We're For The People, Inclusive, Collaborative, Strategic, Outcomes Oriented with Measurable Indicators, Sustainable & Passionate
MISSION:
The Essex County ReEntry Task Force initiative (after receiving input and perspectives from affiliates/stakeholders from across Essex County) is to identify and address service gaps and other opportunities surrounding the formerly incarcerated including a series of briefings at the local, state and federal levels.
SEE: MEETING SUMMARIES BELOW!
Meetings are held every 2nd Wed. of the month
Next Meeting Dates: Wednesdays
Wed. Oct 13, 2011 and Nov. 10, 2011@ New Vision FGB Church, 209 4th Ave & Grove St, E.O. NJ
Meeting Summaries from
September 16, 2011 Reentry Task Force Summit
August 10, 2011
The meeting regarded the planning and final organizing necessary for the success of the Getting Out, Staying Out - Reentry Forum - September 16, 2011. Additionally, Pastor Pam shared a plan for the Essex Reentry Task Force to become a county-wide onestop for cities unable to receive assistance due to a lack of funding and although the plan needs to be enhanced - the idea was embraced. The task force is working on the next level of operation being the organization has been positively established over the past two years.
July 13, 2011
Presenters:
City of Newark Reentry Programming by - Khalilah Jackson & Adler Prioly
Topics covered included: Rapid job placement inititiaves, the reentry one stop, clean and green transitional jobs, I.D. programming and the reentry partners of non-violent offenders were showcased as being successful services.
Rev. Denise Wooten Troutman - DOC Chaplaincy Network - Mentoring Offenders
Addressed pre and post release mentoring geared towards meeting the client needs, the need to increase the number of mentors in Essex County, and the funding and funding process for mentors to be remunerated.
Task Force Open Forum: Another area of interest for the task force is working with a Developer for reentry programming purposed to close gaps in services: not enough housing, not enough reentry programming designed/implemented for the full spectrum of a continuum of care to be realized, and servicing clients with generated funding to assist those outside of Newark.
June 8, 2011
A formal decision was made for the task force to host another Reentry Symposium for 2011 - Getting Out, Staying Out #2 on September 16, 2011 at 209 4th Ave & Grove Street to include all Reentry Task Forces state-wide as per the request of Wanda Moore. Mr. Kantor of Parole agreed to work with all task force locations to get them alerted & involved and Ms. Moore agreed to assist in getting the Attorney General - Paula Dow to participate. A retreat is being held for the Essex Task Force Members to establish the agenda and the coordination of partners.
Carol Berger and Authur Townes provided updates regarding our advocacy efforts in their participation in the Alliance. Updates were provided on Banning the Box.
May 8, 2011
Updates were provided by Mr. Robert Kantor, Parole with regard to Governor Christie's call for the elimination of early release for the incarearted.
Mayor Wayne Smith of Irvington provided commentary as it relates to the elimination of early release and provided some insight on the Department of Children and Families(DCF) who has partnered with the Urban Mayors with an interest in working closely with the Essex Reentry Task Force who has already made great strides in reentry. Reentry in one of several areas of focus for DCF in a strengthening families initiative.
Updates were provided by the leaders of each represented area of the retreat and next steps were established.
An update on the Alliance was provided by Carol Berger and Arthur Townes.
April 13, 2011
Robert Kantor provided a parole update. As solutions to employment, presenters Leslie Perez & Farrah Mitchell of 89 James St.,Newark, NJ made a presentation regarding opportunities through a training program for pest control certification for the employment of the formerly incarcerated. Kristin Vincent a Prevention Specialist, introduced the Just 1 Mentoring program for children of the formerly incarcerated. On Saturday, April 23, 2011, the taskforce is holding their 3rd Retreat from 9am til noon at 411 Halsey St, Newark - the CIC office - to plan for a fund raiser, to review documentation of task force efforts, and for the Summit in September 2011. To foster the taskforce's support of the Alliance, Carol Berger and Arthur Townes presented on matters at hand to include legislation proposals for banning the box and the similar effort already underway in Pa. Rev. Denise Wooten Troutman of DOC spoke on the applications process to become a Chaplaincy Network Mentor and explained the reimbursement process for those currently on DOC mentoring assignments. Pastor Pam spoke about juvenile reentry and will be presenting in the next meeting the opportunity for interested parties to create a network of mentors to visit youth in the various youth facilities.
