‘Continuing the Climb’ connects hundreds to jobs, essential services

More than 580 job seekers attended the Continuing the Climb: Re-Entry Job & Resource Fair on April 29, demonstrating the community’s commitment to helping individuals returning from incarceration build successful futures through employment, legal assistance and supportive services.

Hosted at the Resource Connection, the event brought together 32 employers and 31 resource agencies, offering attendees access to 1,487 job openings and a wide range of support services designed to reduce barriers to employment and economic stability.

A total of 654 job seekers pre-registered for the event, with 581 attending. Early results show that employers scheduled or conducted 417 interviews and made 36 on-the-spot hires. Organizers expect those numbers to increase as additional employer surveys are submitted.

“The focus of the Continuing the Climb Reentry Job Fair is to improve the economic outlook of individuals with challenged backgrounds by bringing resources, employment and support to one location,” said Suzanne Richards, City of Fort Worth EnVision Center and Community Action Partners coordinator.

In addition to employment opportunities, attendees had access to legal assistance, housing resources, education services, health resources, utility assistance, resume support and interview preparation.

One of the event’s most impactful offerings was the Legal Aid of Northwest Texas Clear Path Statewide Expunction Clinic, where 45 applicants received assistance clearing eligible records. The event also featured Court in the Community services, which helped 60 patrons address municipal court issues. During the event, 293 cases were docketed and 262 warrants were cleared.

“Driver’s licenses and IDs are critical when attempting to obtain employment,” said Andre Johnson, director of reentry services for the Reentry First Stop Center for Tarrant County. “When Municipal Court facilitates warrant forgiveness, it removes barriers that otherwise could prevent someone from attaining their critical documents.”

The fair also served 20 veterans or spouses of veterans and highlighted the importance of coordinated support for individuals reentering the workforce and community.

Regional leaders from government, workforce development and community organizations delivered opening remarks, underscoring the collaborative effort behind the event. Speakers included Tarrant County Commissioner Roderick Miles; Chelsea Anthony, representing Councilmember Chris Nettles’ office; Cornerstone Assistance Network leadership; Fort Worth Municipal Court representatives William Rumuly and Judge Gonzales; Andre Johnson of Reentry First; Suzanne Richards of the City of Fort Worth; Robert Sturns, chief executive officer of Workforce Solutions for Tarrant County; and Leon Polk, Tarrant County community outreach coordinator.

The event exceeded expectations in attendance, partner engagement and direct service delivery, demonstrating strong alignment with the City of Fort Worth EnVision Center’s goals of economic empowerment, reentry support and barrier reduction.

By bringing employers, legal resources and support services together under one roof, the Continuing the Climb Re-Entry Job & Resource Fair provided participants with a meaningful opportunity to overcome obstacles, secure employment and continue their journey toward long-term success.

Photo: Early results show that employers scheduled or conducted 417 interviews and made 36 on-the-spot hires. (Photo credit: Workforce Solutions of Tarrant County)

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