U.S. Secretary of Labor Thomas Perez is scheduled to hold a roundtable discussion in Chicago Thursday afternoon focused on "the importance of community partners in effective job training programs," according to an announcement.

Perez is hosting the discussion with the Safer Foundation, an organization aimed at reducing recidivism and helping former prisoners transition smoothly. The event will be held at 3 p.m. at Freedman Seating, 4545 W. Augusta Blvd. 

Freedman Seating, which manufactures vehicle seats, has a partnership with the Safer Foundation and has hired its clients for the past decade. 

The roundtable is part of Perez's "'State of the Union: Cabinet in Your Community Tour' highlighting Department of Labor (DOL) programs making an economic impact," the announcement said.

The Safer Foundation provides DOL-funded workforce training programs, among other services. 

"Safer Foundation is honored to host Secretary Perez here in Chicago. We have a unique opportunity to ensure people with records receive the skills and credentials to qualify for the thousands of available and emerging 21st century jobs in our area," Safer President and CEO Victor Dickson said in a statement. "The Department of Labor has been instrumental in providing the resources needed to help our clients break the cycles of incarceration and poverty."

Representatives from the Illinois Department of Corrections, the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, Cabrini Green Legal Aid and the Technology & Manufacturing Association (TMA) are scheduled to participate in the discussion.