In 2011 my life changed forever.  My son was sentenced to three months in prison. However, he decided to serve six months so that when he got out, he would not have to go through the probation process. At that time, I became a member of a sorority I did not realize existed.  The sorority of mothers with children who were in prison. 

 

I asked myself, how can I make a difference in the lives of so many people, who had made mistakes in their lives. Although I wanted to be silent, because I was hurt, embarrassed and could not understand how it all happened, I also wanted to help my son and others like him. When I visited him during the time he was incarcerated, I saw individuals from all walks of life.   As I tried so hard to make sense of the why’s, I vowed to make a difference. Bit by bit I saw my son stripped of many rights he had as a citizen prior to incarceration. I stayed determined through the six months he served in prison and I began to read articles and research the laws.

 

What pained me even more was when my son returned home after serving his time, he was faced with doors shut in his face. Unfortunately, society had chosen to punish him beyond the point that the law allows. With a background in Human Resources, I have always encouraged my son to be honest when completing a job application.  I feel certain that he was denied a lot of jobs because of his past record and this standard application question, "Have you ever been convicted of a crime?". Those little words can stop one dead in his/her tracks when they must check the box Yes and reveal that they have been convicted of a crime.  What is the purpose of serving your time if it does not clear your name?  One feels as though he/she is still wearing handcuffs.  Unfortunately, in society’s eyes, the stain does not disappear because you have served your time.

 

I wanted more for my son, so I decided to look for ways to help him and others who are nonviolent ex-offenders. My hope is that individuals will be rehabilitated back into society. My goal is to find companies who are willing to give my son and our clients another chance. Hence, the birth of Another Chance Staffing, Inc. Non-profit was established.  Update: My son was pardoned from the state of South Carolina on August 4, 2021.

  

With my over 25 years of Human Resources experience in the areas of recruiting, consulting, diversity and inclusion and training in Corporate America, I am confident that I am adequately qualified to run a business such as this. I am very optimistic about this business being the resource and the catalyst to help improve the lives of many individuals. Another Chance Staffing, Inc. wants to ensure that our clients are successful by going the extra mile to make sure they are prepared and ready to compete in the workforce.

 

Best Regards,

Regeana Phillips

Executive Director, Another Chance Staffing, Inc.