Those looking for insight into how North Carolina is tackling the multifaceted issue of reentry for formerly incarcerated individuals should keep an eye on Raleigh today. The State Reentry Council Collaborative (SRCC)—a collective brainchild of the state legislature and former Governor Roy Cooper formed in 2017—will be convening for its quarterly meeting, with a day packed full of discussions and updates, according to the announcement from the N.C. Department of Adult Correction.
The SRCC, a conglomerate of state and local government reps, plus stakeholders from the nonprofit, faith-based, and business sectors, is set to gather at the North Carolina Museum of Art. Their mission: to continuously refine and implement strategies to seamlessly aid those transitioning from punitive institutions back into our common spaces. Attendees will have the chance to not just hear from council members, but also to contribute their voices during the public comments slot.
According to the meeting's agenda, Leslie Cooley Dismukes, Secretary of the N.C. Department of Adult Correction, will kick off the event. This will be followed by a forward-looking session by George Pettigrew, the Deputy Secretary of the Division of Rehabilitation and Reentry, who will speak on 'Reentry 2030 Updates.'
Understanding the crucial role employment plays in reducing recidivism, Tim Griffith and Torrey Leach from NCDAC Correction Enterprises will break down the North Carolina Job, Employment, and Transition Program (NCJET). The meeting will also feature Eric Haddock, the State's Reentry Coordinator, to further discuss strategies and successes in connecting those released from incarceration to meaningful employment. The opportunity to actively take part in shaping these discussions will be available to the public directly before closing remarks by Lateisha Thrash, NCDAC's Director of Reentry Services.
The meeting, scheduled from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m., will bring together policy makers and community leaders to discuss ways to support successful reentry after incarceration. For those who cannot attend in person, a review of the discussions will provide information on the state’s ongoing reentry efforts.
