Georgia DOL launching Walking the Last Mile reentry program

The Georgia Department of Labor is launching a program called “Walking the Last Mile” a state program that offers a path to jobs after incarceration, benefitting both ex-prisoners and employers. The program will provide guidance and preparation for individuals who are incarcerated, improving their chances of finding good jobs upon reentering the workforce.

The pilot program will initially rely on volunteers who will work with individuals in their final months within the justice system. Volunteers will assist them in assessing their skills, conducting mock job interviews, and packaging their skills in ways that appeal to employers.

Bruce Thompson, the state’s labor commissioner, emphasized that while there are existing programs for those leaving incarceration, the goal of the DOL is to complement these efforts.

The program aims to be a supportive resource for individuals transitioning from incarceration to the workforce, recognizing the challenges they face in adapting to a different world.

Georgia has a significant number of individuals incarcerated, with about 95,000 people in prisons and local jails, making it the third-highest incarceration rate in the United States.

The ‘Walking the Last Mile’ program hopes to assist those leaving incarceration in securing meaningful employment opportunities, ultimately reducing recidivism, and benefiting both individuals and companies seeking skilled workers.

The program will initially start with volunteers but has plans for expansion, with hopes of helping 500 to 1,000 people through the program within two years.

The initiative aligns with efforts to support “returning citizens” in finding employment, thereby reducing barriers to reentry and contributing to the overall economic well-being of the community.

The initial pilot program for “Walking the Last Mile” is set to launch in December 2023 from the Metro Reentry Facility in Downtown Atlanta.

This initiative has the potential to make a positive impact on the lives of those seeking to reintegrate into society and contribute to the broader community. The goal of the program is to eventually reach many of the state’s other prisons. 

The program has garnered positive responses from advocates, organizations, and companies like the Georgia Association of Manufacturers and the Associated General Contractors of Georgia who recognize the importance of providing second chances and removing barriers to employment for individuals with a history of incarceration.

The support from organizations such as these indicates a collaborative effort to address the challenges faced by individuals transitioning from incarceration to the workforce.