March 9, 2011
Presenters included
Robert Kantor - Parole Update; The Task Force is working on the Parole initiative for parolees to be placed in Faith & Community 501c3 Organizations for 40 hours for OJT. The Salvation Army will utilize volunteers to train for disaster clean-up, CIC, Inc. is providing basic office & computer skills along with access to computers for internet job searches.
Carol Berger & Arthur Townes - The Alliance Update A New Bill is being formed to address reentry issues and reviews and revisions are underway. A copy will be shared with the task force. Also efforts are being made to work on 'Removing the Box' from employment application.
Rev. Denise Wooten Troutman - Chaplaincy Network Update - Announcements were made regarding training for those who passed screenings and have secured a badge to enter the prison facilities. An explanation of the DOC reinbursement program that commenced in January 2011 for DOC authorized expenses will also occur at the meetings scheduled for March 31 - April 1 2011.
Details: February 2011
Presenters - Min. Branson of Tri-Star, Mr Robert Kantor - Parole; The Alliance Update - Carol Berger & Arthur Townes
Employment Solutions: Min. Branson presented his company - TriStar - who obtains cleaning/maintenance contracts and fills the positions with the formerly incarcerated.
Volunteer Program Providing Parolees with Work Experience- Mr. Kantor spoke well of the exciting beginnings for the volunteer program start-up and the connections made with the task force for the participating 501c3 task force organizations.
Closing Service Gaps: Additionally, Mr. Kantor explained that 6 months prior to one 'maxing out', parole is now releasing this population, placing them on Parole and giving them the opportunity as parolees to be eligible for reentry assistance. Once they 'max-out', this population will not meet the qualifications to participate in most funded reentry reintegration endeavors and tis results in their being provided little to no assistance. Parole is seeking yet another way to bridge gaps in services for the formerly incarcerated.
January 19, 2011
Presenters: Darcella Sessomes - DOC Release Services; Margaret Atkins - The Alliance; Robert Kantor - Parole
IDs - Mrs. Sessomes enlightened the group regarding Release Services - specifically IDs. She explained although DOC provides many with IDs pre-release, the requirements of DOC is to maintain program integrity and verification of ones identity is taken seriously. Those with numerous aliases have a lesser chance of obtaining IDs as verification is difficult. It was noted that females tend to use more aliases than men. Details of the process were described to enlighten everyone to help attendees better understand fact verses fiction when serving those returning to Essex County and why they may not have an ID. For birth certificates, some decide not to use money in their account for its purchase. The number of IDs issued exceeds the number declined.
HOW THE TASK FORCE CAN PARTNER TO FORWARD PASSED BILLS - The Alliance - Margaret Atkins The start-up of the Alliance was discussed and its purpose - to forward the agenda of the Second Chance Act. Members of the Alliance are a part of the Task Force (Carol Berger & Arthur Townes) and it was agreed they be the Task Force's connection - making presentations monthly with the task force agreeing to support initiatives as deemed appropriate.
Mr Kantor of Parole presented on a new Volunteer Program where 501c3 organizations would be asked to take on volunteer parolees to assist and develop job skills for forty hours on-site. The Task Force offered to assist in its start-up and five (5) 501c3 organizations signed up to participate.
LIFE INSURANCE - Pastor Pam rolled out TAK - a health benefit program that provides discounts, free health consultations and services - but most impotantly provides life insurance - $5,000 for anyone despite exisitng conditions including HIV AIDS.
TASK FORCE SUSTAINABILITY AND 2011 EVENTS - Inititial planning began with more extensive discussions to follow.
November 17, 2010
The meeting was set for the third Wednesday this month only to avoid conflicts with other major events scheduled for September 10, 2010.
Presenters and Discussions: Mr. Robert Kantor of Parole presented a program of Parole for interested employers to become volunteer work sites. This initiative involves employers taking on the formerly incarcerated at their respective work site(s) to provide the formerly incarcerated with work experiences using Goodwill as the lead agency. Whereas this was newly released, more detail for participation will be provided in the next reentry task force meeting.
