Libra Group is a founding partner of ‘Fair Chance Business Pledge’

April 11, 2016

Libra Group, the privately owned diversified business group with 30 subsidiaries active across six continents, has announced that it has joined with the Obama Administration and companies from across the American economy as a founding partner for the launch of the Fair Chance Business Pledge.  This pledge represents a call-to-action for all members of the private sector to improve their communities by eliminating barriers for those with a criminal record and create a pathway for a second chance. 

 The Libra Group applauds the growing number of public and private sector organizations nationwide who are taking action to ensure that all Americans have the opportunity to succeed, including individuals who have had contact with the criminal justice system. When almost 70 million Americans – nearly one in three adults – have a criminal record, Libra argues that it is important to remove unnecessary barriers that may prevent these individuals from gaining access to employment, training, education and other basic tools required for success in life. Libra Group is committed to providing individuals with criminal records, including formerly incarcerated individuals, a fair chance to participate in the American economy.

 The Libra Group has announced the following pledges as part of its participation in the initiative:

 The company is supporting Drive Change (drivechangenyc.org) and its mission to use the food truck workplace to run a 1-year Fellowship for young people returning home from prison so they can obtain preferential employment and educational opportunities. Libra’s monetary and in-kind support has allowed Drive Change to hire a part-time “Truck Coach” who will ensure that young people get the most out of their Drive Change experience. Libra will furthermore support instructors in developing courses in a range of disciplines including marketing, money management and business development. The group will also provide management training for executive staff of Drive Change.

Libra Group has also pledged its support for Defy Ventures (defyventures.org) in its mission to harness the natural talents of formerly incarcerated individuals and redirect them towards the creation of rewarding business ventures.

Finally, through the Libra Internship Programme (www.librainternship.com), Libra Group is supporting the children of formerly incarcerated parents. Internships have already been provided to a number of students who have grown up with either one or both parents subject to the criminal justice system. Libra’s internships provide an opportunity for bright, talented young people to undertake a paid placement of up to six months’ duration with the Libra Group and its subsidiaries around the world. The programme provides work experience to numerous young people from communities exhibiting achievement and opportunity gaps.

Commenting on its support for the Fair Chance Business Pledge, Carla Brillembourg-Clark, Deputy Head of Social Responsibility for the Libra Group, stated: “It is essential that those members of our community with a criminal record are not marginalized and are given an opportunity to tread a new path. With the right kind of training and mentoring this largely untapped source of talent can make a tangible contribution to business and society.”

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