DaytonDailyNews.com

DAYTON — Eric Wiggins had just applied for a construction job. He watched as the woman read his application.

She jerked her head, signaling to Wiggins that she had come to the question: "Are you a convicted felon?"

Wiggins had checked yes. She asked him about his past.

Wiggins, 35, told her he was released from the Dayton Correctional Institute in August after serving 15 years for involuntary manslaughter, but he didn't dwell on his past. Instead, he used advice he received while completing a re-entry program during his incarceration.

When Wiggins was finished, the woman said, "I can't believe I'm doing this, but I'm going to hire you."

Wiggins is a success because he avoids things that lead to criminal behavior and has gotten a job. Those are two benchmarks, according to PowerNet of Dayton, a nonprofit re-entry program that focuses on helping incarcerated people with life skills including employment, family, education and housing.

Wiggins said PowerNet mentors taught him the etiquette of job interviewing — dressing appropriately, having a resume and being articulate.

Craig Powell, PowerNet's executive coordinator, said PowerNet does not guarantee jobs, but helps people be judged on more than their past.

"It's time for rolling up your sleeves and say, 'How can we help this person re-integrate?' " Powell said.

Wiggins will enroll in college to study to become a physical therapist's assistant.

"I feel like I am bound to have great things in my life or do great things," he said.

• For more about PowerNet, call (937) 225-3120 or visit PowerNetofDayton.org.