Phoenix Project

I created the Phoenix Project after learning about recidivism in my Global Studies and Entrepreneurship class. Through research, I learned that many formerly incarcerated people struggle to find stable work after being released from prison. I sought to build an organization that addressed that gap in a hands-on way. The Phoenix Project connects participants from local rehabilitation organizations, such as LEAP and Exchange for Change, with businesses looking to hire.

Once candidates are referred to us, a team of three students (including me), interviews the individual with help from formerly incarcerated individuals, Christine, the Director of Social Enterprise at Dragonfly Thrift, and Parker, the Manager at Dragonfly Thrift, who direct our questions and candidate approval process.

If we agree to work with a client, we help strengthen their resume by building on their previous work experience and prepare them for employment through mock interviews and coaching on professional language. Once they are ready, we connect them with one of our partner businesses: Kush Hospitality, The Caring Place, Lake Buena Vista Resort Village & Spa, and Flanigan's. Their applications are flagged to indicate their participation in the Phoenix Project, helping ensure they are carefully considered and not skipped over due to their criminal record.