Safety, Crime, Reentry & Legal Help · Surprise rank #391
Recently Released From Prison? Start Paid Work Instead of Waiting Months for a Job
The Center for Employment Opportunities provides transitional work crews, frequent pay and permanent-job placement support.
Who
People recently released from incarceration who meet local program criteria.
Where: NYC; other New York sites may exist.
What to do
Start here: Contact CEO New York intake and bring release/employment documents.
Eligibility: Recent justice-system involvement and program enrollment requirements.
What you get
CEO offers rapid paid transitional work and intensive job coaching for people returning from incarceration.
Benefit: Paid work crews, often with frequent pay, plus job placement and retention services.
Possible value: Immediate short-term income plus a pathway to permanent work.
Good to know
Important: Transitional work is temporary and lower paid than the permanent-job goal.
Availability: Rolling intake, subject to capacity.
Why people miss it: Many reentry services provide counseling but not immediate paid work.
Sources reviewed: Aug 2, 2026