On March 6, 2018 the Blue Ridge Re-Entry Council hosted an educational summit for individuals, agencies, and organizations involved with assisting those transitioning from incarceration or for anyone interested in positive outcomes for returning citizens. The event was hosted at Central Virginia Community College.
The concept for the summit came out of the council’s mission to enhance public safety and reduce recidivism by providing services to citizens re-entering the community from correctional facilities. The council is comprised of faith-based organizations, workforce development programs, mental health and health care agencies, churches, educational and training providers, community outreach organizations, social services, representatives from correctional facilities and many other dedicate individuals.
Attorney General of the state of Virginia, Mark Herring, spoke at the event. Mr. Christopher Rowland, Esq. also addressed the participants. Mr. Rowland is a Lynchburg practicing lawyer that provided a local perspective on defense practices as it relates to this population of clients.
The event included 36 organization and agency booths, an awards ceremony, and educational workshops. Workshops included information on recovery-based programs, health issues, veteran’s concerns, restoration of rights, employment and educational concerns. The awards ceremony honored seven “second chance” employers, and several individuals were presented the humanitarian award for their dedication to the council’s mission.
Event organizer, Steve Monetti, Region 2000 Youthworks Career Navigator, shares, “The purpose of the Summit is to provide an opportunity for our members and partners to educate other members about services and eligibility criteria, to provide an environment where agency staff can meet and discuss their mutual challenges, and to network to facilitate client referrals.”
The outcome goal for the event is to find best practices to assist individuals navigate services and best connect them to resources. By adapting the no wrong door approach individuals receive a holistic approach to their re-entry to best set them up for success.
Following the summit, active members of the Blue Ridge Re-Entry Council will host a job fair on Tuesday May 15, 2018 at the Salvation Army Gymnasium, 2215 Park Ave, Lynchburg, from 10:00 a.m. –3:00 p.m. The job fair aims to have 25 employers, keynote speakers, and job-related workshops to assist returning citizens and ex-offenders.
Media Contact: Savannah Cook, Communication Coordinator, Region 2000 Workforce Development Board, sgcook@region2000.org
