A New Set of Stripes

By Benjy Lipsman in News on Dec 15, 2004 10:50PM

Seems Martha Stewart isn't the only felon who will supporting herself by getting all domestic. In spite of Chicago's budget deficits, Mayor Daley found $259,367 to help ex-cons make honey.

The grant to the North Lawndale Employment Network will finance programs designed to help former inmates readjust to life on the outside. Unemployment in the neighborhood runs at 26% -- in part because it has become particularly difficult to find work due to post-Sep. 11 security concerns and the weak economy when one has a criminal record. An estimated 57% of North Lawndale residents were in prison, on probation or on parole.

One such program is the "Sweet Beginnings" program, which oversees 40 hives at 3700 W. Fillmore and sells that honey at farmers markets. The employees make $8/hour, while learning skills that will hopefully help them stay out of the slammer. And that's a good thing.