Coming-home work starter | Blue Waters Recovery Foundation

Worried about being turned down for jobs? That worry makes sense. Many employers hire people with records, and a record does not decide your worth. Feeling behind is normal. You do not have to figure this out alone. Start with one call. Blue Waters is simply a sober living home that has gathered resources in one place. This sheet is a jumping-off point. Your first call is a peer.

1Your first call: a peer recovery specialist

A peer who has been through it can walk you through these steps. Fellowship RCO’s Certified Recovery Peer Specialists meet one-on-one, help you make a plan, and link you to resources. Ask about Back 2 Work: job readiness, résumés, job search help.

Start here · Fellowship RCO · fellowshiprco.org

Margate (754) 205-7428 · Fort Lauderdale (954) 760-6893
Walk in Mon–Fri, 9 AM–5 PM, or call for an appointment.

Next · BSO Reentry

(954) 375-6293
Ask for a mentor.
sheriff.org reentry

2Your work plan

Start here · Honest Jobs, free for job seekers: fair-chance employers who hire people with records. honestjobs.com/for-job-seekers

CareerSource Broward: computer basics, résumés, training. careersourcebroward.com

OIC of South Florida · oicsfl.org · (954) 563-3535
Ask about post-release employment.

Goodwill South Florida Project R.I.S.E.
Fort Lauderdale · (954) 486-1600

Re-Entry One · reentryone.org · (305) 990-4387
Blue Waters jobs board · bwrfoundation.org/jobs

Fair chance means they will consider you instead of an automatic no. Second chance means they have said publicly that they hire people who were incarcerated. A list is not a promise. Check before you apply.

Asked about the years away? Keep it short and true: “I’m ready to work, I show up, and I learn fast.”

Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC). It has given businesses a federal tax credit of up to $2,400 for hiring someone within a year of release. It lapsed at the end of 2025. Congress has renewed it back-dated before, so ask them to fill out IRS Form 8850 with you by the day they offer you the job. dol.gov/agencies/eta/wotc

3Your papers

Employers need these to hire you.

FL birth certificate · floridahealth.gov
Social Security card · ssa.gov/ssnumber
FL ID · flhsmv.gov
Keep your DOC papers. They back up your ID.
A phone and email. Ask your peer specialist where to start.

4Money while you look

At 65 or older, SSI can be there based on age. Income limits apply.

1-800-772-1213

Ask for SSI. At 65+ you can qualify by age. No work credits needed.
Income and resource limits apply. Food or housing help can change SSI. Tell SSA the truth.
Have them check old retirement credits. Bring release papers and ID.

SNAP: myaccess.myflfamilies.com
Area Agency on Aging of Broward: adrcbroward.org · helpline (954) 745-9779
2-1-1 Broward: dial 2-1-1 for food, clothes, legal aid.

A “no” isn’t the end. It’s one door. The next “yes” is out there. Stuck? Call your peer specialist.

Call ahead to confirm hours and eligibility. Programs and benefit rules can change.