WAHRA January 2019 Meeting

Answering SHRM's Call for Second Chance Programs

The labor pool of a region is often described as an asset to the region's economic strategy. However, an unprepared labor shed imperils existing organizations and limits the attractiveness of a region to  new industry and business.  Paul Chapman, Director of Restore Hope, shares the business case for addressing issues of serious concern for western Arkansas including recidivism, foster care placements, lack of learning agility, and the impact of social concerns such as these on the labor shed.  Chapman shares the strategic initiative sponsored by Governor Hutchinson to address the challenges of western Arkansas through an aggressive, comprehensive effort titled Restore Hope.  

Attendees at this session will learn about  (1) the current data for Sebastian-Crawford Counties including the impact of alternative sentencing, (2) SHRM's purpose for 2019 surrounding Second Chance programs, and (3) programs such as tax incentives such as WOTC to offset costs associated with employing targeted groups of citizens and bonding programs to decrease the liability to employers.  Those present will conclude the session with the development of a "wish list" for Restore Hope participants of the characteristics deemed necessary by attendees for long-term success in second jobs.  

Restore Hope has been approved by SHRM for 1 PDC and HRCI has approved it for 1.0 business management credit!