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While recidivism rates in Georgia remain high, the Georgia Department of Labor (GDOL) is unveiling an initiative that is designed to connect those transitioning from incarceration back into the workforce with new career opportunities. The Walking the Last Mile program – which will launch next month from the Metro Reentry Facility in Downtown Atlanta – will also provide services that set these individuals up for long-term success.

“Programs like Walking the Last Mile are critical to filling gaps in Georgia’s workforce and helping Georgians get their lives back on track,” said Labor Commissioner Bruce Thompson. “By investing in rehabilitation and removing barriers to employment, we are creating opportunities for successful reentry and a safer, more prosperous Georgia for all.”

The new initiative will be administered in partnership with the Georgia Department of Corrections. The program aims to train and support returning citizens transitioning from incarceration back to the private sector by equipping them with the tools necessary for employment and life beyond the criminal justice system. The goal is to mitigate or eliminate the barriers to gainful employment and create a seamless path to self-sufficiency, as well as matching them with community support partners.

“The Walking the Last Mile program will help break the chains of incarceration by equipping participants with the skills and resources necessary for a successful reentry into society,” said Thompson. “This innovative program is ‘where opportunities begin’ for those who are seeking to embrace a fresh start and rebuild their lives.”

A cornerstone of this mentorship-based program lies in recognizing the unique skills, experiences, and challenges of returning citizens, according to Thompson. Working closely with a GDOL project manager, participants will develop a customized plan focused on their individual needs, abilities, background, and professional aspirations. The program features thorough assessments to identify participants’ talents, interests, and readiness to reenter the workforce. Key components include resume building, mock interviews, and connections to potential employers searching to fill open positions.

“Partnerships which afford us the opportunity to provide returning citizens with essential life skills for reentry is vital to their success,” said Georgia Department of Corrections Commissioner Tyrone Oliver.

To assess the program’s effectiveness, the GDOL will monitor the employment status of program participants at key milestones, including the number of individuals with job placements upon release, the rate of job retention within six months to a year, and the reduction in recidivism for the participant population. This evaluation will guide the department’s efforts to expand the program, with the goal of serving more Georgians statewide at various locations.

As an added benefit to employers, the Walking the Last Mile initiative will work in tandem with the Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) program, which offers tax credits for hiring qualified individuals who face barriers to employment.