Rev. Denise Wooten Troutman presented the Chaplaincy Network Program for mentors and spoke of the DOC grant application that is seeking a fiscal agent for Essex and other counties where the majority of prison releasees will return. Once a fiscal agent is selected, reimbursement would then be available for eligible expenses related to mentoring, but it is only for those who are DOC approved mentors of the DOC Chaplaincy Network.
The group decided to invite the following for future meetings to begin an active role in taking action steps in areas of taskforce interest to forward reentry endeavors as required.
Bonnie Watson Coleman/ Margaret Atkins / Cornell Brooks to determine how the task force can help forward the implementation of the 4 passed reentry bills that remove barriers for the formerly incarcerated. This is a passion of the taskforce moving forward. Planning is underway for making the right impact beginning as soon as possible.
DOC - Darcella Sessomes - to find out what DOC services are provided to the incarcerated before released to determine why the releasees' needs are so great - an experience of the reentry provider community.
Reports were made by subcommittees regarding reentry matters to include Carol Berger of CEC, Pastor Deloris Keels of Church at Shalom, Inc., and Detective Betty R. Hill of Orange Police Department.
ACTION ITEM: Expectant Mom was released from Edna Mahan and the taskforce provided Mom with a babyshower to meet needs and to provide stabilization until benefits kick-in. Three weeks after release, Mom gave birth to a ten pound baby boy. The task force was thanked for the many items donated from pampers, toiletries, sheets, pads, clothing, blankets, food and stroller.
Lori Scott Pickins will be contacted again to discuss the project the task force is working on regarding a summary/documentary that tells the story of reentry from an Essex County persepctive.
October 14, 2010
Due to weather, there was light attendance and due to our having a later meeting date in September. A report was provided on September 17th expenses and we decided to invite DOC Chaplaincy network to the November meeting for a presentation for those interested in becoming mentors to serve inside the prison.
September 17 2010 Event - 'Getting Out, Staying Out'
Officials Participating - Wanda Moore the Director for the Office of Community Justice; Mr. Leonard Ward, Mrs Angela Marshall and Mr. Robert Kantor of NJ State Parole; Mr. Ortiz of the County of Essex, Mrs. Darcella Sessomes & Rev. Wooten Troutman of DOC; The Honorable Mayors Newark Mayor Cory Booker and Irvington Mayor Wayne Smith, David Reader of ISP, Council Woman At Large Mildred Crump; and the Formerly Incarcerated from Half-way Back and recent releasees along with Reentry Service providers were guests.
Purpose: To spotlight the work of Essex Reentry Task Force agencies where positive outcomes in reentry have occurred (community, faith-based and governmental agencies).Spotlighted were well adjusted law abiding individuals who have returned to our communities after incarceration. They have returned to being productive citizens, good family members and providers. Included were organizations who were interested in becoming prospective employers.
Outcomes: For over 150 participants, the symposium expanded understanding by showcasing reentry successes and shifting the focus from officials and service providers to the successes of the reentry population effective in reducing recidivism and increasing public safety. It increased an awareness for a collective responsibility and the roles that can be played in moving the needed agendas forward. Finally it demonstrated a need for more strength based approaches that identify and showcase reentry assets.
NEXT STEPS: Invite Margaret Atkins/Cornell Brooks and Assembly-Woman Bonnie Coleman Watson to actively work in assisting with the implementation of the 4 passed bills to get beyond the barriers whereas these bills bring relief.
July 14, 2010
Opening remarks were provided by the City of Newark's Honorable Council Woman at Large, Mildred Crump.
Presenters at the Essex Reentry Taskforce meeting included Mr. Robert Kantor of Parole who provided several updates regarding a program for driver's license restoration with DMV running now through July 30, 2010 to give drivers a chance to either wipe the slate clean or arrange for more affordable payments that will allow the restoration of their driving privileges. This is an outcome stemming from the reentry bills that were recently passed.
