By Dawn Scotland
The Truth Reporter
On Wednesday, June 3, the Reentry Coalition of Northwest Ohio’s hosted it’s “Going Home to Stay” event at the Toledo Museum of Art Glass Pavillion. The event, which is hosted every first Wednesday at various locations, connects men and women returning from incarceration to community resources to reduce recidivism.
Every year, thousands of people are released from federal and state prisons and return to their communities. More than 18,000 people were released in 2024 from Ohio penitentiaries. The work of the Reentry Coalition is simple: to make sure that when incarcerated individuals are released, they come home to stay.
The Lucas County Recidivism rate is 24 percent, well below Ohio (33 percent) and the United States (46 percent). An important part of Lucas County’ success has been the Coalition’s “First Wednesdays” program, a monthly resource event, typically hosted at the One Government Center, that includes social services, education, workforce development, Bureau of Motor Vehicles, Social Security Administration, the Lucas County Child Support Agency and more.
“People returning from incarceration face multiple barriers upon re-entering the community. Going Home to Stay provides a monthly ‘one stop shop’ that allows men and women returning from incarceration and their families to get connected to needed services and supports,” said Karyn McConnell, the chair of the Reentry Coalition of Northwest Ohio.
Rhonda Sewell, director of Advocacy and External Affairs at TMA, noted that community is an important part of the core values at TMA.
“TMA makes its greatest impact when it collaborates with the community to help enrich their lives of the people who call Lucas County home. We are proud of our wide-ranging partnerships that reach deep into our community,” Ms. Sewell said.
“We should all believe in second chances, we all have a right to dignity and quality of life, and programs like this, and through generous donors who help programs like this, we are able to make a change in our community,” she stated Wednesday as she welcome attendees to the museum.
The next First Wednesday “Going Home to Stay” event will be held Wednesday, July 1st at One Government Center from 11am-1pm. The event is always free. To learn more call Chris Stewart, Reentry Coordinator at (419) 245-2925 or (419) 295-1348 if you have any questions. Additional information is found on the organization’s website reentry419.com.
The Reentry Coalition of Northwest Ohio (RCNWO) is a coalition of service agencies and individuals whose mission is to provide leadership, create partnerships, and promote shared accountability for successful community reentry with the goal of reducing recidivism and promoting public safety.
The Reentry Coalition of Northwest Ohio is sponsored by the Toledo/Lucas County Criminal Justice Coordinating Council.
To learn more Reentry Coalition of Northwest Ohio visit reentry419.com.
Established in 1901, the Toledo Museum of Art (TMA) is a beloved cultural institution in Toledo, Ohio, and a global leader in the museum field. Its renowned collection features over 25,000 works, ranging from antiquity to contemporary art, and has one of the finest collections of glass in the world. Situated on a 40-acre campus, TMA integrates art into people’s lives through its world-class collection, engaging exhibitions, robust educational programs, and community outreach.
Admission and parking to TMA are always free, welcoming everyone to explore the museum’s galleries.
To learn more about The Toledo Museum of Art visit toledomuseam.org.