Community Collaboration: Reentry Reframed
By Kristen Shook, Marketing Specialist Eastern Division
Amid drastic impacts of employment rates, housing stability, substance use disorders, and mental health struggles, a group of determined individuals and organizations gather to offer resources and resolutions. Melissa Goodman, Vice President of Correctional Services, for Mirror, Inc has decided to take action by developing the Shawnee County Reentry Council. According to Shawnee County Department of Corrections, the recidivism rate is 15% for those adults incarcerated in 2020. This means 15% of individuals incarcerated in 2020 were re-arrested on new charges. Having systems and resources in place to reduce recidivism is critical for successful community reintegration. Identifying gaps and barriers those involved in the criminal justice system face was the driving force for the reentry council to be formed. Only when we identify the needs in our community can we create solutions.
At the inaugural meeting, city members, stakeholders, and agencies pinpointed multiple areas needing improvements. The following goals were identified: addressing the housing crisis, public advocacy for reentry in our community, access to identification, peer support, and accessible transportation. Goodman shared, “Partnering with organizations to collectively provide people the support they need to be successful is our goal.” Encouraging teamwork and synergy, the council hopes to allow each stakeholder to voice their strength in a collaborative effort to provide support for individuals returning to the community after a period of incarceration.
It is clear there are significant barriers for those who have been incarcerated or involved in the justice system. The most common barriers include housing, employment, substance use disorder, mental health needs, learning about technological advancements, and reconnecting with family and friends. Justice-involved individuals often start from scratch. One of the first steps to employment is being able to pass a background check; if employers choose to deny someone due to a criminal history, it makes it nearly impossible to reintegrate successfully earning a livable wage. Those who wish to lead a healthy and productive life need gainful employment to maintain a stable life. Although there are employers who are willing to hire those with criminal histories, the obstacle of transportation arises. Reliable means of transportation must be available to those working to reenter society successfully. Once a stable means of income is developed through employment, these individuals are looking for housing. According to Prison Policy Initiative, “Formerly incarcerated people are almost 10 times more likely to be homeless than the general public.” Stable housing and a source of income is essential as other needs are addressed such as mental and physical health. Most important of all, and something that should not be a luxury, is having a safe home; however, for many, it is nearly impossible to obtain.
In hopes of becoming part of the solution, the Shawnee County Reentry Council aims to bridge gaps in services for formerly incarcerated individuals. Mirror, Inc has served the reentry field for more than 20 years and aims to expand services within the state of Kansas. A resident of Mirror, Inc once stated, “It is a humbling experience to be able to get the second chance... I have made mistakes, but I have hope for the future because now I can put in my time out here.” Together, our goal is to create systems to help guide those reentering our society to provide them with the tools they need to be successful. As Goodman stated, “If they succeed, we all do. I have lost track of how many father/son pairs and siblings there have been at the reentry center over the past decade. When going to prison becomes a norm, that is a big problem. It is so powerful when a person seizes opportunities and thrives on their new path in life; I can only imagine how impactful it must be for children and families watching a loved one’s success. Our ultimate goal is to help break the cycles of incarceration, poverty, and more.”