But one of his ex-offenders says the system is not enough on its own.

I spent time with ex-offenders and realized how empty their lives were.

Later, the ex-offender took many of her personal possessions, including money.

He said there should be a major public service campaign to inform ex-offenders of their rights.

This could not have happened if there were no policy of denying ex-offenders the right to vote.

And it is long past time to give back the right to vote to ex-offenders who have paid their debts to society.

But in 14 states, ex-offenders who have completed their sentences may not vote, usually for life.

One volunteer calls the ex-offender every day on the phone to discuss how things are going.

I have yet to be convinced about the effectiveness of using ex-offenders in this way.

They also provide programs for ex-offenders to reintegrate to society.

Other ex-offenders with a clean record for seven years would not be penalized.

Of its 90 employees, more than half are ex-offenders or addicts in recovery.

The punishment of these ex-offenders continues even after they have served their sentences.

That way, ex-offenders will have the tools they need to lead law-abiding lives on the outside.

The paper reports that one Texas construction company has hired about 150 ex-offenders since 1992, with approximately 85 percent of those working out.

There are many people who have avoided prison through the help, support and guidance of ex-offenders.

And as for helping ex-offenders get jobs - what jobs?

The lack of education can help send many ex-offenders back to a life of crime.

"There are so many hurdles thrown up before an ex-offender," he said.

There are networks for women in business, young entrepreneurs, the over 50s, ex-offenders, ethnic minority groups.

It was often done to keep blacks from voting, or to stigmatize ex-offenders.

The Foundation aims to provide opportunities for ex-offenders who are needy and would like to continue with their studies.

College diplomas clearly help ex-offenders get and hold jobs.

I'm not criticsing ex-offenders for this approach and have witnessed the impact of such life stories first hand.

Prisoners and ex-offenders, when denied the right to vote, are truly nobody's constituents.