Center for Employment Opportunities
The Center for Employment Opportunities (CEO) Denver provides immediate, effective, and comprehensive employment services exclusively to people recently released from incarceration. CEO’s program supports participants in gaining the workplace skills and confidence needed for successful transitions to stable, productive lives.
Overview:
The Center for Employment Opportunities (CEO) is a national nonprofit that provides immediate paid employment, job training, and career support for people returning from incarceration.
CEO’s Denver program helps participants rebuild stability and economic independence by combining transitional work opportunities with coaching and job placement services. Participants gain paid work experience quickly, often within days of enrolling, while also receiving the support needed to secure long-term employment.
Through this model, CEO helps individuals develop workplace skills, build confidence, and reconnect with their communities while reducing recidivism and increasing access to economic mobility. The Denver site launched in 2017 and works closely with local government and community partners to expand employment opportunities for justice-impacted individuals.
Population served:
Adults recently released from incarceration
Justice-impacted individuals navigating reentry
Individuals facing significant barriers to employment after involvement with the criminal justice system
Enterprise type:
Workforce services
Transitional employment work crews
Government and community service contracts
Client Services offered:
Paid transitional employment
Job readiness training and orientation
Work crews providing neighborhood maintenance and beautification services
Career coaching and job placement
Resume development, interview preparation, and employment support
Ongoing retention services after job placement
Program length:
Participants typically begin with a short orientation and can start paid transitional work within days. Many participants work on transitional crews while pursuing permanent employment, with continued coaching and retention support for up to one year after job placement.
How You Can Support CEO
CEO Denver partners with businesses, government agencies, and community members to create employment opportunities for returning citizens.
Hire CEO Graduates:
Employers can partner with CEO to hire trained and motivated job candidates who have completed the program.
Contract Work Crews:
Organizations and government agencies can work with CEO crews for maintenance, beautification, and other community improvement projects.
Donate or Advocate:
Financial contributions support employment programs, job training, and wraparound services that help participants succeed.
