Durham County knows that everyone deserves a second shot, and this April, they're giving it to those who need it most. Tapping into the spirit of Second Chance Month, the Durham Local Reentry Council and the Durham County Justice Services Department are laying out a spread of events meant to support those coming back from incarceration. Durham County Government's social media post reveals a lineup that includes job fairs, health screenings, and even laundry assistance, all designed to ease the return to a society that hasn't always been the most welcoming.
Assisting in what they describe as "rewarding work," Robin Heath, Assistant Director of the Justice Services Department, believes in the power of second chances. "To know you’ve made a difference to help someone in a way that can ultimately change the trajectory of their life is meaningful," Heath said as per Durham County Government, and surely, the impact expands beyond individuals—it's about stitching the community fabric tighter, knit together after the kind of rip that incarceration often means. Whether it’s through backpack drives collecting bags for personal belongings or coordinating food box deliveries to those in need, courtesy of Grace Outreach Enrichment Ministries and the Religious Coalition of a Non-Violent Durham, the effort is a community one.
The heart of the month's events lies in the Better Chance Employment Fair, happening Tuesday, from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Durham County Main Library. Job seekers can connect with employers ready to hire, and StepUp Durham, NC Works, among others, will be on hand to lend a leg up. Winning Resumes Seminar follows on Wednesday, without a need for registration, offering tips on drafting resumes that stand out in today's job market; this seminar is amply backed by the expertise of SKLLD and other skilled orators.
Health is also in focus with free A1C testing at the Human Services Building on April 24, where participants can get a snapshot of their diabetes risk and learn how to turn the corner on health, an offering facilitated by the Durham County Department of Public Health. Come April 30, the Justice Services Department's Mastering Your Career Seminar, from 10 a.m. to noon, grabs the baton with mock interviews and digital resume support; follow this with a resource fair starting at 4 p.m. at the Orange Correctional Center, and you've got opportunities galore. For details on any and all these initiatives, the Local Reentry Council can be reached directly.
