Some background:I launched 70 Million Jobs (S17), the first for-profit employment platform for the formerly incarcerated. Inspired by my own incarceration and greatly assisted by my Y Combinator experience, we had success in facilitating jobs for thousands of men and women with records (of which I’m one), thereby dramatically reducing their chances of recidivating. Unfortunately, just as we...
In 2017, I announced the launch of my YC company, 70 Million Jobs--the first employment platform for 100M Americans with records. In 18 months we attained profitability and helped thousands land jobs. The COVID hit, companies fired our people and stopped hiring. We shut down.In addition to employment, justice system-impacted people speak of their need for community. Instead of serving life...
In August, 2017, while going through Y Combinator, I announced on HN the launch of 70 Million Jobs, the first employment platform for those with criminal records. (https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=14911467)We had great success, but when Covid hit, companies laid off all our people and stopped hiring new workers. Our business was devastated. I announced our closing here:...
At first, human resource departments thought I was nuts, but eventually they came around, and we turned profitable. Unfortunately, our timing wasn't so good because that coincided with the onset of Covid, when companies laid off tens of millions of workers.I tried holding out, but it took years to normalize. I had no choice but to shut down. That announcement (and the support it engendered also was enormous.)
I've continued with this work, and now am helping run a very similar staffing company, a division of a much larger business, 2C Workforce Solutions (2CCareers.com). I'll get to the point:
If you or anyone you know are in need of workers anywhere in the US, we can help. Studies have shown that those with records "are as good as--if not better than--those with no records." As a staffing company, we remain their employer and handle all the paperwork, payroll, taxes, etc. And of course, there's the very important social good being done.
If you've got (or can connect me to) a company that's got at least 100 employees, I'd very much appreciate the opportunity to connect. And for all of the incredible support, enthusiasm and great ideas in the past, thanks HN community!
I've dedicated my life to helping those with criminal records begin a second life that's safe and productive. My YC (S17) company 70 Million Jobs, had a lot of success, but the pandemic devastated us, forcing me to cease operations (https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=31598978 )But I've got a new idea to help folks with records land jobs (there's a direct correlation between recidivism and...
I'm the founder and ex-CEO of 70 Million Jobs (1st national, for-profit employment platform for people with criminal records). We helped thousands of deserving men and women land jobs, but when the pandemic hit in force, it destroyed our business.Several months ago I announced with great sadness that I was ceasing operations. Both the HN and Y Comb. (I was in S17) were incredibly supportive....
When I announced that I was shutting down my company, 70 Million Jobs/Commissary Club, I received enormous support from the Hacker News & YC communities. (The pandemic decimated my business helping the formally incarcerated land jobs and find community.) It was just what I needed at the time.Since then, I’ve worked as a consultant to several nonprofits. But I very much miss being on the...
The 70 million number relates to the number of people who have, in their record, an event(s) that might stand in their way from a variety of opportunities, so they are, by definition, serious events.
All mythology and ancient racism aside, businesses have come to realize more and more that hiring folks with records is not only the right thing to do, but it's very good business. QED