ERIE, Pa. — A local job fair is working to create employment opportunities for people who often face additional barriers when looking for work, including people with disabilities, veterans and those with felony convictions.
Organized by Syreeta Allen Tate, the Second Chance Job Fair aims to connect job seekers with employers willing to consider their skills and potential, along with resources to help them take the next step in their careers.
For many job seekers, getting a foot in the door can be the most challenging part of finding employment. Organizers say a person’s disability, military service or criminal history should not define their future.
Fair-chance hiring gives employers an opportunity to consider candidates who may otherwise be overlooked because of their backgrounds.
“Give that person a chance. They’ll probably be one of the hardest working people that you’ll hire,” Allen Tate said. “This spectrum of people, they’re overlooked because of their background, and, you know, it shouldn’t be like that.”
The Second Chance Job Fair is scheduled for Thursday, Oct. 29, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at New Life and Spirit Revival Center, 315 E. Ninth St. in Erie.
The event is intended to help job seekers make connections with potential employers and access resources that can help them move forward.