Unago

Unago is a non-profit recruitment agency in Belgium dedicated to connecting motivated individuals with criminal records to employers, promoting inclusivity and social impact. As the leading agency for this demographic, Unago helps businesses find quality staff while assisting ex-offenders in their reintegration into society. The organization embodies a philosophy centered on collaboration across various sectors—social, public, and private—to create lasting opportunities and transform lives. Unago addresses the significant challenge of reintegration, noting that individuals released from prison have a 70% chance of reoffending, which drops to 15% when they secure employment. Ex-offenders face numerous obstacles, including stigma, lack of support, and difficulties finding stable housing. Employment is crucial for rebuilding self-confidence, social ties, and independence, making it vital to the fight against reoffending. Unago offers comprehensive support, including pre-hiring coaching and a 12-month post-hiring follow-up, to ensure successful job placements. Although several recruitment agencies exist in Belgium, Unago uniquely focuses on ex-offenders, currently collaborating with around fifteen companies willing to hire them. The organization highlights the significant impact of employment on the lives of former prisoners, striving to transform the perception of leaving prison into an opportunity for entering the job market.