Augusta nonprofit opening new offices to help women recover their lives after prison

Posted by Admin January 15, 2025 Jobs

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An Augusta nonprofit that helps jailed women rejoin the workforce is opening its new office space and training center downtown.

ReNForce will cut the ribbon at 630 Ellis St., Suite 2I, at 10 a.m. Jan. 17, the charity announced.

In October 2023, ReNForce opened a transitional home in Augusta to house eight women exiting the criminal justice system and entering new jobs and new lives.

The new workforce development hub, near the Georgia Department of Labor office at the corner of Sixth and Greene streets, is “uniquely positioned to serve as a hub for workforce development,” ReNForce said in a statement. “The center will offer programs designed to help “justice-impacted individuals build skills, gain professional certifications and access meaningful employment opportunities.”

The nonprofit also works with area employers to coach them on inclusive hiring practices and help them provide hands-on job training.

“This new office and training facility represents a significant step forward in our mission to create pathways to employment for those who face systemic barriers,” said Charlotte Garnes, ReNForce’s executive director. “We’re excited to collaborate with businesses and community partners to drive positive change and economic growth in the CSRA.”

Garnes felt the sting of rejection firsthand after she was incarcerated and tried to find and keep a job.

“I was working for an organization and once they found out about my background, they terminated me,” Garnes told The Augusta Chronicle in October 2023. “I created the nonprofit out of what I call ‘righteous anger’ in hopes of … it not happening to someone else, but then to be able to provide support and training for career seekers as they exit incarceration.”

Refreshments will be served at the ribbon-cutting, and the public is invited.