Damascus Participates in Employment Panel
When talented individuals from around the state gather to learn and trade ideas, Damascus is excited to be at the table.
Leadership Ohio is an organization that brings together "both experienced leaders and high-potential individuals who believe in the power of public, private, and civic innovation, and have a passion to serve the Great State of Ohio." (www.leadershipohio.org) To that end, one of the events held for this year's class included a panel discussion on "fair-chance hiring." Damascus was invited to participate by Cincinnati's Beacon of Hope Program Manager, Rayshun Holt.
Damascus Director of Sales and Operations, Mike Carr, joined the panel and explained his "why" for contributing his talent to the reentry field.
"The work we do at Damascus has proven results, and my own story reminds me why the Damascus Model works and why our vision to scale the organization is so important," he said.
A successful corporate businessman for many years, Mike spent two years inside an Ohio prison following an accident where he was driving impaired. Mike has recently celebrated 10 years of sobriety.
"I know what it means to start again," he said. "Employment is just one piece of our mission, but the impact (Damascus) has made in placing over 4,200 workers into jobs, plus all our other pieces, is exciting to share with people."
Audience members had questions about employment, Damascus Village, and the criteria Damascus uses to select participants in its prison reentry classes. Mike provided answers and invited the audience to continue the discussion outside the event, his passion for reentry and Damascus evident.
"What we do at Damascus is a winning combination," he said. "I'm excited about telling everyone about it. "
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