Guide · Work
Finding work with a record in OKC: second-chance help
Start with the help built for this: the free Federal Bonding Program, reentry services like OKC’s Diversion Hub, and your state workforce center. Be brief and honest about your record, lead with what you’re doing now, and tell employers about free bonding.
Work is dignity. A man who provides, shows up and takes ownership is rebuilding more than a bank account. He’s rebuilding his identity. Every Overcomers resident is working, in school, in treatment or in an active job search.
Help that’s built for this
| Help | What it does |
|---|---|
| Federal Bonding Program | Free fidelity bonds of $5,000 to $25,000 that cover an employer for your first six months on the job. It’s for “at-risk” candidates, including people with records or a history of substance use. No cost to you or the employer. |
| OKC Diversion Hub | Helps people in the court system with warrants, court and transportation, and connects them with jobs and housing. |
| Work Opportunity Tax Credit | A federal tax credit for employers who hire a “qualified ex-felon” within a year of conviction or release, up to $2,400 per hire. It covered hires through Dec 31, 2025; check whether it has been renewed before you mention it. |
| Oklahoma Works | The state’s workforce system, with job centers that help with searches, résumés and training. |
How to talk about your record
- Be brief and honest. One or two sentences. Don’t hide it, and don’t retell the whole story.
- Own it. No excuses, no blaming.
- Pivot to now. Where you live, how long you’ve been sober, the structure you keep and who can vouch for you.
- Offer the bond. Tell the employer the Federal Bonding Program covers them for free.
Be the man they can’t afford to lose
Show up early, work hard, tell the truth and own your mistakes. That reputation will open more doors than any résumé, and it’s the standard we hold at Overcomers.
Clearing your record
Some Oklahoma records can be expunged. Ask a legal aid office or an attorney whether yours qualifies.