Coral Springs hosts special job fair to connect formerly incarcerated job seekers with local employers and resources
Coral Springs, Florida – In an effort to provide opportunities for individuals who face barriers to employment, Coral Springs is hosting a “second chance” job fair designed to connect formerly incarcerated jobseekers and others with willing employers. The event, scheduled for April 18 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at New Springs Church, 11464 W. Sample Road, aims to break down barriers, provide resources, and celebrate the dignity of work. Organized in partnership with the nonprofit Better Together, the event is part of the nationwide observance of the Day of Second Chances.
Gavin Felix, senior pastor of New Springs Church, said the fair is intended to go beyond a typical employment event. “We want it to be a celebratory job fair where we’re seeking employers who are willing to do interviews and hire on the spot and create an environment where we can celebrate that achievement for those seeking employment,” Felix said. He emphasized that the focus this year is on individuals who may face unique challenges finding work, including those with criminal records, employment gaps, or limited access to resources.
While the final list of participating employers is still being finalized, past events have drawn organizations such as Publix, the City of Coral Springs, and businesses offering trade-level positions as well as professional roles. Felix said the fair is structured to ensure that attendees have a meaningful chance to meet and interview with employers directly, without the usual logistical or social barriers that can discourage jobseekers.
“People not being able to be employed, it isn’t always their own personal fault,” Felix said. “There are so many factors. So rather than sit back with our arms folded in judgment, we want everybody to be able to have the opportunity to work, to provide for their family, to find dignity in the work that they do.” For Felix and the organizers, employment is more than a paycheck—it’s about restoring purpose, hope, and confidence. “There is an aspect of just being human, to have a desire to work… and that gives you, as an individual, purpose, and in having purpose, you have hope for yourself, for your family, and for your communities,” he said.
The job fair also provides supportive services designed to remove obstacles often faced by those returning to the workforce. Attendees are encouraged to bring their children, and volunteers will be on hand to supervise and play with children while parents attend interviews. Additional resources, including resume-building assistance and job coaching, are available on-site to give candidates the confidence needed to succeed.
“My encouragement to them would be to keep going. The more networks you build and tap into, the more likely you are to rectify that,” Felix said. He highlighted that the fair isn’t just about filling positions—it’s also an opportunity for employers to tap into a motivated and often overlooked pool of talent. Organizers stress that by participating, companies can help strengthen workforce pipelines and make a lasting impact on the community.
Registration is currently open for both jobseekers and employers, and attendees are encouraged to apply to positions in advance to maximize their time with hiring managers at the event. Felix said the goal is to ensure that every individual who walks through the doors has the opportunity to engage, interview, and potentially secure employment that can help transform their life.
By creating a supportive and celebratory environment, the Coral Springs second chance job fair seeks to redefine how communities approach employment for those who face systemic barriers. It is a model for connecting motivated candidates with employers willing to look beyond conventional hiring criteria, emphasizing that access to work is not only a right but a vital part of human dignity and social stability.
With this event, Coral Springs is sending a clear message: second chances matter, work provides purpose, and communities thrive when everyone has the opportunity to contribute meaningfully. Jobseekers, volunteers, and employers alike are poised to come together on April 18 to take part in a transformative day that combines opportunity, resources, and hope.
