Colorado attorney general hopes to reduce recidivism with Fair Chance Hiring initiative
Three years ago, Drew Patterson moved his company from Greeley to the town of Buena Vista, in part because a prison is located there.
The Buena Vista Correctional Complex for men offered a labor pool for Patterson’s Basic Industries business that makes wooden stakes and other wood components. Patterson believes in second chances.
While the Colorado Department of Correction’s Take TWO work-release program for inmates at Buena Vista is no longer operating, Patterson continues to hire individuals who’ve been involved with the criminal justice system.
“I have four employees now with past convictions,” Patterson said. “We really like helping that population.”
