CEDAR PARK, Texas — Eddie Franz said he knows what it’s like to be in the back of a police car, be incarcerated and see years of his life waste away.
“When I was 28 years old, I was incarcerated in prison for seven years for distribution,” said Franz.
It wasn’t until he was eventually released that Franz truly faced the reality of being out of jail with a criminal record and trying to secure a job. He was unable to find a job or an apartment.
“I didn’t have anything,” said Franz.
But with time and support, Franz found his calling and became the executive director of Jail to Jobs, a nonprofit organization designed to help shape youths once they’re released from jail.
“We hire them and employ them to learn how to be successful, how to start to live both life and [a] work life in a successful way,” said Franz.
On Saturday, the organization hosted its 12th annual fundraiser event at Haute Spot in Cedar Park aimed at supporting the program.
The program offers employment-based mentoring and workforce development, and Franz said the nonprofit’s next step is transitioning them into a career.
“Helping them start a career in trades like electrical, plumbing, welding, culinary entrepreneurship, we even have paid internships with Google,” said Franz.
The program started in 2009. Co-founder Kim Haskins said she and her husband started meeting with youths in jails and realized they would need help once they got out of jail.
“We believe that anyone can transform their lives,” said Haskins.
The program currently serves Travis and Williamson Counties. Franz said the nonprofit speaks with judges, law enforcement and probation officers for outreach.
“There’re people left without options, and I’m not going to stand for that,” said Franz.