About 26,000 people leave Illinois prisons each year, and many of them report having trouble finding employment once they’re home.

This week, Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle announced the expansion of the Road Home program, which connects returning residents with help finding jobs upon their release.

The expansion was announced in partnership with the Cook County Bureau of Economic Development, the Cook County Justice Advisory Council and the Chicago Cook Workforce Partnership (The Partnership) as part of April’s Second Chance Month observance. Cook County leaders designated April as Second Chance Month to raise awareness and opportunities for residents returning from incarceration.

Here, small business owner and Road Home employer Gia Davis gives “the last word” on why she says hiring returning citizens just makes good business sense.