SAN ANTONIO — The Bexar County 2nd Chance Job Fair gives some individuals a second chance at a new life, by connecting those with criminal records with jobs and resources.
The job fair has been held since 2015, and has been a staple event on the city's eastside.
“Now the way you shake a hand, can determine how you get a job,” said Tommy "TC" Calvert Sr.
As the hundreds of job seekers made their way through the doors of the Freeman Coliseum Expo Hall, they were greeted with a warm handshake and a little encouragement.
“Positive reinforcement is very important. Sir are you excited about today?” asked Calvert Sr.
Calvert Sr. is the President of the non-profit, The Neighborhoods First Alliance, and is the official greeter at the 2nd Chance Job Fair.
Calvert Sr. says when he looks into some of their eyes, he sees what they are going through, and for some it's deep.
"They get dogged out every day, dogged out by family members or other employers, you know, there's a lot of negativity," said Calvert Sr.
The fair was created back in 2015 by Tommy "TC" Calvert Sr.'s son, Bexar County Precinct 4 Commissioner Tommy Calvert Jr.
“We've got people we're trying to keep out of jails and put in jobs. It's a much better use of our taxpayer dollars not to have folks incarcerated, but to have people working,” said Commissioner Calvert.
Commissioner Calvert says when he was elected there were only 240 businesses that would hire formerly incarcerated individuals, now it's more than 1,000.
“So we've changed the culture of more acceptance and love, and and getting people reintegrated to their best new lives,” said Commissioner Calvert
The fair is held in partnership with the Bexar County Re-Entry Center who helps not only with jobs, but with counseling and things like resume building.
Commissioner Calvert calls the job fair an economic gardening.
“I believe that when the county builds a street in your neighborhood, we ought to hire a neighborhood,” said Commissioner Calvert.
Gardening in the same neighborhood his father has been cultivating from for more than five decades, with a smile and positivity.
“Ma'am, are you excited about being here? You got a good smile, positive attitude, and you're going to get a job. Amen,” said Calvert Sr.
The Bexar County Re-Entry Center provides services throughout the year.
If you would like more information about the center you can click here, or visit them at 222 S. Comal St.