A recent community event offered both support and job opportunities for people returning home after incarceration. 

On Sept. 20, they had the opportunity to enjoy a panel discussion and participate in a job fair.

The day’s events were organized by staff at the Bureau of Job Service, within the State of Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development, led by District Director Laneice Runnels. 

The events took place at the WOW Works American Job Center, at 2607 N. Grandview Blvd, Suite 100 in Waukesha. 

Runnels’ connection with people reentering goes back to her start with the Department of Workforce Development 20 years ago. 

“When I started with the state, in Milwaukee, I was assigned to help a project for reentry and from that point on, I’ve always just had an understanding that when people reenter, they need employment,” she said.

It’s important to highlight all of the agencies helping returning citizens to reconnect, she said.  

The day’s events

The panel discussion was the latest installment of the ongoing reentry panel series, called Re-entry Unblemished, hosted by Milwaukee County Supervisor Sequanna Taylor.

The topics of discussion during this panel were pardons and expungements.

A pardon is a legal act of forgiveness that restores certain rights. An expungement is the sealing of someone’s criminal record, so, for example, a potential employer or landlord cannot see it. 

The job fair afterward was open to everyone but specifically designed to address the needs of those reentering. It included resources for job seekers and employers looking to recruit applicants.

Here are photos from both the panel and fair: