Raleigh is set to host the next meeting of the North Carolina Joint Reentry Council this Thursday, tackling key issues on improving transitions for individuals returning to society after imprisonment. The event, which is open to the public, will be held at the Wake Tech Community College Beltline Education Center located at 3200 Bush Street. Official proceedings kick off at 10 a.m. with opening words from Secretary Leslie Cooley Dismukes and COO Tammera Hill of the NC Department of Adult Correction.
The agenda, published by the Department of Adult Correction, includes discussions on a new Justice Reentry Strategic Planning Grant presented by Nicole E. Sullivan, director of Reentry Services. There will, also be an update on strategic planning from Maggie Brewer and George Pettigrew representing rehabilitation and reentry branches of the department. Following, the duo's presentation, attendees will hear from Kerwin Pittman who will speak about his initiative, Recidivism Reduction on Wheels, which aims to curtail reoffending through educational means.
In a segment addressing the economic aspect of reentry, Andrew Berger-Gross, senior economist with the North Carolina Department of Commerce, will delve into "The Impact of Work Release on Post-Prison Employment, Wage Earnings, and Reincarceration." His insights promise to shed light on the financial hurdles that formerly incarcerated individuals face and the potential of work release programs to mitigate these challenges, as per the Department of Adult Correction.
The council meeting will also welcome public comments, providing a platform for community input before wrapping up with closing remarks from George Pettigrew.
