According to ABC 7 Chicago This past Tuesday there was a grand opening for a new body shop on Chicago’s Southwest side in the Gage Park neighborhood . Xpress Auto & Tires 2 at 51st St. and Kedzie Ave., aims to give those with criminal records a second chance. Ironically enough, the man behind the project has a record himself.
Rogelio Richart Jr. changed his perspective while in prison. He stated that “God blessed me with a new set of eyes to see the world. Originally Richard worked for his father when he first got out of prison. Now being a business man himself he wants his workers to be excellent employees and have good hearts.
“So many people are apprehensive to give men like me opportunities. So, coming here, I made sure that every single one of men who work for me come from my background,” Richart said. Some of the customers we able to give great feedback on him changing his life and providing great service.
“He was given a second chance, so you might as well give everybody; everybody deserves a second chance,” Savannah Lozada said after following him on social media. “It’s amazing. Honestly, it’s great; it’s nice to know that there are some people out there who are willing to help other people,” Jacqueline Madrigal said, who was recommended to bring her vehicle there for service.
Rogelio is employed by the Illinois Prison Project as the Ambassador. They offer legal assistance to those serving time from convictions in their youth. it also assists with helping those in it to find a positive plan when they come back into their communities. “Everyone deserves an opportunity to become a better person; now, everyone may not take that advantage of that opportunity, but they deserve that opportunity,” said Vincent Boggan, an Illinois Prison Project community navigator.
Richart hopes his story will inspire others who are detained to have hope, and inspire other employers to see the value in offering opportunities to those ready for a second chance.
