Congratulations to the Allatoona Chapter and SHRM Calhoun County on Their SHRM Impact Award!

ALSHRM proudly congratulates the Allatoona (GA) SHRM Chapter and SHRM Calhoun county on receiving the SHRM Impact Award for their exceptional community service initiative focused on second-chance hiring and workforce reentry.

The award-winning project was spearheaded by Paula Watkins, a longtime SHRM Calhoun County board member and active Allatoona Chapter volunteer. Paula initiated a collaborative effort between Calhoun County SHRM and federal correctional facilities in Talladega and Atlanta to support mock job fairs for inmates preparing for release within six months.

After months of persistence to connect with the right contacts at both facilities, Paula’s efforts paid off. Members from each chapter entered the prisons to conduct mock interviews and provide real-world hiring experience for participants. The Calhoun County team, made up of five volunteers, interviewed approximately 35–40 inmates across two areas of the facility all on the same day as the ALSHRM State Conference.

Both chapters walked away with a renewed appreciation for the reentry programs and the meaningful work being done to help individuals secure employment after release. The Calhoun County team also hosted a town hall session prior to interviews.

This initiative highlights the untapped potential of second-chance hiring and reinforces the importance of engaging this labor pool to match talent with workforce needs. The Allatoona Chapter encourages continued collaboration and would welcome opportunities to expand this work including partnerships with state correctional facilities.

Through their dedication and service, the Allatoona Chapter and SHRM Calhoun County exemplifies the spirit of leadership and community engagement that defines SHRM. We applaud their efforts and thank them for representing SHRM with excellence. Your dedication continues to inspire our HR community.

Congratulations to everyone involved your work truly makes a difference!