Chesapeake Reentry Council to host job and resource fair at Cuffee Center

The Chesapeake Reentry Council will hold a job and resource fair this month in the gym at the Cuffee Center in Chesapeake, council representative Emily Edmonds said on the Chesapeake Broad Show podcast.

Edmonds said the event aims to connect justice-involved residents with employers, community service providers and corrections-linked resources. “We are able to get together to provide resources and information for those justice involved in the community,” she said, adding the fair centralizes employment and resource information in one place to reduce barriers for people returning from custody.

The council is partnering with other reentry councils across Hampton Roads, including the Virginia Beach Reentry Council, to expand the event’s reach. Edmonds said Chesapeake Regional will attend and provide on-site job physicals and other medical services for job seekers. She also confirmed that some employers will offer on-the-spot interviews and that other organizations will arrange follow-up interviews.

Host Shalis noted that last year’s fair included employers such as Goodwill and Walmart; Edmonds said the goal this year is to bring additional employers and services to increase opportunities for attendees. While Edmonds emphasized that the fair is open to anyone seeking employment or community resources, she said the primary focus is on people recently released from custody who face particular challenges locating services.

Organizers did not provide a specific calendar date or registration details during the conversation. Edmonds invited listeners to come to the Cuffee Center and seek information at the fair. The podcast segment ended with a final invitation from the host and guest to attend the event.