The “Second Chances” program that gives ex-convicts minimum-wage jobs doing litter patrol was eliminated in budget cuts, but former employees showed up to the May 12 City Council meeting asking for assistance to reinstate the program.

Operated by the Jersey City Incinerator Authority (JCIA), Second Chances employs approximately 26 people from a pool of 70.

Darren Burgess said the program gave him discipline.

“Every day, I’d get up and clean the streets. We do what we’ve got to do,” Burgess said, adding that people sometimes mistake workers for lawbreakers doing community service. “We need some help here. I’m in my 40s. This is it for me.”

Dorothy Wilson said she got arrested and completed a two-year drug program before seeking employment. “I couldn’t get a job because of my record,” Wilson told the Council members. “I got hired and my whole life changed.”

Councilman Steven Fulop asked that JCIA officials attend the next caucus meeting and suggested elimination of health benefits for volunteer commissioners—a hot button topic that came up at previous meetings.

“This program has to be restored,” Fulop said. “It’s inhumane to cut.”

Councilman David Donnelly agreed. “It’s $42,000 for 25 people. We have to find the money,” Donnelly said.