Job fair set for Reading

Berks Connections/Pretrial Services will be holding a Returning Citizens Career Fair on Feb. 7 in Reading.

The event will take place at the Double Tree by Hilton hotel from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and is open to anyone in the community who is on probation, parole, or who has past involvement in the criminal justice or domestic relations systems.

There are plans for more than 40 area employers to participate, including J.P. Mascaro & Sons, Morgan Truck Body, East Penn Manufacturing and Sweet Street Desserts, along with several local social service providers.

These employers offer second-chance employment opportunities, which is life-changing for many individuals in our community, according to Berks Connections officials.

The agency helps provide reentry workforce development programming in Berks, equipping returning citizens with the tools and skills necessary to become productive members of society.

Obtaining stable employment at a living wage is important to one’s reentry success, BCPS said in a press release, and its employment development specialists partner with area employers to learn about the employers’ specific operations and provide referrals of individuals who are a good match for their hiring needs.

“Like any other individuals, reentrants can add value to the workplace,” said Nikki Schnovel, agency co-executive director. “In fact, in some cases employers find individuals with a criminal record more motivated and eager for success than their counterparts. They are ready to make a change and live a productive life and are very appreciative of those who help make that happen.”