to growing businesses while generating payroll and consumer taxes that fund vital public services.
Over five years, New Freedom alumni have maintained a 95 percent rate of avoiding a return to prison. Of that group, 70 percent remain with the first employer they connected with while at New Freedom.
The committed team at New Freedom, 85 percent of whom have also been involved in the justice system, is foundationally dedicated to members and the employer-partners hiring them. Together, they are charting the new terrain of a constantly evolving labor market.
This collaboration and the mutual successes that follow demonstrate the potential of Fair Chance Hiring. To join the discussion and learn more, visit www. newfreedomaz. com or call 602-690-0579.
Chance Agenda, offering career pathways that were previously inaccessible.
For all the benefits of Fair Chance Hiring, including the Work Opportunity Tax Credit and eligibility for federal bonding, barriers remain. Business leaders often express concerns about risk management or the absence of organizational structures to support Fair Chance Hiring.
The most significant of these is the stigma attached to the justice involved. Many justiceinvolved individuals contend with multiple challenges relating to poverty, health and compliance with post-incarceration supervision.
Wade Siers is a labor economist with New Freedom. He works with employers across various sectors to interpret labor availability, demographic shifts, and workforce realignment. Wade’ s publications have been featured in Training Industry Magazine and Southern University’ s College of Business E-Journal. He holds a Doctor of Philosophy in Leadership from Louisiana Baptist University, where his research focused on the labor economics of U. S.-China relations.
Changing the Conversation
New Freedom, a Phoenix-area provider of treatment and training for the justiceimpacted, is leading the dialogue. Their innovative, comprehensive program of primary care, behavioral health treatment and vocational training in HVAC, carpentry, electrical and painting trades builds productive citizens and safer communities. Through gainful employment, these loyal workers contribute
16 February 6, 2026 www. contractorshotline. com