Mark Haynes was incarcerated for four years. But he put that time to good use, earning multiple certifications related to dog grooming and training and for veterinary assistance.

Haynes was able to find employment almost immediately after getting out in February. Currently, he works as an independent contractor in training and animal waste and has recently started a nonprofit. But Haynes was fortunate.

Finding work often doesn’t come easy — if at all — for many formerly incarcerated Georgians.

“I’m proud that I’ve been able to hit the ground running,” Haynes said.

Formerly incarcerated individuals face unemployment rates about five times the national average.

Georgia has more than 4 million adults with some form of criminal history and the highest correctional control rate of any stat

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