The Wayne County Reentry Council will host activities in April to recognize Second Chance Month, an effort to bring awareness to formerly incarcerated individuals’ reentry into society.
“Second Chance Month is an opportunity for our community to pause and acknowledge the justice-involved individuals who have served their time but still face huge barriers in transitioning back into the community,” said Wayne Community College Vice President of Workforce Continuing Education Services and Community Engagement Renita Dawson.
A Community Resources Day Party is set for 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Apr. 17, in the parking lot of the Day Reporting Center in Goldsboro. The public is invited to enjoy music and food and gain access to resources that will help individuals make a successful transition back into society.
Additionally, a citizen reentry information session will be held at 5:30 p.m. on Apr. 24, in Room 101 of the Walnut Building on WCC’s campus.
Guest speaker Lonnie Atkinson will share his reentry story at the event.
The information session will cover topics such as overcoming barriers to employment, tuition assistance support services, life after incarceration, making the right choices, and benefits to employers. It is sponsored by the Wayne County Reentry Council, Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), and NCWorks Career Center.
Both of these events are free and open to the public to attend.
“These events give our justice-involved communities and their families an opportunity to learn about all the resources and partners available in our community that can help support them in their journey to education, employment, and self-sufficiency,” said Dawson.
The Reentry Council partners with several organizations and agencies to provide resources for individuals who were released from prison, regardless of how long ago they were released.
Resources may include educational training and job-search assistance, mental health support, food, and shelter. WCC serves as the intermediary agency for the Reentry Council.
To learn more about the Wayne County Reentry Council, visit their website.
For more information on Second Chance Month activities, contact Reentry Coordinator Brandi Matthews at (919) 739-6900 or [email protected].
