For NCDHHS’ Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services (DVRS), the goal of helping people with disabilities achieve their goals for employment and independence is often complicated by the fact that some 15 percent of their clients are justice-involved individuals.
Through a partnership between DVRS and Dr. Crystal McIver’s Experience 180 nonprofit, Lee County’s network of service providers came together for the second annual Reentry Resource to Resource Network and Share event on April 25.
It was an opportunity for service providers to meet in person to compare notes, learn from each other, and coordinate their efforts to serve Lee County’s justice-involved population. The goal is to develop an awareness of the kinds of local resources available so that those who need the services can be guided to those best able to help them get back on their feet.
“When someone is released from prison, they can be overwhelmed by the resources available to them,” McIver said. “It can be overwhelming to navigate – especially for people who haven’t developed the kinds of methodical problem-solving strategies so many of us take for granted.”
Coordinating efforts through resource partnerships is key.
“Our goal is to provide wraparound services so that our clients can become successfully and gainfully employed,” said DVRS Business Relations Representative Beth Bray. “We want to support them as they take the steps necessary to improve their lives, but we want those improvements to be sustainable over the long term.”
A dozen service providers took part in this year’s Reentry event. From construction companies and law enforcement agencies to medical clinics and recovery organizations, they all came to help people who have been involved with the justice system rebuild their lives and contribute to their communities in positive and productive ways.