Fresh Start’s Ex-offender job placements this year exceed 270

In the eleven months to May 31, 2003 Fresh Start field officers and volunteers placed 271 clients (19 during May) into full time paid employment. In all cases there is an on-going contact or mentoring programme aimed at achieving at least 91 days full time employment.

More than 53 % of the placements have been in the Auckland region, but placements elsewhere have increased, particularly in the Canterbury region. More than 60% of the clients placed were either Maori or Pacific Island peoples.

Clients placed include some of the most difficult - ex-offenders on life parole and those who have had many previous convictions for serious crimes.

Client backs the Fresh Start approach

“ Thanks for sending me the registration letter and card. I am writing to tell you how much I have been helped by Mike Harvey and Fresh Start. I first met Mike at Rangipo just a week before my release after six years in prison. I was released on Monday 9th May [2001] and came to Auckland on Tuesday 10th May. I rang Mike when I got to the Bombay Hills and asked him to help me get my steps at WINZ. I also wanted him to take me to see Probation. But mostly I wanted a job. Mike took me to see …… at ………. in Penrose. He gave me a job as a digger operator starting work the next morning. I have been with ……… since 11th May and am really grateful for all the help Mike and Fresh Start have given me. Without your help things would have been very tough. Thanks very much. …… IP ”

(Mike Harvey is Fresh Start’s Northern Regional Manager. IP’s letter was first printed in our 2001 Annual Report. He keeps in touch every two or three weeks. He is still employed, has not re-offended and has not received any MSD / WINZ

Pick the ex-offender- One in three may have criminal convictions

One in three, or more, New Zealanders of working age have a criminal conviction. “Rubbish,” you say. According to the British Home Office 33 % of males born in 1953 had a non-driving criminal conviction by the age of 46. Australia has similar statistics. New Zealand convicts its citizens at a much higher rate than most other nations. Employment after sentence completion is recognised as an essential means of preventing re-offending. You can help! Contact us.

mailto: mailto:keith.fresh@xtra.co.nz

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