Brent Jones, Local Las Vegas Business owner Recieves Award

PRLog (Press Release) - Jan. 16, 2013 - Brent Jones has continually supported the Hope for Prisoners program. The Vision of HOPE for Prisoners is to empower and equip men, women, and young adults who are exiting various arenas of our judicial system to help them successfully re-enter and effectively function in mainstream society. HOPE for Prisoners has become a premier agency in the reentry arena. The only program of its kind in the state, HOPE for Prisoners is gaining recognition for transforming individuals from wards of the state to upstanding tax payers of our community.

Brent Jones through his company Real Water hires those striving to re-enter society. Brent believes that he is not “Taking a chance but rather offering a chance” to ex-offenders who often have difficulty trying to secure employment.

Brent Jones, who spoke at the graduation, pointed out the program’s success referring to two employees of Real Water who were hired and have been promoted within his company and are leading productive lives. The recidivism rate has a negative impact on taxpayers’ pocketbooks. According to to the Vera Institute of Justice (http://www.vera.org/) , the average annual cost per inmate in Nevada is $20,656. “We can change the recidivism rate by creating opportunity for employment” “Without a job it is impossible to provide for yourself”  “I strongly believe that local businesses have a responsibility to give back to their communities” “Offering employment is an essential  part of lowering the recidivism rate”

Through his company Real Water, Brent has supported the Hope for Prisoners Program on many fronts. In addition to his hiring program participants, Mr. Jones helped provide “Real Hope for a Real Christmas” in 2012. The Christmas party was complete with gifts for 16 families, their own individual Christmas Trees and a Christmas Feast.  http://www.prlog.org/12045760.pdf

Other speakers at the graduation ceremony included representatives for Senator Dean Heller and Congressman Joe Heck who presented awards to the 22 graduates, Dr. Joni Reid, Nevada Assistant Sherriff, Ted Moody, Nevada Department of Corrections, Greg Cox, Jon Ponder and Terri Janesen, both of Hope for Prisoners.

Photo:
http://www.prlog.org/12060675/1