Rev. Denise Wooten Troutman of the State of NJ, Dept. of Corrections, Chaplaincy Network Initiative provided the opportunity, for those interested, to apply to go inside the prisons to mentor the incarcerated 8 to 12 months prior to release. This is an initiative that assists the task force to help bridge the noted gaps in services related to pre-release. The Office of Chaplaincy Services has developed a network program designed to assign inmates with trained faith-based mentors. The mentors serve as guides and role models while providing direction and/or assistance to the inmate along with his or her family to facilitate a successful return to society. Several interested task force participants took applications.
More planning took place for the September 17, 2010, Essex County ReEntry Task Force Symposium entitled "Get Out, Stay Out". This symposium is geared to challenge societies' views regarding the formerly incarcerated and to overcome the collateral consequences that stymie and create barriers for successful reentry progressions. This symposium is purposed to provide three task force distinctives in action: we believe accentuating and showcasing reentry successes are vital in reducing recidivism and promoting safe communities; we believe that the reentry task force must be hands on in identifying as well as assisting to fill the gaps in reentry services; we believe that employing extraordinary reentry practices yields extraordinary reentry outcomes. The venue will be secured by month end. Invitations go out the first week in August.
Discussions have taken place with Lori Scott-Pickins Rutgers to work with the department chair regarding a documentary/report covering all of Essex County's reentry efforts - a taskforce request. She will begin to assist with this once safe surrender ends in Middlesex County.
June 9, 2010
One task force focus is regarding the drug war which has had a disproportionate impact on women, especially women who have children under age 18. With many thanks to the Cromwell Center for Metropolitan Studies of Rutgers University, the Essex County Reentry Task Force supported their annual conference entitled, "What about the Women?: Strategies for Keeping Women Out of Prison" in the Essex County Task Force's effort to help bridge gaps in services as it relates to Women's Reentry from a preventative standpoint turning our attention to awareness. Fifteen (15) Task Force members attended.
May 12, 2010
Presenters:
Robert Kantor – Parole; Ibrahim Shariff - MLK Organization; Eric Shaw – Trainer and Hiring Mgr.
Mr. Kantor- Provided updates on Parole programming. Ibrahim Shariff provided updates on Legislation. Eric Shaw – Will provide training to formerly incarcerated through CIC for all task force referrals. Parole is also engaging this service and will work with CIC to utilize Mr. Shaw in an expanded role.
Task Force Event – Date September 17th. Budget for the Event approved. Venue pending. Theme: Get Out Stay Out! Target audience: Successful Formerly Incarcerated; Employers; Officials Local State and Federal Government.
Federal Connection: Pam Jones attended venue in Washington, DC connecting the taskforce to DHHS, ACF, VA, Food & Drug Admin. & SAMSHA. Taskforce will now be at the table and has key contacts in Washington – Federal goal met.
Letter approved – Federal, Local and State regarding legislation matters.
SIGN-UP – Applications for clergy to go inside prisons through DOC.
Mentor Training – Still TBD.
Aprill Meeting 2010
Presentation by DOC - Rev. Denise Wooten Troutman - Internal Programming and Chaplaincy Network
March 2010 Meeting
- Presenters - Rev. Byron P. Wess - What is a Healing Community?; The Honorable Mayor Wayne Smith – Consider Next Steps Regarding the NJ Reentry Bills
- The Task Force developed a plan to follow-up on the implementation of NJ Reentry Bills.
For future meetings: Task Force will invite persons capable of providing reentry bill implementation insight. - Action Item: Letter writing to Legislators
- Discussion: The Essex Reentry Task Force Spring Forum purposed to showcase REINTEGRATION SUCCESSES. Tentatively scheduled for May 8 @ 9am “The Essex County Reentry Task Force Success Forum'.
- Follow-up: Each task force member will receive an email by the end of March regarding the forum design structure for the day.
- Seeking 3 things from all: Extraordinary Success Stories from each agency; Successful Reintegration Client List for invitation to this event ; and invitations to all participating reentry clients being serviced who also will be invited to this event. Send this information to essexreentrytaskforce1@yahoo.com
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February 2010 Meeting cancelled due to inclement weather (snow storm)
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Essex County Reentry Taskforce January 2010 Meeting (2009 Accomplishments Re-Cap)
- Out of the approximate 225 Safe Surrender Program volunteers, 12% came from the Essex County ReEntry Task Force.
