HR 2097: Center for Employment Opportunities Atlanta; commend

This resolution does not change any Georgia law. It is a ceremonial statement from the House of Representatives recognizing the Center for Employment Opportunities (CEO) Atlanta, an organization launched in August 2021 through partnerships with the GreenLight Fund and Georgia's Department of Human Services that helps people leaving incarceration find work. The resolution cites the group's results, including transitional job wages paid to participants, people placed in full time jobs, and studies showing reduced repeat offending and increased employment among people who complete the program. The House resolves to commend CEO Atlanta and directs the Clerk of the House to send the organization an official copy of the resolution as a form of recognition.

• Formally recognizes and commends the Center for Employment Opportunities Atlanta for its workforce development work with returning citizens.
• States the House's support and best wishes for the organization's continued success, without creating any new law or funding.
• Directs the Clerk of the House of Representatives to prepare and distribute an official copy of the resolution to the organization.

The resolution directly names the Center for Employment Opportunities Atlanta, which receives the formal recognition. It also references people returning from incarceration who use the organization's job training and placement services, along with partner groups like Fulton County Jail, the Gateway Center, and the Atlanta Hawks.

The resolution carries no legal or funding effect but serves as an official public acknowledgment from the Georgia House of Representatives of an organization's work helping formerly incarcerated Georgians find stable employment, which can raise the group's public profile.

• The whereas clauses describe CEO Atlanta's founding in 2021 and its services, including job readiness training, transitional employment, and job placement for returning citizens.
• The whereas clauses cite Fiscal Year 2025 outcomes: 143 individuals served, more than $325,000 paid in transitional job wages, and 61 people placed in full time jobs averaging $18.56 an hour.
• The resolution notes program evaluations showing a 22 percent reduction in recidivism and a 48 percent increase in employment after three years.
• The resolving clause formally commends CEO Atlanta on behalf of the House of Representatives.
• The final clause directs the Clerk of the House to distribute a copy of the resolution to the organization.

1. 2026-04-02House Read and Adopted (Cámara de Representantes)
2. 2026-04-02House First Readers (Cámara de Representantes)
3. 2026-04-02House Hopper (Cámara de Representantes)

• Patty Stinson (D, HD-150)Patrocinador principal
• Phil Olaleye (D, HD-059)
• Derrick Jackson (D, HD-068)
• Robert Dawson (D, HD-065)
• Robert Flournoy (D, HD-074)

• reentry programs
• workforce development
• criminal justice
• Atlanta nonprofits