The RIO Project is provided by the Texas Workforce Commission in partnership with the Texas Department of Criminal Justice and the Windham School District and the Texas Youth Commission to provide pre- and post-release assistance to individuals with convictions for serious crimes.
Reintegrating recently released ex-offenders into society is often difficult due to some of the challenges they face. According to some, finding employment may be one of the most important factors in helping ex-convicts re-enter society.
However, this is not as easy as it seems. Problems arise as soon as the ex-offender is released. Ex-convicts find it difficult to be hired by employers. They are often discriminated against due to the general mistrust of those with criminal records.
Aside from the general mistrust that ex-convicts often encounter when looking for jobs, there are other factors that make it difficult for them to be hired. Many employers refuse to hire ex-felons due to lack of work experience resulting from long years of incarceration. Some ex-convicts simply didn’t finish their education in the first place, making them less desirable for jobs. Add the competition with other job seekers with better qualifications and impeccable records; ex-offenders simply don’t have the opportunity to get a good, decent, profitable job.
Although the government has done its part to provide assistance and protect ex-offenders from unfair discrimination, these efforts are often not enough. That’s why nonprofit agencies help ex-offenders find new jobs and other support. The RIO Project is one of these non-profit agencies that help ex-convicts re-enter society.
One of the methods the RIO Project uses to help ex-offenders is the Individual Employment Plan, or IEP. The Individual Employment Plan helps identify the right career path for an ex-offender.
The RIO Project uses assessment and evaluation tools to identify the best career options for the ex-offender. This organization takes into consideration the current labor market trend, the needs of employers, and the types of occupations available in the locality where ex-offenders plan to reside.
Prison participants of the RIO Project can receive counseling about their educational, vocational, and career options once they are released from prison. In addition to counseling, this organization also creates training and workshops for specific skills. They provide assessments to assess which career path is the best fit for a person. Taking into account the personal interests, educational background and skills of the ex-con that will qualify him for jobs, the RIO Project helps people with felony convictions make informed and surprising decisions for themselves.
Project RIO also offers help with some practical skills in creating resumes, dressing for the interview, managing interviewers, and answering interview questions. Since this organization is linked to the government, they can also provide more than support to ex-convicts. They can also provide tax incentives to employers who hire ex-felons.
Employers under the RIO Project tax incentive programs can avail of two different methods of tax savings.
The Work Opportunity Tax Credit provides up to $24,000 in tax credit for each employer who hires an ex-offender in the ex-offender’s first year of employment. The credit is helpful in reducing the employer’s federal tax liability.
Project Rio Fidelity Bond is an insurance policy for companies that hire ex-felons. Project Rio Fidelity Bond’s Texas Workforce Commission may post a bond of up to $5,000 per ex-felon employee to protect the employer from potential theft, dishonesty and other potential damages for hiring ex-felons.
Project Rio takes a holistic approach to employing ex-offenders. This organization provides the skills and qualifications to ex-offenders looking for work while providing employers with incentives and protection. Truly, Project Rio is one of the best!