The Missouri Department of Corrections says 97% of Missouri prisoners will return to life outside the prison walls. Most convicted felons are required to find employment within 90 days of being released from prison. However, many employers are wary about hiring someone with a record. Although the government gives bonuses or benefits to employers hiring ex-convicts, many felons aren't ready for employment.

Gary Taylor works for Job Point, a Columbia-based organization that helps prepare individuals for post-prison careers. Taylor says many convicts have never held a job before or haven't held jobs for longer than 30 days, making many employers cautious. Job Point works to help individuals prepare resumes, build hard skills for the workforce, and help people learn soft skills such as building confidence. According to Taylor, 90% of those who attend Job Point classes finish out the classes and 70% of those who finish found and kept their new job for 90 or more days.

Shawn Turner spent five years in prison. He started attending a class at the Re-entry Opportunity Center, a branch of Job Point, this week. Already he says he's learned things that will help him get a job and has gained confidence.

Sue Long has worked for the ROC for 12 years and currently teaches felons skills they need to get a job.

"I would trust any of these men with my life," she said, looking over the four men sitting in her class. The men were convicted for crimes ranging from shooting a person to being caught with a controlled substance.

When asked how he felt about hearing someone offering encouragement, Turner said, "That's huge."

Turner said Long has given him and his classmates a second chance. Now he says, "I expect to give myself a chance."

The ROC gives two-week-long classes that last every morning from 9 a.m. to noon. The third week of class is spent reviewing resumes and preparing for interviews. During the next six months, the ROC checks in on those felons seeking jobs to see how the hunt is going and help them with more transitions.

All of the men in Long's class are fathers and she said they all need jobs to help support their children. Turner agreed and said he hopes he can get a job and become a good role model for his kids.