(Brendan Baptiste, Communications Office)
On the industrial side of Tacoma, a company with over 50 years of experience in aerospace manufacturing is creating an impact on those looking for a second chance. DEMGY Pacific manufactures high quality metal and plastic parts for the global aerospace industry. Starting in 1966 as a one-man operation, they have grown to employ over 200 employees. Their impact on the aerospace industry crosses over to the lives they have changed.
One of the company’s own, DeeAnn Harris, HR Manager, previously worked as an outreach coordinator for the local Community Partnership for Transition Solutions (CPTS). The group had contracts with the Department of Corrections, jails, and nonprofit organizations.
“We would come together to talk about the needs and resources needed to assist formerly incarcerated individuals that are transitioning back into the community,” says DeeAnn Harris. “Be it a bus pass, clothes, or finding a place to live close to employment.”
Correctional Industries (CI) has been a valued partner to DEMGY. CI provides incarcerated individuals with the training and work experience they need before transitioning. CI gives participants an opportunity to learn technical skills in a variety of fields including manufacturing and warehousing. They also help incarcerated individuals with their job search by developing resumes and cover letters.
“The work CI does to train individuals for post release employment success is only part of the process,” says Lindsey Konrad, Assistant Director, Correctional Industries. “CI also has a dedicated Community Employment Specialist whose role is to connect with local employers to connect incarcerated individuals with employers looking for skilled and motivated employees.”
Adolphus Redding, CNC Machinist, DEMGY Pacific, is living proof to the power of second chances. While incarcerated, he gained valuable job experience working with Correctional Industries. Many incarcerated individuals come in with different skill sets already in place but need guidance.
“That’s all I really needed was to hear encouragement from supervisors that believed in me,” said Adophus. “As a result, it helped me to get my life back on track.”
DEMGY is just one of many companies who have made it their mission to give second chances. They are finding that talented individuals can make an impact regardless of history or previous mistakes. By keeping an open mind, they are allowing their new hires an opportunity to find personal growth.