Second Chance Hiring in Nebraska

313 North 13th Street,Lincoln NE 68508

07 March, 2023

Description

The Platte Institute, RISE, The Institute for Justice, and Iron Light Labs invite you to a complimentary screening of the short documentary Free To Care and a post-screening discussion of second chance hiring in Nebraska. This free event will take place on Tuesday, March 7th from 4:30pm to 7pm at the Ross Theatre located at 313 N 13th St, Lincoln, NE 68508. 19 million Americans have a felony record. Unfortunately, many of them are prohibited from an opportunity to truly escape their past. For example, in 15 states many Americans with criminal records are disqualified from being barbers, bartenders, cosmetologists, landscapers, nurses, and dozens more careers. Free to Care is a short documentary that tells the inspiring story of Lisa Creason. Lisa was denied her dream in nursing. So she took matters into her own hands, and changed the profession forever for thousands of formerly incarcerated individuals like her. But the fight isn’t over. This discussion will highlight Lisa’s story of redemption, and outline how Nebraska can leverage storytelling as a powerful tool to help change the law here because everyone deserves the right to pursue their passion and be free to care. Tickets are free, but must be reserved ahead of time via Eventbrite. Event Schedule 4:30pm Doors Open 5:00pm Event Starts 5:40 Q&A Discussion 6:00pm Post-Screening Reception 7:00pm Event Ends About The Film When Lisa was 19, she attempted to rob a local business. It was an act of desperation to feed her infant daughter, and resulted in a criminal record she couldn’t escape. At 34 years old, Lisa wanted to provide a better future for her children and enrolled in nursing school – a career she is passionate about and had an aptitude for. While studying, however, Illinois passed a law that would have prevented Lisa from becoming a nurse, due to her criminal record. Lisa refused to accept this future. She teamed up with her local state think tank, Illinois Policy Institute. Together they began fighting tooth and nail to overturn the law – and they succeeded within 15 months. Because of her determination, today Lisa works as a registered nurse and has purchased her first home. But Lisa’s story doesn’t end there. As she shares in the film, “one person can start a movement.” While Lisa succeeded in Illinois, many states unfortunately still have barriers for Americans with criminal records. Thousands of formerly incarcerated people are prevented from working as healthcare professionals, barbers, bartenders, cosmetologists, landscapers, and dozens of other professions. About the Venue The Mary Riepma Ross Media Arts Center is a two-screen theatre located on the University of Nebraska–Lincoln campus that commonly shows a wide variety of documentaries, independent cinema, and international films in the United States of America. About the Hosts The Platte Institute RISE The Institute for Justice Iron Light Labs