Dozens of Southern Nevada employers have come together for the first time to offer potential work to ex-offenders.

They say it is a win-win for everyone involved, including the public.

Action News anchor Tiffani Sargent has more on a job fair held to offer ex-felons a second chance.

Whether they have spent just a few hours or several years in jail that criminal record never disappears and once on the outside finding steady work is a big challenge.

"I got out in 2007 and it has just been rough but I have been trying," said Demetrick Tellis.

"Everything has just changed, it is like we are lower class people now and it is really hard," said Andrea O'Brien.

Thanks to a job fair called Create, for the first time ex-offenders in Southern Nevada are getting a chance to meet employers who are willing to give them a second chance.

"We do not care about their past, we care about their future. If they are willing to leave their past alone, so are we," explained Teamsters local Mike Rudolph.

It is estimated in Southern Nevada that 200 ex-felons are released into society every month.

Event organizers say it is crucial that they find work within the first six months.

"Either employment or education will reduce their risk of going back into prison," said CSN Prison Program Coordinator Bradford Glover.

Prison officials say it is a mindset and if ex-offenders want to get back on track many will be given the opportunity.

Many ex-offenders say despite what they have done in the past, they are eager to do anything to prove they have changed for the better.

"I have a seven - month - old daughter now that I am raising on my own and I am trying to look for a future for both me and her," said Kristen Martinez.

It is estimated that nearly 500 ex - offenders took advantage of Wednesday's job fair.

Stay tuned to Action News as we monitor developing news around the Valley.