FORT MYERS, Fla. - eTradeWire -- Better Together, a nonprofit dedicated to helping families thrive, recently hosted its Nationwide Day of Second Chances events, providing 1,981 job seekers with access to background-friendly employers.

The annual initiative brings churches, volunteers, businesses and nonprofits together to host coordinated job fairs that promote the power of second chances for neighbors who face barriers to employment. These barriers can include past incarceration, homelessness, lack of transportation or child care, or gaps in employment.

This year, 12 job fairs were hosted across three states—Florida, Illinois and Ohio—and Washington, D.C. 134 hiring employers participated in this year's events, with 1,157 interviews scheduled or conducted and 223 job seekers receiving conditional job offers on the spot. Over 78% of participants left feeling more confident after attending their local job fair.

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In Fort Myers, A'Keyla scheduled two interviews with employers who can work around her responsibilities as a mother. In Jacksonville, Jeff found hope after 41 years in prison. In Miami, Prince said he woke up feeling depressed but came to the job fair anyway; he walked away with at least two job offers and renewed energy.

"We are so excited to have made an impact on nearly 2,000 job seekers this year," said Megan Rose, CEO of Better Together. "Our hope with these job fairs is to provide our neighbors with access to a network of background-friendly employers and resources, bringing hope and opportunity to those working to achieve independence and financial stability. With the support of our church partners, hiring employers, volunteers and everyone who helped make this possible, we were able to do just that and transform the lives of many."

Nationwide Day of Second Chances is part of the Better Together workforce outreach, which has helped more than 40,000 applicants connect with employment opportunities across 24 states.

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The church-based job fairs not only connect job seekers with local employers who offer on-the-spot job opportunities but also provide resources to facilitate stronger connections and more hires. Free one-on-one job coaching sessions are available to job seekers to review resumes and interviewing skills, and additional services, such as free haircuts and clothing.

Nearly all job seekers leave with hope in their hearts as the Better Together model encourages celebration of their wins. One way that's done is through the opportunity bell, which rings whenever anyone gets a job offer or interview.

To learn more about Better Together and this year's event, visit BetterTogetherUS.org.