BOSS Hiring & Expungement Fair Recap: Building Pathways, Clearing Barriers

On May 7, 2025, BOSS proudly hosted our Hiring & Expungement Resource Fair at the Block Community Hub in the heart of Downtown Oakland. This event was an invitation to reimagine what second chances can look like.

Held at BLOCK Community Hub (The BLOCK Inc.,) a community-driven organization that provides space, support, and resources for local nonprofits and grassroots efforts, the fair created a through line between two missions rooted in transformation and community power. At both BOSS and The BLOCK, we believe in building infrastructure for equity—and this day was proof of what that can yield.

Dozens of community members came through the doors to meet face-to-face with local employers, training programs like MTS Training Academy, legal advocates, and workforce professionals.

Some were looking for their first job after incarceration. Others came seeking guidance on clearing their records or preparing for new career opportunities. Each person carried stories, hopes, and the courage to take the next step.

The atmosphere buzzed with energy and support. Attendees received resume assistance, learned about union apprenticeships, signed up for career readiness classes, and began real-time expungement processes. Employers got to see talent firsthand. Practitioners and staff were able to provide guidance, encouragement, and clear next steps.

To our community: thank you.

Thank you for showing up, standing in your power, and saying yes to possibility. To our partners and volunteers: thank you for lending your time, tables, and tools to make the day impactful.

This work only matters when people show up—and they did. We’ll be sharing success stories in the coming weeks, and we want to hear yours.

Did you walk away with a lead, a breakthrough, or a moment of clarity?

Share your story with us at bossbayarea@self-sufficiency.org.

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Every day, BOSS meets people at the intersection of trauma and transformation. We walk alongside survivors, unhoused families, returning citizens, and young people navigating systems that were never built to support them.

But healing takes more than hope—it takes resources.

When you give to BOSS, you invest in safe housing, mental health care, violence prevention, job readiness, and culturally rooted support that helps people not just survive, but thrive. You help create spaces like the WERC and TRC, where healing is possible and futures are rebuilt.

 Your gift powers real change.

 Your donation fuels resilience.

 Your support strengthens community.

Give today. Because everyone deserves a chance.