Small business gives a real chance to women after theyre released from prison [Video]

PEORIA (25News Now) – Life after prison presents challenges, but a group owned and run by women is working to give a real chance to women who spent time in prison to build a real career instead of finding their way back to prison.

A 2021 Illinois study of people released from prison found that 45.5% were unemployed. For those with jobs, the average income was $8,998 annually, lower than the federal poverty level that year.

“No matter what I do, how good I do, it’s like that permanent scar will always be there,” said Labyrinth Made Goods’ business specialist, Marilyn Brown.

Once Brown was released from prison, she wanted to rebuild her life, but integrating back into society presented challenges.

“Gaining the trust of society back, I had a hard time trying to find a job; I came straight from prison, and I went to a homeless shelter,” said Brown.

Brown found employment with Labyrinth Made Goods…