The Critical Role of Stable Employment in Reentry

Stable employment is not merely an economic necessity; it’s a crucial factor that significantly reduces the likelihood of recidivism among individuals who have been through the criminal justice system. However, the path to employment after incarceration is fraught with challenges, including employer discrimination and skill gaps. According to an analysis of the National Former Prisoner Survey, over 27 percent of formerly incarcerated individuals in the United States are unemployed, a stark statistic that underscores the issue’s urgency.

Untapped Solutions: A Game-Changing Platform

Enter Untapped Solutions. Founded in 2020 by Andre Peart, the platform began its journey as ConConnect—a LinkedIn-style job site designed exclusively to serve this marginalized population. “When I started this journey, my goal was to create a supportive network to help formerly incarcerated people find a job,” recalls Peart. Peart experienced these challenges first hand when he was released from incarceration. “But as time passed, I saw the incredible potential, despite many barriers, of these individuals and other marginalized groups, such as those experiencing homelessness, people of color, individuals that identify as LGBTQ+, and others. That’s when I decided to expand the platform to help reach and support even more people.”

With financial backing from venture groups like Techstars and Cox Communications, the platform has undergone a strategic evolution. Today, it’s a comprehensive, national customer relationship management platform that hosts reentry support services across a wide array of providers, including social enterprises, nonprofits, public defenders, and more.

At the heart of Untapped Solutions is an artificial intelligence-driven virtual platform. The system automates the process of matching individuals with employers and service providers best suited to meet their unique needs. Users log in to the platform and complete a profile capturing their strengths, employment status, skills, needs, and other factors, which the system uses to automatically identify the most appropriate employers and service providers. Employers join the platform because they know they will get a ready set of potential staff who are eager and motivated to work and who are backed by a team that supports them in their journey. Social enterprises and behavioral health partners offer participants services such as case management, skill development or job training, and connection to resources.

A Multifaceted Approach to Successful Reentry

Untapped Solutions provides a multi-layered support system:

  • Job Listings: A carefully curated list of employment opportunities, vetted to ensure they come from employers actively looking to hire individuals who have been through the criminal justice system.
  • Essential Services: A centralized hub for critical services, including housing, food assistance, and social programs, reducing the cognitive load for users.
  • Skill Building and Career Advancement: Beyond initial employment, the platform offers a plethora of tools aimed at career and skill development to ensure long-term success.
  • Community Building: Forums and discussion boards offer a safe space for users to share both their triumphs and challenges, fostering a community of support and encouragement.

Mission-Centric: Focused on Holistic Community Development

“Our mission is to bridge the gap between economically marginalized communities and access to critical resources, opportunities, and services,” says Peart. Untapped Solutions has its sights set on transformative, systemic change. The platform is not just about connecting people to jobs. “We aim to bridge the gap between these communities and the multitude of resources, services, and employment opportunities they need to thrive,” Peart emphasizes.

Innovation at Untapped Solutions is supported by the makeup of its team, which is composed entirely of individuals who have been incarcerated or belong to marginalized or underserved communities. This lived experience infuses the organization with a critical level of empathy and insight.

Fostering Lasting Change: A Look to the Future

Untapped Solutions is more than just a platform; it’s a movement aimed at leveling the playing field for some of the most marginalized communities. Their efforts to move toward a more inclusive future offer a template of what’s achievable when technology, empathy, and focused action converge.

The platform serves as a testament to the untapped potential within marginalized communities. Focusing on not just employability but overall well-being, it embodies the knowledge that when given the right opportunities, resources, and support, individuals can rebuild their lives and make invaluable contributions to society.

Like what you’ve read? Sign up to receive the monthly GAINS eNews!