Fayetteville job fair seeks to help ex-offenders

Walker is one of many previous law offenders in Fayetteville who spent the day Wednesday looking through donated clothes and shoes in preparation for the first annual Re-Entry Job and Resource Fair for Ex-Offenders.

"This is a big step in my future," Walker said. "I don't have any more room for errors as far as criminal activity. Hopefully, I'll get some decent clothing to be dressed to go for an interview and hopefully find employment."

According to organizers, the goal of the job fair is to help ex-offenders get ready to enter the workforce.

Fayetteville Police Chief Harold Medlock said the entire community wins when ex-offenders are given a second chance to get back on track.

"Crime prevention is not just about locking doors and putting your things away," Medlock said. "Crime prevention is about finding a way to get our offenders to stop offending."

Vincent Huntley served time in jail before he earned his Associate's Degree and landed a job. He said the job fair is important for a very simple reason.

"To give them hope," Huntley said. "To give them some kind of initiative to go out and get a job, and hopefully that job will bring an income that will motivate them to get to the next level."

The job fair is scheduled for May 2 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Fuller D. Recreation Center on Old Bunce Road. Job seekers are asked to dress professionally.