business organization is continuing efforts to help employers find workers in a variety of fields. Part of that focus lies on employing Kentuckians going through substance use recovery.
The Kentucky Chamber Foundation has now seen a fourth class of business leaders finish its “Fair Chance Academy.” 19 people, representing a wide variety of industries, completed the 3-day academy this month. Ryan Bowman manages the Workforce Recovery Program for the Foundation.
“We need to introduce employers to those in recovery and to those that have had issues with justice involvement in their past. And we see that that’s where the real stigma gets crushed,” said Bowman.
Bowman said this approach to employment works to put mental and physical health on a level playing field. He noted through this academy employers have connected over 300 individuals to employment since May of 2022. Bowman added the connections cover all business sectors. He said the next step may be to go across the state with classes.
“We’ve been looking statewide and to bring people into Frankfort. I think it’s time for us within the workforce recovery program and the Kentucky Chamber Foundation to go regional. We need to reach out into local communities. We need to get local governments involved,” said Bowman.
The now more than 300 individuals connected with employers have been sourced from partners like Addiction Recovery Care, Isaiah House, and the Department of Corrections.
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