NEW DAY EMPLOYMENT NETWORK

Where Second Chances Become New Beginnings

A Past Mistake Shouldn't Define a Future

New Day Employment Network is dedicated to supporting individuals in Will County, IL with challenging backgrounds to achieve employment, self-sufficiency, and community inclusion, helping them rebuild their lives. Through comprehensive programs and strong community support, we empower them with purpose, confidence, and a clear path forward, because everyone deserves a second chance.

NDEN Magazine Summer Edition, 2026

The Summer 2026 Edition of Justice Alliance Magazine is here!

This powerful issue, “From Vision to Systems Change,” celebrates leaders who are creating real opportunities, strengthening communities, and turning purpose into lasting impact.

Powered by New Day Employment Network (NDEN), this edition highlights the people and partnerships working together to build a more just and inclusive future.

Read. Be inspired. Join the movement.

Photography Credits All New Day Employment Network photographs featured in this publication are courtesy of David White. Photographs submitted by partner organizations are courtesy of their respective organizations.

NDEN Community Luncheon

Joliet group hosting drivers license, state ID assistance program

New Day Employment Network (NDEN), in partnership with the Illinois Secretary of State’s Office and the Justice Alliance, will host a free driver’s license and state ID assistance event on Friday

The event will be from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Joliet Public LibraryDowntown Branch, 150 N. Ottawa St., Joliet.

New Day Employment Network

NDEN and Justice Alliance

They Needed More’: How New Day Employment Network Helps the Justice-Impacted Rebuild After Incarceration

For many formerly incarcerated individuals, the challenges of reentry do not end once they walk out of prison.

Finding stable housing, employment, transportation, mental health support, and rebuilding confidence can become major obstacles while trying to start over after incarceration.

For Pamela Fort, helping people navigate those struggles through New Day Employment Network (NDEN) has become more than community work — it has become a calling.

“To whom much is given, much is required,” Fort said. “God gave me a ministry, and that ministry is really working with the justice-impacted population.”

Will County Reentry Guide

Events

This Memorial Day, NDEN hosted a pop-up outreach at both local shelters to distribute toiletry bags to members of our unhoused community.

While many spent the day reflecting on sacrifice and service, we chose to honor the spirit of community by showing up for those in need with essentials, compassion, and dignity. Sometimes the smallest acts of kindness can remind people they are seen, valued, and not forgotten.

Out of respect for privacy, we chose not to show faces of individuals receiving support, focusing instead on moments of outreach, connection, and care throughout the day. Today was more than a giveaway — it was a reminder that service to community matters every day.

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NDEN Community Luncheon

Healing isn’t always loud. Sometimes it looks like good food, real conversations, laughter, reflection, and being surrounded by people who understand life’s challenges and the importance of healing together. As we close out our Healing Illinois series, we invite the community to come out, eat, relax, have fun, and enjoy a free catered meal prepared especially for the community. This luncheon is about more than food — it’s about connection, restoration, mental wellness, and creating space where people feel seen, heard, supported, and encouraged. Come share in the conversation as we continue building healing and hope together.

Address: FTTW 1523 Plainfield Rd

Date: Saturday, May 23, 2026

Time: 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM

NDEN Community Luncheon Event

Today’s Healing Illinois Community Brunch was more than a meal — it was a real conversation about healing, survival, coping, growth, and what it takes to keep moving forward when life gets hard. Through poetry, affirmation cards, mirror reflections, roundtable discussions, and honest dialogue, we created space for people to speak openly, listen without judgment, and connect through shared experiences.

There was no pressure, no titles, and no barriers — just people coming together to reflect, encourage one another, laugh, share, and heal in community. Some conversations were heavy, some were uplifting, and some simply reminded us how important it is to have safe spaces where people can show up as themselves.

We broke bread together, shared our stories, talked about coping mechanisms, mental wellness, second chances, and the importance of continuing to heal while navigating everyday life.

Special thanks to Tanya’s Catering & Event Planning for the amazing food and hospitality, David White for beautifully capturing these meaningful moments through photography, songstress Jessica Latham for sharing her gift and helping set the atmosphere through music, and Jaron Nabors along with FTTW for opening the doors and creating a safe space for the community to openly share their hearts, experiences, and journeys toward healing.

See all the pictures: Click Here

Joliet group hosting drivers license, state ID assistance program

New Day Employment Network (NDEN), in partnership with the Illinois Secretary of State’s Office and the Justice Alliance, will host a free driver’s license and state ID assistance event on Friday

The event will be from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Joliet Public LibraryDowntown Branch, 150 N. Ottawa St., Joliet.

The event is open to the public and will provide assistance with driving record inquiries, license reinstatement guidance, state ID and driver’s license appointment scheduling, and information on required documents and next steps, according to a news release from the New Day Employment Network.

State IDs and driver’s licenses will not be issued onsite. Walk-ins are welcome and assistance will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis, the organization said.

“This event is about helping people remove barriers and move forward with confidence,” said Pamela Fort, Executive Director of NDEN.

