Last month, CEO held a media roundtable alongside New York Reentry Cash Coalition partners to discuss the Reentry Assistance Bill. For too long, people returning home from incarceration got only $40 and a bus ticket, leaving them without the support they need to secure housing, food, or employment. This bill changes that. Championed by Senator Jeremy Cooney and Assemblymember Eddie Gibbs, the legislation provides up to $425 a month for six months, giving returning New Yorkers a real opportunity to rebuild their lives. Council Member Council Member Crystal Hudson shared powerful insights on how this legislation will help remove barriers and create a foundation for long-term stability, showing that investing in reentry is both the right and smart thing to do for our communities.
About us
Center for Employment Opportunities (CEO) provides immediate, effective, and comprehensive employment services exclusively to people recently released from incarceration. CEO currently operates in over 30 cities and is dedicated to ensuring that justice-impacted job seekers have opportunities to achieve socioeconomic mobility.
- Website
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https://ceoworks.org
External link for Center for Employment Opportunities
- Industry
- Civic and Social Organizations
- Company size
- 501-1,000 employees
- Headquarters
- New York, NY
- Type
- Nonprofit
- Founded
- 1996
- Specialties
- non-profit, criminal justice, and workforce development
Locations
Employees at Center for Employment Opportunities
Updates
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Our February newsletter is live! Read highlights from our 2025 Annual Report and learn how Opportunity 2030 will expand access to jobs and support for people returning home. You’ll also follow John's journey after release and how CEO crews in Rochester and Buffalo responded to winter storms to keep communities safe. Read the full newsletter: https://ceolink.co/4aOTxRY
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Big congratulations to Sarah on her promotion to Senior Payroll Manager! 🎉 Sarah's leadership, precision, and commitment to excellence strengthen our team and help power the culture that drives CEO forward every day. We’re excited to see her continued impact in this new role! #LeadingWithoutLimits
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Center for Employment Opportunities reposted this
Join us in Albany on Tuesday, March 10, 2026 to fight for the Reentry Assistance Bill, a crucial step toward giving returning citizens the support they deserve! Currently, people released from New York State custody receive only $200 in gate money, far below what’s needed to survive. This bill would replace that with a monthly stipend of $425 for up to six months, helping returning New Yorkers rebuild their lives, support their families, and stay out of the justice system. RSVP by February 24th to confirm your attendance: https:// ceolink.co/3OoJXxr
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From a young age, Jesse carried responsibilities beyond his age, until instability and limited options led him down a path to incarceration. After spending nearly two decades in prison, he returned home and connected with #CEOLosAngeles, where he found steady work, encouragement, and the support to keep moving forward. Today, Jesse supports others navigating reentry and mental health challenges, leads programs, and helps build pathways for people with lived experience to succeed. Read his full story: https://ceolink.co/45LFBXl
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During Black History Month, we’re honoring leaders who are creating lasting impact. From returning home after incarceration to serving as Site Director of CEO Cleveland, Devon’s journey reflects the power of resilience, fair chances, and leadership rooted in service. His work is helping others rewrite their stories, one person at a time. Read more: https://ceolink.co/4qUfDIX #BlackHistoryMonth
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“I can’t even get a job without an ID.†It’s a reality for too many people coming home after incarceration. They’re ready to work, ready to provide, ready to move forward, but one missing piece shuts the door. This isn’t just about employment. It’s about families struggling, communities losing potential, and the cycle of instability continuing. See how we’re tackling these barriers: ceolink.co/3NT472o
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Big news! CEO is proud to support the Reentry Readiness Act (HB26-1256) — legislation that ensures people returning home from incarceration have the basics: âœ”ï¸ $100 gate money (with no deductions) âœ”ï¸ Free transportation home âœ”ï¸ Vital ID documents in hand Every year, 6,000+ Coloradans return home - yet too many leave without an ID, without money, and without a clear path forward. The first 72 hours after release are critical. No one should have to rebuild their life without the most basic tools. The #ReentryReadinessAct is about dignity, accountability, and real public safety. When people have what they need to succeed, our communities are stronger. Read our full statement: https://ceolink.co/4s3N5h6
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The latest farm bill draft puts food assistance and job training at risk—at a time when families are already struggling to put food on the table. Our CEO & Executive Director Samuel Schaeffer is sounding the alarm: By leaving out bipartisan solutions like TNSA and the #RESTOREAct, Congress is making it harder for people to work, feed their families, and build safer communities. We can’t build economic mobility, or safer communities, without investing in both work and nutrition. Congress must pass a truly bipartisan farm bill that protects SNAP, supports people returning from incarceration, and celebrates the dignity of work. Read the full statement: https://ceolink.co/4kGZq8e #WeCantWait #FarmBill
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Center for Employment Opportunities reposted this
The Institute is excited to partner with the Center for Community Engaged Learning (CCEL) at Fordham University to host "Building Green Futures", a roundtable discussion ahead of the Bronx Green Job Center’s launch focused on expanding equitable pathways into the green economy for justice-impacted New Yorkers. Join us! Register here: https://luma.com/anfxcvie
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