KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The Kansas City, Missouri, Police Department hosted a job fair Tuesday for people who have prior criminal convictions.
"It's really been hard, especially moving and going from KCK to KCMO," Tylina Abbott, who has a criminal past and recently had to quit her job due to an injury, said. "It's really been hard."
She is a mother of three children and her felony convictions are from 2013.
Abbott said she is a changed person and wants to continue to show she is worthy of being a great employee, but the same problem comes up every time she goes for an interview.
"And then when they ask questions, they already know (and) it's a no right there when they ask the questions," Abbott said. "When they ask me if I am a felon, they don't want to hire me."
This is the third year the KCPD has hosted the Fair Chance Job Fair. At least 17 employers with immediate job openings were scheduled to attend this year's far, including Roofers Local 20.
Pedro Parra with the roofer's union said he was looking for "people that want a big lifestyle changed and get their career started."
He said Roofers Local 20 already has employees with criminal backgrounds.
"They are doing great," Parra said. "You could never tell that they had a criminal past."
According to KCPD, numerous studies show that stable employment reduces recidivism, but a person with a criminal history can have a more difficult time finding a job.
Parra hopes more companies take the time to help people who have a criminal past.
"A lot of people won't give them that," Parra said. "We are willing to help and to better their life."
Abbott apreciates it: "Everybody deserves a second chance," she said.
