Port Authority Gives A Second Chance to Those Seeking an Opportunity to Re-Enter their Community - October 2022

The Office of Second Chance Employment (OSCE) is a job recruitment and referral program launched by the Port Authority of NY & NJ to help justice involved individuals residing in the communities surrounding the agency’s facilities get a second chance by connecting them with employment opportunities. Launched with the strong support and encouragement by the JFK Redevelopment Community Advisory Council and managed through the Council for Airport Opportunity (CAO), the Port Authority’s primary workforce partner for its aviation facilities, the program focuses on job opportunities at John F. Kennedy International, LaGuardia, and Newark Liberty International Airports, along with other agency facilities. It has become a priority job recruitment program for the Port Authority. CAO reviews candidate resumes and qualifications to best match them with suitable job openings, providing support and assistance to job seekers throughout every step in the process from referral to placement and beyond. To date, more than 170 placements have been achieved, with both Airport tenants and direct agency roles, ranging from entry level to supervisory positions. The success of the program is based upon partnerships with local, community-based re-entry organizations, such as the Fortune Society. “At the Fortune Society, we have long recognized that gaining stable employment is one of the most critical steps toward breaking the cycle of recidivism,” said Ronald Day, Senior Vice President at The Fortune Society. “The barriers to employment for those with prior criminal legal system involvement can be formidable, but the Office of Second Chances initiative by the Port Authority and the Council for Airport Opportunity is a powerful countermeasure, offering tangible career opportunities that can help individuals build a new life and contribute positively to their communities. This program represents a beacon of hope and opportunity for individuals who have faced the significant challenges of reentering society after involvement in the criminal legal system. It’s about more than a second chance; it’s a pathway to lasting change.” As the OSCE Program continues to advance, a number of its placements have stood out for their exceptional skills and work ethic. Richard Hendricks and Veronica Nieves are two such employees. From Brooklyn, NY, Mr. Hendricks was referred to the Office of Second Chance Employment by the Fortune Society for a Traffic Attendant position with ABM. Following a successful interview, Mr. Hendricks secured the role in July 2023 and was subsequently promoted to a Traffic Attendant Supervisor position in early 2024. In this capacity, Mr. Hendricks assists JFK Airport customers with any parking-related concerns. He also oversees other Traffic Attendants, providing guidance and direction on how best to service customers navigating parking and the terminal frontages. “When given an opportunity to do good, grow, and help those in need, by any person or organization that is truly wishing you success and providing positive support, it opens up a positive and thriving future,” Mr. Hendricks said. Joseph Tristaino, ABM Operations Manager and Supervisor to Mr. Hendricks explains, “We all have a backstory that we learn and grow from. Good strong support, Second Chance provides for the people they represent and an employer like ABM helps in creating a positive future for all!” In addition, to his promotion earlier this year, Mr. Hendricks is also a recent recipient of the Port Authority’s We Soar Award for going above and beyond to provide an exceptional customer service experience to patrons of JFK Airport. A native of the Bronx, Ms. Nieves, was also referred to the OSCE by the Fortune Society for a direct role with the Port Authority. Following a successful interview, Ms. Nieves was offered a position as an Assistant Human Resources Representative within the agency in 2023, where she currently remains. In this role, Ms. Nieves responsibilities include reception, scheduling, timekeeping and other general office management duties. “The Office of Second Chance Employment provided me with the opportunity to interview with The Port Authority and has given me the chance to show and prove that my past decisions do not define me as a person,” Ms. Nieves said of her experience with the program. “The Port Authority is a great company and I feel blessed to be a part of such a great team with an exciting future.” As further testament to her work ethic, Nidia Abreu, Executive Business Manager and supervisor of Ms. Nieves states, “Veronica is truly exceling in her current position, and her work hasn’t gone unnoticed. Her dedication and willingness to learn go without saying. Veronica is a valuable asset to our team, and her efforts and contributions are greatly appreciated.” The Office of Second Chance Employment continues to identify and cultivate employer partnerships across Port Authority facilities, to expand the universe of job opportunities and increase the number of jobs available. For more information on the OSCE Program, contact Denisha Rapier, OSCE Program Manager with the Council for Airport Opportunity at [email protected].