Reference graphic & colors

May 2018
Spring 2018
March 2019
Beyond the Box
Networking and Job Fair
Networking and connecting with local employers and service providers who believe in removing barriers to employment, fair chance hiring practices and eliminating the stigma associated with incarceration. Hosted by the Chamber of Commerce, the Women’s Opportunity Center, Workforce NY, Hospitality Education Training Program, Catholic Charities of Tompkins County, Challenge Workforce Solutions, Opportunities, Alternatives and Resources (OAR), Alternative Credit Union, and Ultimate Reentry Opportunity (URO).
Data Development
Working Group
An Engaged Research grant from Cornell University to examine the most prominent systemic barriers to reentry in Tompkins County. Three professors trained 40 undergraduate students at Cornell University (Government Dept) and Ithaca College (Center for the Study of Culture, Race and Ethnicity) in human subject research with vulnerable populations.
Gino Bush Beyond the Box Reentry Fair
Keynote speaker Pres. Shirley Collado of Ithaca College presented Banning the Box to 40 Tompkins County employers. It was a huge
opportunity to learn from employer perspectives what barriers to hiring people with past records were.
Spring 2020
Fall 2019
Data Analysis
Qualitative Research
Students assisted with coding and analyzing 54 qualitative interviews; conducting background research.
Undergraduate students conducted 54 interviews with individuals living in Tompkins County who were 18 years or older and previously involved with the criminal justice system (prison and/or jail)
Sept 2022
Oct 2022
April 2023
Report Findings
Employment Report on Systemic Barriers to Reentry in Tompkins County 2022_FINAL
Key results indicate a lot of stigma and discrimination for job applicants with criminal justice records; decision to focus on creating structure for employers to become reentry friendly employers
Employment Summit
URO Reentry Employment Summit Notes 10.4.2022–Important doc for key stakeholders/partners involved in identifying priorities
Pilot Funding
OTR funding renewed for 2024 Beyond the Box Employment Certification Pilot submitted and funded. Beyond the Box Certification Presentation.pdf This provides the preliminary conceptualization of Beyond the Box Certification process
Jan 2024
Jan 2024
Pilot Program Study
Partnership with IRL School Professor Ian Greer and Thomas Tee Jones, Grad Student in ILR and person with justice system lived experience – agree to fund and develop evaluation of BTB 1 year pilot
Pilot Employer
URO identifies the revered Moosewood Restaurant in Ithaca, NY, as our first BTB employer.

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Share the amazing things customers are saying about your business. Double click, or click Edit Text to make it yours.
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Share the amazing things customers are saying about your business. Double click, or click Edit Text to make it yours.