Like many in America, a family tragedy left Isis Harris reeling and, soon after, buried in medical debt. Unable to keep up with the mounting prescription costs and hospital bills after her son was shot, she knew she had to make a change in her career.

But she knew that wasn’t going to be easy.

With a conviction on her record for which she served six years in prison, Harris was acutely aware of how difficult it was to find a job, and keep a job. Even employers who were enthusiastic to hire her would often rescind their offers after running a background check. The jobs she did take had low pay and inconsistent hours that weren’t enough to keep her family afloat.

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