Former inmates 'strive' to find employment in 2013

Of the 103 men and women who turned out to the Center for Urban Families for its first STRIVE Baltimore orientation of 2013, only three quarters will make it to graduation Feb. 8.

The intensive workforce development program is not for everyone, but it accepts mostly anyone. Nine men at the Friday morning orientation had spent a combined 86 years in jail. Others shared personal stories about dealing drugs. All of them were looking for a change in direction that would lead to steady employment.

“We…