REFORM Alliance, the nonprofit organization founded by recording artist Meek Mill and Fanatics CEO and Philadelphia 76ers partner Michael Rubin, will be hosting a job fair in partnership with Hire! Philly on Thursday, June 9, at Wells Fargo Center from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The event, the second one of its kind hosted by REFORM following a similar event held last year at Madison Square Garden, will be open to the public and aims to help revitalize Philly’s workforce and economy. To do that, it will look to provide a pathway to employment for the formerly incarcerated, single parents and veterans.
“Jobs mean strong families, safe communities and a healthy economy,” said Robert Rooks, the CEO of REFORM Alliance, in a press release. “System-impacted people constitute a ready and willing workforce but face significant barriers to employment. With this job fair, we want to empower people with hope, dignity, confidence and access to opportunity so that they can thrive.”
Participating companies will be conducting interviews on-site for any and all open positions. That includes REFORM, which will be offering job opportunities within the organization.
Companies specializing in poverty alleviation in addition to workforce development programs will also be present at the event to provide necessary resources to jobseekers. Services that will be offered include professional attire, interview and resume building and free expungement aid.
Providing legitimate pathways for impacted communities to achieve employment is a core mission of both REFORM and Hire! Philly. According to a report REFORM Alliance co-released with Fines and Fees Justice Center, two out of every three people on probation make less than $20,000 per year, with almost 40% making less than $10,000 per year.
“At Hire! Philly we believe that connecting people to employment is the first step in placing them on a path to economic mobility,” said Kathryn Epps Roberson, the executive director of Hire! Philly. “However, having access to quality jobs is far too often a challenge for people with significant barriers such as a criminal background. So we work very intentionally to design hiring events that meet job seekers where they are and include access to community resources that address workforce barriers.”
Support for the event will be provided by the 76ers, Amazon, Fanatics, NAACP Philadelphia and Wells Fargo Center.