See Full News: Click Here

Today’s the day!

Need help with your driving record, license issues, reinstatement questions, or DMV paperwork? Stop by the Joliet Public Library today for free DMV assistance and resource support. DMV Hearing Officers, customer service representatives, and community partners will be onsite to help answer questions and guide people through the process.

This event is open to the public and designed to help people move forward — one step at a time. No judgment. Just information, support, and resources.

DMV Resource Event

Today’s DMV Resource Event was a meaningful day of connection, information, and support for the community. We were honored to sit down with Tasha Ivy from the Office of Public Engagement – Faith Based & Restorative Justice under Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias’ office for an important conversation about community engagement, restorative justice, and access to resources. We also appreciate the Hearing Officers and Secretary of State staff who were onsite assisting participants with driving record inquiries, guidance, and helping eligible participants secure DMV appointments for next Tuesday.

A special thank you to our volunteers, community partners, and the Joliet Public Library staff for your generosity, support, and continued commitment to helping people move forward. Every conversation matters, and every opportunity to connect someone to resources makes a difference.

Today was one of those days that reminds us why community work matters.

This morning we were inside the jail helping pretrial detainees participate in the voting process. Many people don’t realize that individuals awaiting trial still have the right to vote, and helping make that process accessible keeps people connected to their civic voice.

During our lunch break, we also stopped by Daybreak Center and the Mission to share toiletry bags and jogging suits with individuals who could use them. Access to basic hygiene items and clean clothing may seem small, but it can make a real difference in restoring dignity and reminding people they have not been forgotten.

Different places. Same purpose — meeting people where they are.

Thank you to my sister Patricia and my nephew BJ for stepping in and helping today. Community work is always stronger when people come together.

Sometimes the work is quiet, but it still matters.

“Real Talk: What People Are Carrying.”

New Day Employment Network will host a recorded roundtable conversation titled “Real Talk: What People Are Carrying.”

This discussion centers on lived experience and explores how bias, stigma, and mental health pressures shape opportunity and the challenges many people face while trying to move forward.

Grassroots Initiative

Founded in 2018 years ago by Pamela Fort, who witnessed firsthand the struggles of talented individuals seeking to reintegrate, our programs are uniquely designed and delivered by people with lived experience. We meet you where you are, offering personalized guidance, skills training, and wraparound support to overcome obstacles and reach your full potential. From resume assistance and mental health resources to job placement, we’re with you every step of the way.

Our multi-week program, tailored for returning citizens, emphasizes life skills and job preparedness, paving the way for sustained employment.

We assist qualified individuals in sealing or expunging criminal records, allowing them to overcome past obstacles and step into their futures with renewed confidence and hope.

Recognizing the importance of a driver’s license in securing employment, we hold events in Will County, assisting individuals in reclaiming their driving privileges.

Driving Change, Inspiring Hope

Our commitment extends beyond individual support. We are fierce advocates for policy reform, tirelessly working to change systems that hinder reintegration. Join us in creating a new narrative of resilience, empowerment, and the transformative impact of second chances.

New Day Employment Network is truly a blessing for the community. Their job readiness program gave me the tools, confidence, and support I needed to re-enter the workforce after a difficult period in my life. The staff treats everyone with respect and dignity—you’re not just a number, you’re a human being with potential. I’m forever grateful for the second chance they helped me build.

I attended one of the resource fairs hosted by NDEN, and I was blown away by the positive energy and real opportunities offered there. From expungement support to resume workshops and even wellness activities like yoga—it’s obvious they care about the whole person, not just getting people into jobs. This is the kind of grassroots change we need more of.

After years of feeling shut out of the system, New Day Employment Network helped me find direction and hope. Their team walked with me step by step—from helping me restore my driver’s license to prepping for interviews. What they’re doing isn’t just employment assistance—it’s restoration. Highly recommend for anyone ready to rebuild.”

Whether you’re seeking a second chance, new skills, or a supportive community to help you on your journey, New Day Employment Network is here for you.

NEW DAY EMPLOYMENT NETWORK

Where Second Chances Become New Beginnings

A Past Mistake Shouldn't Define a Future

Our Mission

Our Community

Our Approach

NDEN Magazine Summer Edition, 2026

NDEN Community Luncheon

Joliet group hosting drivers license, state ID assistance program

New Day Employment Network

They Needed More’: How New Day Employment Network Helps the Justice-Impacted Rebuild After Incarceration

Breaking Barriers to Career Pathways

Will County Reentry Guide

Events

NDEN Community Luncheon

NDEN Community Luncheon Event

Joliet group hosting drivers license, state ID assistance program

DMV Resource Event

Today was one of those days that reminds us why community work matters.

“Real Talk: What People Are Carrying.”

Grassroots Initiative

Empowering Employment

Clearing Paths Forward

Driving Opportunities

Driving Change, Inspiring Hope

Testimonial

J. Martinez

Angela T.

Darnell R.

Join Us

New Day Employment Network

About Us

Contact Information