Job fair aimed at helping those with criminal convictions find employment

For the third year, Kansas City Police are hosting a job fair specifically for community members who have previous criminal convictions.

The Fair Chance Job Fair will be from noon to 6 p.m. Nov. 12 at the Rockhurst Community Center, 5401 Troost Ave. The Fair previously took place at South Patrol Division, but officers wanted to centralize it to make it accessible to more people.

“We want to help give people a fresh start,” Officer Mary McCall said.

Numerous studies have shown that stable employment reduces recidivism, but having a previous criminal conviction can create hurdles to getting a job. The Fair Chance Job Fair aims to change that.

As of Nov. 5, 17 employers with immediate job openings are scheduled to be at the fair. Companies with immediate openings who would like to participate in the Fair Chance Job Fair can e-mail Officers Aaron Whitehead or Mary McCall.

The event is a partnership with the office of Missouri State Sen. Kiki Curls. It is co-sponsored by multiple Kansas City Council Members and Missouri State Rep. Richard Brown.