Atlantic City Reentry Services, formed nearly one year ago under the vision and leadership of City of Atlantic City Mayor Marty Small, Sr., held its first Reunification Seminar & Dinner, Aug. 29, at the Claridge Hotel Grand Ballroom. This event highlighted the success of some of the individuals who have utilized the program to become productive citizens, reminding them that with support and opportunity, their future doesn’t have to be defined by their past. Kamau Johnson and Michele Griffin with Atlantic City Reentry Services led the ceremony.
Atlantic City Reentry Services has served nearly 300 former offenders and their families since its inception through education, training, apprenticeships, mentoring and by helping them find employment, while empowering them to rebuild relationships with their loved ones and providing them with the skills, tools and knowledge needed to return to society. Of those individuals, 97-percent have stayed out of prison and remain in the community. Last night, 15 of the formerly incarcerated individuals who have gone above and beyond in their efforts to turn their lives around since seeking help from Atlantic City Reentry Services were given Certificates of Recognition from the City.
Events organized by Reentry Services this past year, or events they were involved in, include Trauma Talk with Atlanticare, a Reentry Resource Fair during National Second Chance Awareness Month, a free Computer 101 Class, a free Financial Literacy Class in partnership with Bashira Khan, a New Year’s Reentry Vision Board, a Winter Coat Drive with the Atlantic City Rescue Mission and other community clothing drives. Reentry services also organized a Reunification Family Fun Day at Showboat’s Island Waterpark to help mend relationships that were broken during incarceration. Upcoming programs include a Pharmacy Tech Certification Course and Casino Gaming School in partnership with Atlantic Cape Community College.
Atlantic City Reentry Services’ Mission Statement is as follows:
To reduce recidivism rate in Atlantic City by providing the support and direction needed to obtain vital services post-incarceration. Individualized reentry planning along with advantageous practices and guidance shall be the hallmark of our work.
Atlantic City Reentry services can be reached at 609-343-2136, ext: 1173.
