The Bridge Club of Greater Lowell has partnered with one of America’s largest employers to assist some of its clients who have been involved in criminal justice systems in the past.
Last month, The Bridge Club revealed that they had been chosen by Amazon as their first local partner for Greater Lowell to provide employment to people who are trying to reintegrate into society following a criminal justice experience. Through its reentry programs, the club will assist its clients in applying for positions at Amazon’s new fulfillment center, which is a 4 million square foot facility located in North Andover.
It’s a great opportunity and the timing is perfect. “The new Amazon facility is game-changing, with wages starting at $18-$21 an hour and immediate benefits available to full-time workers, it’s a real opportunity for our clients,” Bridge Club’s Executive Director Bob Cox stated in a statement on March 29.
Amazon is currently staffing the new Amazon facility located about 25 minutes away from Bridge Club. Cox stated that the Bridge Club would provide its members with transportation between the club’s facility and Amazon for a year.
Cox said, “For those who need a second chance at life to change their lives for the better, this is a great opportunity.”
Cox told a phone call on April 18, that the Bridge Club was looking for partners who would hire employees that might not pass a Criminal Offender Record Information check (CORI). Cox stated that Amazon, the Bridge Club’s largest partner, had met these requirements.
Cox said that they were “also really excited” about the fact we provided transportation. We have been doing this through our Reentry Program since 2022. It will be an enormous undertaking but, when it comes to it, we’ll certainly step up.
Similar partnerships exist between The Bridge Club and local companies such as Spruce Environmental Technologies or cardboard producer WestRock. The Bridge Club also has a Memorandum of Understanding with MassHire where clients of the Reentry Program become MassHire customers.
Cox said, “There are a lot of options available to someone.”
The Bridge Club invites individuals seeking more information or wishing to explore these new employment opportunities to reach out at 978-454-6191 or via email at info@bridgecluboflowell.org.
In a place where second chances are hard to find, the partnership between Amazon and Bridge Club of Greater Lowell is a testimony to what’s possible when groups unite to support rehabilitation and renewal. The club stated that it was not only about jobs but also about giving hope and dignity back to people who want to change their lives.