The Truth Staff
Individuals returning home from incarceration had the opportunity last week to receive information from speakers and numerous community groups in an event hosted by the Reentry Coalition of Northwest Ohio last Wednesday, April 1, at the Lucas County Shared Services Building.
The Reentry Coalition of Northwest Ohio (RCNWO) is a coalition of agencies and service providers whose mission is to provided leadership, build partnerships and promote shared accountability for successful community reentry. The goals of the RCNWO are to eliminate barriers to successful reentry, reduce recidivism, and promote public safety.
The event, held in honor of Second Chance Month, has been held every year since 2007. This year’s event featured guest speakers Teshauna L. Isaac, MAC, LPCC and Keary Sarabia, followed by a resource fair in the building’s atrium staffed by local employers who are hiring, as well as community partners with resources available to those returning home from incarceration.
Then followed a proclamation from the Lucas County Commissioners to the Reentry Coalition recognizing April as Second Chance Month.
Lisa Sobecki, president of the Lucas County Board of Elections, presented the proclamation, which read in part:
“Due to the efforts of the Reentry Coalition of Northwest Ohio, the Criminal Justice Coordinating Council’s Reentry Committee, and dedicated reentry agencies and volunteers, Lucas County’s recidivism rate is 23.2 percent, which is lower than the statewide average of 32.7 percent and the nationwide average of 46 percent.”
One of the leaders in that effort is Stan Smith, who had previously experienced the lack of resources available for those reentering society. However, when he was released in 2000, he was already involved in programming. Ten years ago, he became an employee of the Lucs County Family and Children First Council and has been part of the reentry effort for so many citizens returning to the area.
Going Home to Stay is hosted by the Reentry Coalition of Northwest Ohio and has been held monthly since 2007, on the first Wednesday of each month. April is recognized annually as Second Chance Month to raise awareness and promote initiatives that support the successful reentry of individuals returning from incarceration, focusing on providing opportunities and resources for a second chance.