Hi, everyone. I've had a hard time finding work, especially since I left prison in March of 2015. Sure, I put in applications. But, as soon as the hiring managers hear of my past, it's "There's the door." Well, I do understand the hesitation of companies to hire ex-felons, but what about the benefits? The tax credit the company receives, the free and effective federal bonding program (which protects a business from financial loss through theft or fraud) and the fact that an ex-offender will be more than willing to work hard and work any schedule because he - or she - knows that staying busy in fruitful pursuits rather than turning back to the old behaviors is beneficial to themselves AND the world at large? An open note to Hiring Managers, Personnel Department heads and other staffing professionals: While it may be true that a recidivism rate exists, it is NOT written in stone. You can help "returning citizens" rebuild their lives - and help their families - by seriously considering the talents and knowledge that these disadvantaged and downtrodden human beings possess. You might be saying, "Sorry, we don't hire felons" to the perfect person for the position. Thank you and God bless.