Jeffrey Perry served 18 years in prison for his role in an armed robbery.

Shaun Moore served two separate stints behind bars — seven months for possession of drugs with intent to distribute and, later, four months for failure to pay child support.

The Richmond men told the Free Press in recent interviews they feared they would never land jobs after their release because of their criminal records.

Today, they are employed and feeling better about their futures thanks to the assistance they received from Bridging The Gap One Human At A Time. The jobs program was started in October by Richmond Police Officer Reynaldo Perez.

The men were among eight participants in a six-week program run by volunteers in the Mosby Court public housing community.

Meeting twice weekly, they learned how to fill out job applications, put together résumés and engage in job interviews. They also received training in life skills such as anger management and leadership.

Mr. Perry, Mr. Moore and the other initial participants were honored with certificates at a graduation ceremony Nov. 30 at the Richmond Police Training Academy on North Side.

Richmond Police Chief Alfred Durham spoke at the ceremony, praising Officer Perez’s efforts in starting the program. He also congratulated the graduates for sticking with it.

In an interview with the Free Press, Officer Perez said he began the program because “I kept arresting the same people over and over. I asked them why they kept committing the crimes and putting their lives at risk. They all said the same thing. ‘I can’t get a job and even if I do, once they see my record, I get dismissed.’

“I realized that instead of using my badge to arrest people, I would instead use it to help those who are in need of jobs — not only to get a job but teach them how to keep it,” the officer said.

He has talked to owners and managers of local businesses, some of whom who have agreed to hire some of the men in his program.

After his release from prison in August, Mr. Perry, 54, said he tried to find a job.

“I was really, really discouraged” when his search initially came up dry. “I had been looking from day one. All of the things that I thought would be there to help me were not there. I was overwhelmed because no one would hire me.”

His fortunes changed after he met Officer Perez.

The eight-year police department veteran, whose patrol beat includes the Mosby Court community, invited Mr. Perry to participate in the program.

During the next few weeks, Mr. Perry found not one, but two jobs. In mid-November, he started a job with SafeLink Wireless, helping to sign up those on government assistance for free cellphones. He then began a full-time job stocking merchandise at a convenience store in Church Hill.

“I love it,” Mr. Perry said of being employed. “I am so grateful. It’s what I need to continue to move forward. It makes me feel better about myself.”

After his incarceration eight years ago, Mr. Moore, 34, said he operated a small door-to-door business and was “out there (on the streets) doing stuff that could have gotten me locked up.”

He said he also had been homeless.

With help from Officer Perez, Mr. Moore recently landed a job through a temporary company working in a warehouse with Southeast Frozen Foods in Henrico County.

He was thrilled recently to cash his first paycheck.

“It’s wonderful,” said the Mosby Court resident. “Now, I can help my (five) kids by buying them shoes and help my girlfriend out paying our rent.

“I don’t think I would have made it this far without (Officer Perez’s) help. I’ve known him for about five years, but at one point, it wasn’t on the good side. I used to think it was easier to get drugs and sell them than to get a job. He sits down with you and talks with you about how to change that mindset. Once I started trying to turn my life around, I started feeling better about myself.”

Both men praised Officer Perez and other officers who have volunteered their time to help with the program.

“They’re not like, ‘We’re police officers and you have to do this,’ ’’ Mr. Perry said. “They’re like, ‘We’re here to help you if you want our help.’ ’’

Officer Perez said the next Bridging The Gap session will begin Monday, Jan. 4.

Anyone interested in learning more, he said, can call or text him at (610) 751-5243.