The State Parole Board held an event Saturday in Newark to educate ex-convicts about positive role models and skill development programs, while also inspiring them to work hard rather than commit future crimes.

According to police statistics, ex-cons who stay unemployed have a much greater chance of returning to prison. Members of the Parole Board spent time speaking with the former criminals about some unlikely historical success stories, like President Barack Obama and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The Board also played inspirational music and encouraged the ex-cons to volunteer and learn new skills.

Programs are held throughout New Jersey that help ex-cons develop carpentry, roofing, auto mechanical and cooking skills. Juan Valentin, of Newark, says learning auto mechanics has helped him find the confidence to develop a career and stop relying on crime for money.

?I'm going to have a good career where I know I won't need to depend on the streets," Valentin says.