Maryland New Directions to offer free intensive career services o Baltimore Ex-Offenders seeking custody

Baltimore (July 29, 2008)- Maryland New Directions, Inc. has recently received funding from the State Department of Human Resources to provide career counseling and job readiness to ex-offenders in Baltimore City who have custody of or are in the process of seeking custody of children. Called Second Chance, we invite you to encourage eligible clients to participate in this comprehensive and innovative life-changing experience. Successful participants will obtain jobs at sustainable wages, allowing them and their children to become economically independent.

Maryland New Directions has master's degree level counseling staff and experienced ex-offender workforce development specialists. Individual mentors will provide personal support and guidance. Each year until 2012, 200 participants will be recruited and provided with job readiness and life management skills to ensure success in the workplace at sustainable wages. MND has successfully served female ex-offenders since 2001. A combination of individual attention, intense confidence building, and expert staff have helped us place over 54% of ex-offender clients into jobs paying over $10 per hour.

“We know that these people face more discrimination than most other clients and are stigmatized, as they try to make new lives for themselves. At Maryland New Directions, we have the knowledge and experience to help them be successful," said Maryland New Directions Executive Director, Grace Lee.

Clients will receive individual career counseling, life management services, barrier management, mentoring, job retention for up to 12 months, and skills development education.

MND staff can provide services and custom-designed programs for small groups at your site. Counselors are available to offer brief information workshops to introduce the Second Chance program to your clients. Orientations will be held at MND's offices every Tuesday at 10:00 a.m. Please call Brenda Moxley at 410-230-0630 to sign up for a workshop or for additional information.

Maryland New Directions is located at 611 Park Avenue in Baltimore's Mount Vernon district across the street from the Maryland Historical Society and can be reached by taking Bus No.3, 11, 22, 44 and light rail. Metered parking is available. The program will operate on Mondays through Fridays from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm.

All Second Chance participants must be low-income Baltimore City residents, recently incarcerated, 25 or older, and have or be in the process of seeking custody of children 18 or younger.