IWLA DEI Council Newsletter | |  |
|
For the past year, Barrett Distribution implemented a pilot program in their Memphis, Tenn. warehouse that catered to providing a second chance work opportunity for convicted felons. This pilot program was an attempt at community outreach, but also taps into a reliable workforce that can solve the current state of poor attendance issues. | |
|
The Benefits are Symbiotic
Barrett Distribution has seen better attendance due to reliable transportation to and from work, the potential for long-term employees, fewer competing employment opportunities, and a work opportunity tax credit.
The candidate is provided with an opportunity to be away from the facility to earn money. This in turn sets them up for success when they are released from their prison sentences, and provides an opportunity to convert to a full-time employee with benefits upon completion.
| |
|
Eligibility
There are certain standards in place when deciding on eligibility. Most inmates that were selected have been in prison for seven to eight years and are due to be released in four to eighteen months. Sex offenders and first-degree murders are eliminated for consideration. Barrett collaborated with a staffing agency to review background checks. Initially, Barrett Distribution did not accept second degree murder charges or manslaughter charges. They decided not to pursue candidates with these charges until there was the benefit of additional experience with the first round of candidates. Additionally, candidates are not allowed contraband such as cell phones, cigarettes, or cash.
| |
|
Phases
There are three phases in the second chance hiring program. Each phase presented by the DOC includes:
| |
|
Candidate Breakdown
The breakdown of candidates selected in the Barrett Distribution pilot program are as follows, and the length of stay for each candidate led to one person becoming employed after his release.
| |
| Total Residents via Agency | FT Hired | Voluntarily Terminated | Involuntarily Terminated | Removed by DOC | Current | | 8 | 5 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 1 | | |
|
Barrett hired five employees who stayed from seven to fourteen months. Three individuals graduated from the program and were released and moved to new locations.
The three people that were removed from the program within three months were due to policy violations. This is a great indicator of the collaboration and communication between Barrett and the TN DOC.
One person is still with Barrett today and was recently named Employee of the Month. See the Success Story of Larry Green.
| |
|
Larry believes that a benefit about Barrett’s involvement in this program is that it creates a different outlook about life choices.
“The program taught me it was a better way than what I was doing in life, that if you work hard things seem to mean more to you.”
“I was welcomed from day one like I was part of the team and treated just like any other employee."
“The company doesn’t look at us as different, but you’re given a chance to prove you’re a productive member.”
| |
|
Article Contributor:
Constance Armstrong
Barrett Distribution Centers
| |
|
In this edition's member spotlight, the IWLA DEI Council features a conversation with Jasmine Gorie, senior vice president of human resources with Sunland Logistics Solutions.
Explore her inspiring journey to success in the logistics industry, where she discusses strategies for training the next generation of leaders in the world of 3PL warehousing as well as what it means to be successful in your career. Additionally, Jasmine shares her personal story, offering valuable insights into her experiences as a working parent.
| |
|
Military Veterans Can Now Receive Free Emergency Mental Health Care
US military veterans in an “acute suicidal crisis” can receive free treatment including inpatient care up to 30 days and outpatient care for up to 90 days. The expanded care was announced by the Department of Veterans Affairs, and is meant to “prevent veteran suicide by guaranteeing no cost, world-class care to veterans in times of crisis.” Veterans who are seeking that care can go to any VA or non-VA health care facility, and they do not have to be enrolled in the VA system to receive care. Read More
| |
|
Mental Health for Veterans: Addressing the Lingering Impact of War
2023 marked two decades since the U.S. invasion of Iraq, with millions of Americans answering the call to serve our nation in uniform over the past 20 years. Yet even with U.S. forces no longer in active combat in Afghanistan and Iraq, our country is left to tackle an unfulfilled need, with too many military members facing hurdles to accessing mental health care. Read More
| |
Supporting Veteran Mental Health and Why Identity Matters | |
|
"We always hear about how 22 veterans a day take their lives, but no one has been able to nail down the exact reasons or the path chosen for suicide to be an option. The reasons vary, the circumstances vary. As a Retired Non-Commissioned Officer of the U.S. Air Force, I can tell you firsthand how I lost my identity, and furthermore, knew it would happen. My talk will address how the military community, retired and currently serving, face an identity crisis as we exit our careers."
Sean Douglas is a U.S. Air Force Veteran Retired, John Maxwell Speaker, TEDx Speaker, Top 3% Podcaster, Bestselling Author, and a Business Positioning Strategist. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community.
| |
Currently IWLA has 18 veteran owned companies on record. If your company is veteran-owned, please email membership@iwla.com to update your company profile. | |
|
The IWLA DEI Council is comprised of representatives from our member companies who work together to research and share with the Association data, issues, innovative thinking, case studies, and best practices in the area of diversity, equity, and inclusion for the benefit of its members.
One focus area for the Council is growing the workforce. We hope to bring new, innovative ideas for attracting people and finding traditionally-overlooked talent. This includes labor, supervision, management, and ownership. We also want to attract people into the industry by bringing to light and sharing with them the available opportunities. While our industry has a very diverse workforce now, we need to show what a great opportunity it is for people of all walks of life.
- Tom Landry is Chairman of Allegiance Staffing, and the Chair of the IWLA Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Council.
- Pam Harris is the Director of Marketing & Supplier Diversity for ASW Global, and the Vice Chair for the IWLA Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Council.
| |
Are you interested in participating in the DEI Council to develop education content, and keep members in the know about what is happening in the workforce around us? This is included in your membership. Let us know here! | |
The IWLA Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Council Update is designed to promote the benefits of a diverse workforce and diverse company leadership. | | | | |
