Justice Connected Programs

The Justice Connected Programs under Resilient Frederick County (RFC) provide workforce support for individuals with prior justice involvement and resources for employers promoting second-chance hiring.

Programs include job readiness training, peer-led support, referrals to statewide reentry resources, and employer tools and incentives that encourage inclusive hiring.

To learn more about available programs or how your business can get involved, please contact:

Aaron Eleazer, Program Specialist
301-600-1867
aeleazer@frederickcountymd.gov

Job Seekers Resources

Reconnection Roundtable

Real Talk. Real Support. Real Next Steps.

Looking for motivation in your job search? The Reconnection Roundtable meets every other week to support individuals with justice involvement as they explore career paths and move forward. It’s a space to connect with others who understand, talk through challenges, and encourage each other. Guided by staff but driven by the group, it’s all about support, real conversation, and staying on track.

Reconnection Roundtable meets every other Thursday from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. Registration is encouraged, but walk-ins are always welcome! Sessions include practical job search topics, guest speakers, and resources.

Register to Attend

Rewriting the Story

Rewrite Your Story. Rebuild Your Future.

Rewriting the Story is a 4-session work readiness program for individuals reentering the workforce after incarceration or with other justice-related barriers. The program builds confidence, strengthens job search skills, and equips you with tools to tell your story in a way that opens doors to employment.

Through small group sessions, you’ll learn practical tools for career success and personal growth.

Fall Session: December 9 - December 18, 2025

Rewriting the Story is an in-person program with sessions held on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 12:00 – 4:00 p.m. at 200 Monroe Avenue, Frederick, MD. Participants who successfully complete the program are eligible for a stipend.*

Program Topics

  • Revising the “Belief” System: confidence building & growth mindset

  • Revamping Your Resume: resumes & online applications

  • Rewriting Your Story: interview skills & storytelling

  • Retention: workplace supports & personal growth

Important Note: Seating is limited, and a selection process ensures participants are best positioned to benefit from the program. *Stipend availability depends on current funding.

The application period for the Fall session runs from October 15, 2025 through November 30, 2025.

Apply Here

State & Local Programs

F.R.E.S.H. Virtual Workshops
The Maryland Department of Labor’s Reentry Navigator, Mark Smith, offers the Facing Reentry with Excellence Supports Health (F.R.E.S.H.) program, a series of virtual workshops designed for justice-impacted individuals. Sessions focus on skill-building areas such as conflict resolution, interview preparation, resume development, and more.

Upcoming Workshops:

  • November 4th at 1:00 pm - Conflict Resolution and 5 Musts During the Interview

  • November 12th at 1:00 pm - Understanding Your Why, Colors of the Interviewer, Resume Development

  • November 25, at 1:00 pm - Mock Interview and guest Speaker

To attend, register or email msmith2@maryland.gov

Maryland Bonding Program

Offers a second chance for individuals with justice involvement or other barriers by helping employers feel confident hiring you through free fidelity bonding.

To learn more, contact Mark Smith, Maryland Reentry Navigator, at msmith2@maryland.gov

Criminal Record Expungement

Learn about the legal process of Expungement in Maryland during FREE Virtual Information Sessions hosted by the Frederick County Maryland Legal Aid office. This process is essential to removing barriers to second chances.

Upcoming Session:

  • November 18th at 10:30 am

Space is limited; please call 301-600-2757 to register to attend

Justice Jobs

Justice Jobs is a community partner dedicated to helping jobseekers who face barriers to employment. Their mission is to support individuals in getting jobs, keeping jobs, and moving up to better jobs. Learn more at justicejobsmd.org.

Employers

State and Local Programs

  • Second Chance Hiring Resources

    Explore best practices, tools, and success stories from the Second Chance Business Coalition

  • Maryland Bonding Program

    The Maryland Bonding Program provides free fidelity bonds to employers as a hiring incentive for individuals with past justice involvement or other barriers to employment.

    To learn more, contact Mark Smith, Maryland Reentry Navigator, at msmith2@maryland.gov