MEMPHIS, Tenn. — A job and resource fair was held on Wednesday in Southwest Memphis.

The event was hosted by the Tennessee Department of Corrections’ Memphis Day Reporting Center, which aims to help participants re-enter society while reducing the likelihood of re-offending.

When giving up is not an option, the only thing you can do is give it your all.

“I messed up, and they still let me come back to finish what I was supposed to do,” said Anthony Walker.

What Anthony Walker is looking to do is find a job, but he is not alone.

In fact, well before things got underway Wednesday at Mt. Vernon Baptist Church Westwood, dozens of job seekers were lined up, ready to go in.

Once through the doors of the church, they found a job and resource fair.

“So many times our population suffers from barriers such as housing, such as jobs, such as transportation, medical health care,” said April Buckner, a correctional administrator for rehab services.

April Buckner says one of the many missions is to match those looking for work with employers looking to hire.

“Everyone here is felony friendly, and one of the things we suffer from a lot is those who have backgrounds not being able to get jobs,” said Buckner.

Whether these job seekers were formerly incarcerated or not, the goal is the same, and that is to make the most of what’s being offered.

James Banks, who arrived an hour early, wasted no time making his rounds, driven to be a positive example to his children and his community.

“The opportunity to have a chance to put in some applications and meet some new people, see what you can come up on,” said James Banks. “Never give up type spirit, because you know, once you give up, you’ll be stuck where you are trying to get from.”

We asked Banks and Walker what sets them apart.

“Well, I would try to ensure them that I will come to work on time, I’ll do my job, and I will be respectful to others,” said Banks.

“On time. I am going to beat you there. I might be the store opener, I might open and close the store,” said Walker.

There were upwards of 70 vendors, job opportunities, healthcare, and housing. It’s all available — essentially a one-stop shop for those like Mr. Banks and Mr. Walker, and so many others, who say they are simply looking for a fresh start.

This article was originally published by WREG.