Civil Liberties Jobs Program Expands, Increasing Stability, Training, Employment for Unemployed St. Louisans

SLATE gives unemployed citizens of any age a chance to pay off their court fines through short-term paid work experience

November 15, 2017 | 2 min reading time

This article is 7 years old. It was published on November 15, 2017.

ST. LOUIS, October 26, 2017 – Thanks to St. Louis Mayor Lyda Krewson’s decision to expand the St. Louis Civil Liberties Jobs Program, unemployed citizens of any age with an outstanding municipal court fines from non-violent offenses will receive a second chance to satisfy their legal obligations through short-term paid work experiences, with the potential for permanent job placement.

The St. Louis Agency on Training and Employment (SLATE) has been conducting the Civil Liberties Jobs Program since December of 2015, working diligently to provide jobs for youth ages 16-24, who were unable to pay municipal fines. Charged by the Mayor to intentionally include and help all citizens, especially the unemployed and underemployed, SLATE is committed to working with members of the community of all ages to improve their lives through employment, education, and opportunity.

“People who are looking for work are trying to care for their families and improve their circumstances,” said Mayor Krewson. “By offering a hand-up through the Civil Liberties Jobs Program, we can help relieve some of the stressors on their path, as they work toward a better quality of life.”

Civil Liberties Jobs Program participants gain hands-on experience through subsidized, short-term employment, and enroll in classes to learn job skills, financial literacy, and leadership training. Participants also have access to job readiness and financial empowerment training prior to being placed in jobs. Once participants complete the training, municipal judges reduce their fines by half, giving the citizens ability to pay off their dues to the community while also helping them to find full-time employment.

“We are excited to partner with the City Courts to reduce the financial burden of fines and increase access to tools for prosperity in our City,” said Dr. Alice M. Prince, Executive Director of SLATE. “This powerful and impactful partnership is a much-needed support that enhances th services SLATE provides to youth and families in St. Louis.”

The expansion of the Civil Liberties Jobs Program is effective immediately. St. Louisans interested in joining the program must attend an orientation to enroll. For orientation dates and times, please call DeOnda Poke at 314-657-3568, or Ashaki Meyers, at 314-657-3520. To learn more about SLATE programs, please visit www.stlworks.com or call (314) 589-8000.

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