FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 8, 2025
Lana Burchfiel, Public Information Specialist
Northwest TN Workforce Board
731-334-5107
Lburchfiel@wfiinc.org
American Job Centers of Northwest Tennessee Holds Events in April for Second-Chance Month
Workshops provide valuable resources to justice-involved individuals
Dyersburg, TN – In recognition of Second Chance Month, the American Job Centers of Northwest Tennessee will be hosting a series of workshops throughout April. These sessions are designed to support justice-involved individuals in Northwest Tennessee who are seeking guidance with career or educational opportunities.
Four justice-involved workshops are scheduled for Northwest Tennessee this month: April 9 in Dresden, April 14 in Huntingdon, April 15 in Paris, and April 17 in Camden.
Erica Nance, One-Stop Operator for American Job Centers of Northwest Tennessee, shared, “The American Job Center is eager to share the full range of services we offer. Our mission is to help reduce recidivism by connecting justice-involved individuals with employers, career advisors, and community organizations, giving them the opportunity for a brighter, successful future.” Nance also noted there will be dedicated personnel available to assist justice-involved individuals at the Multi-Employer Hiring Event on April 11, held at the Storm Shelter on the Dyersburg High School campus from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The Tennessee Office of Reentry defines justice-involved individuals as “anyone who has had interactions with the criminal justice system as a defendant.” The reentry initiative is aimed at helping these individuals reintegrate into society following incarceration. Established in July 2021, the Tennessee Office of Reentry works to enhance reentry programs across the state, including offering workshops that meet participants where they are.
Jennifer Bane, Executive Director of Northwest Tennessee Workforce Board, says these events are crucial to reaching this group of individuals. “These workshops help us achieve our goal to assist the justice-involved population to reenter the workforce into high-quality jobs,” said Bane. “By offering practical next-step advice regarding career and training, we not only help the participants, but also help meet the occupational demands of the local employers.”
For additional information on these workshops or other services provided by the American Job Centers of Northwest Tennessee, visit their website at TNworks.org or follow them on Facebook at Facebook.com/NWTNJobs.
About NWTNWB: The Northwest Tennessee Workforce Board (NWTNWB) is comprised of members from across 9 counties in Northwest TN, including Benton, Carroll, Crockett, Dyer, Gibson, Henry, Lake, Obion, and Weakley Counties. The majority of the members of the NWTNWB are private business leaders from throughout the nine-county service region and include business owners, chief executives, operating officers, and other executives with optimum policymaking and hiring authority. Representatives from Labor Organizations, Education & Training, Government, and Economic & Community Development, and other community organizations also serve on the board. The NWTNWB is established in accordance with the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act of 2014 (WIOA). This project is funded under an agreement with the State of Tennessee. Auxiliary aids & services are available upon request. EOE. TDD #711
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