Image by Beaverton Bakery via Official Website - Beaverton Bakery hires and trains ex-offenders to work in their shop as part of an initiative called Second Chance Program
- Second Chance Program is an effort started with the hope to stop the inmates from reoffending crimes
- For almost 10 years since the initiative started, the bakery has hired more than 200 former convicted individuals through the program
BEAVERTON, Oregon – A bakeshop in Oregon started an initiative wherein former convicted inmates are given jobs in order to provide a smooth transition from life in prison into the community.
The Beaverton Bakery hires and trains ex-offenders to work in their shop. The initiative is part of their Second Chance Program; an effort to stop the inmates from reoffending crimes.
For almost 10 years since the initiative started, the bakery has hired more than 200 former convicted individuals through the program.
Last April 27, Beaverton Bakery owner Carrie Ann Schubert was honored at the White House as one of 10 “Champions of Change” in recognition of her work in expanding fair chance opportunities.
“We make them feel like they’re part of the community and a lot of these [participants] haven’t had that experience,” said Schubert as quoted by Kimberly Yam in her article for The Huffington Post published on April 29.
“A lot of people weren’t even given that first chance, much less a second chance,” Schubert added; whose brother was also incarcerated.
Through the Second Chance Program, participants learn baking and other life skills while making a living. Schubert shared her staff also help participants find housing after they get out of halfway houses.
Those in the program are also able to work at the bakery for as long as they wish.
“You have to be very understanding because there’s groups they have to go to, classes they have to take, their parole officer could ask them to come in for a drug test,” she said.
“You need to be flexible with them so they can be able to work their own program as well as their job,” Schubert said; adding that it is crucial to comprehend the situations of the former inmates.
Now that’s a real champion of change, won’t you agree?
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