Is There Help for felons?

by Cheryl Webb
(Port Richey, Fl)

I am a recruiter and former trucker driver of 17 years. In doing my job now which is recruiting to help truck drivers find job.

I find it very difficult to get drivers placed because they have a felony on their record. I have had some with 10 and 20 year old felonies and have been in no trouble since their first time.

I have done a lot of research in trying to see what can be done to give these drivers a second chance. Companies claim they will hire them, but when the application is put in, it's deny all the way.

The trucking schools are a huge issue, they take these students money and fail to tell them that they will not be hired because of a felony, therefore they are stuck with a loan to pay and no job.

I work diligently every day to try to place drivers and it is difficult. They did a wrong and have paid their debt to society. Now they need to be given the opportunity to prove they are worthy of themselves and the company that will hire them.

They made a mistake, we all make them. Tell me how I can help these men and women find employment in the trucking industry. Trucking companies are being very deceitful these days and it's not fair to people trying to pick up and start over.

They give Presidents of the United States second chances, what makes a felon who has proven his/her record for the past 10 or 20 years. They made a mistake, did their time, paid their fines and they are still Americans.