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Mayor Adams Pledges $15M To Support Justice-Involved New Yorkers
Thousands of formerly incarcerated New Yorkers have a new opportunity to get back on their feet with Mayor Eric Adams’ new program. As part of NYC’s “Jobs Week,” Adams pledged $15 million to the Community Resources for Employment and Development (CRED) initiative, a work training program for those impacted by the criminal justice system. This opportunity makes it much easier for them to in-demand skills and get back into the workforce.
An Overview Of Mayor Adams’ CRED Initiative
The CRED initiative targets those most at risk of community violence or who live in a neighborhood with high rates of gun violence. Overseen by the New York City Department of Youth and Community Development (DYCD) and its network, this program offers participants:
- A 24-week or 600-hour work training and internship program in emerging industries
- A 3-month job placement follow-up period
- Mental health counseling
- Academic support
- Housing support
This program is a part of the city’s “Jobs Week,” highlighting the mayor’s efforts to create career opportunities for all five boroughs and make the city more affordable. Visit the DYCD’s homepage to stay updated and learn more about how you can participate in this initiative.
How This Initiative Will Impact NYC
Formerly incarcerated individuals deal with higher unemployment rates nationwide. Even if they want a job, background checks and limited resources make finding a decent one almost impossible. This is why as many as 50% of formerly incarcerated are back behind bars less than three years later.
Programs like CRED are the first step towards giving justice-impacted New Yorkers a second chance to return to the workforce. This initiative will help finally break the cycle of recidivism and help them find well-paying jobs.
Strong Support From City Officials
Many city officials are also onboard with the mayor’s new initiative for its benefits to public safety and job opportunities.
- DYCD Commissioner Keith Howard: “Public safety and ensuring New York is the best place to raise a family are top priorities of Mayor Adams, and programs like CRED—offering a variety of paid training, internships, and opportunity for full time employment—are doing just that.”
- Assemblymember Jenifer Rajkumar: “This $15 million program will uplift 500 at-risk New Yorkers, providing them job training with wraparound support for their health, wellbeing, education, and housing.”
- Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr.: “The CRED initiative is a great way to steer people away from violence and crime and into productive employment.”
- Councilmember Yusef Salaam: “The CRED initiative is a crucial investment in breaking that cycle by providing the tools, training, and support necessary for meaningful career pathways.
Helping New Yorkers Move Forward
Thousands of people go through the justice system each year. But with so many hurdles, formerly incarcerated turn back to crime after not finding work. But Mayor Adams’ CRED initiative is about to change that. With job training and other valuable resources, New Yorkers finally have the support they need to move forward.
“The best deterrent to crime and keeping communities safe is simple: a good-paying job. CRED is that deterrent, investing in communities most impacted by gun violence and providing the holistic support needed to help justice-impacted New Yorkers enter the workforce,” says Mayor Adams. “All New Yorkers — no matter their past — should be able to receive the training and resources they need to secure a job.”
