Seminar helps employers hire ex-offenders

The Steps to Regaining Independence Via Employment forum will be 9–11 a.m. at the Library Center, 4653 S. Campbell Ave.

Information on federal bonding and tax credits will be offered, and an ex-offender will share a success story, followed by an open discussion to answer employers’ questions.

“Major goals of the (STRIVE) program are to balance public safety and the reintegration of people coming home from prison, to increase employment opportunities to people who are struggling to reintegrate and remain crime-free, and to encourage employers to make individualized determinations regarding a person’s specific qualifications, including the relevance of their criminal record,” said Meghan Robinson, service coordinator at Ozarks Area Community Action Corp., in a news release. OACAC is helping coordinate the event.

Pre-registration is encouraged and can be done by calling (417) 447-0554, extension 104.