Advocated to impact the numerous legislative areas that impeded the formerly incarcerated’s successfulness in reintegration. The task force took an active voice in rally participation, phone calls to legislatures, and petition signing in partnership with New Jersey Institute for Social Justice and the “Counting theCosts” Initiative. - Created a network of more than 80 collaborative partners to form a taskforce inclusive.
- There are 10 participating municipalities in Essex County and 3 municipalities external to Essex County helping to serve the reentry population returning to Essex County.
Meetings are held each month and average 30 participants per meeting. - Secured a faith-based organization to house the meetings each month – New Vision FGBC at the Cathedral.
- Have garnered the support/attendance of State Level presenters such as Yolanda Ross- Chair of the State of NJ Parole Board, Wanda Moore – Attorney Generals’ Office, Mr Leonard Ward along with Robert Kantor from Community Programs DivisionNew Jersey State Parole Board, Emmanuel Paige- Department of Labor, Glenda Stribling – State of NJ Department of Corrections, Assemblywoman Mila Jasey. Mayor Wayne Smith has provided tremendous support by linking the Task Force to the City of Plainfield, The NJ Urban Mayors Association, and he has included the task force at the Federal level with the Administration of Children & Families.
- A partnership has been formed with the City of Newark under Ingrid Johnson – chair of the Newark Reentry Advisory Board and Manager of the Office of Reentry who has provided solutions regarding Ids and referral sources for reentry matters that can be resolved the City of Newark Funded organizations.
- Continuum of Care – Through Merk- The Partnership for Prescriptions Assistance and Help now assist by providing a qualification process for possible assistance with their required drug prescriptions with the assistance of Ibrahim Shariff of NJ State Parole. Clients have been reported as receiving their prescriptions at little to no cost.
- Clothing – The Task Force has connected to Lady G – ‘Dress for Success’ 990 Broad Street Newark for clients to obtain outfits for their interviews for employment.
- Created a campaign “Hire Just One”. Garnered support of employers who have agreed to discretely hire the formerly incarcerated by recommendation of the task force with our goal being 48 hires.
- Developed a draft of Phase I – a Reintegration plan that taps into the expertise of the COMMUNITY and FAITH-BASED organizations to provide behavior modifications for the returning formerly incarcerated with a family reunification and mentoring services component.
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Meeting Summary for October 21, 2009; New Vision Church 209 4th Ave. & Grove Street, E.O. , NJ - 10 am til noon Attendees: 31
Presenters RE: Fugitive Safe Surrender: Wanda Moore - Director of Reentry of the Attorney General's Office & Lori Scott Pickins of Rutgers University and
Presenter RE: Second Chance - Criminal Justice Reform Legislation - Robert Kantor - State of NJ Parole
The September meeting was forfeited and the task force participated in the orientation session of the Fugitive Safe Surrender Program. As one of our action items, the task force has:
-more than 20 participants enrolled as program volunteers,
-sent out an email blast announcing the program to over 500 email addresses,
-alerted over 100 churches,
- have three locations displaying banners
The task force has committed to another action item:
Assisting in removing the many barriers to reentry by educating as many people possible re: Second Chance Criminal Justice Reform Legislation that will address: strengthening women and families impacted by incarceration, removing employment barriers for people coming out of prison, increasing and rewarding educational work during incarceration, creating alternatives for the mentally ill, lifting the felony drug ban, and many other key issues that our task force cares about.
1st Retreat Findings - Reentry Recommendations Paper Status (retreat date was August 15, 2009 – update provided to Oct 21st meeting participants)
The retreat team decided to make this report a document limited to certain aspects of reentry whereas it would be the first of several – each focusing on a different aspect of reentry and the order of preparing reports will be prioritized by client needs.The retreat team also agreed to not only write the report, but that the task force with the many constituencies represented take action steps to make a difference in the reentry areas that are determined as opportunities – to operationalize the goals and objective where possible as action agenda items for the task force.1st report: Will focus on Employment (determined as the #1 priority) including how employment spills over into other areas of concern in our 6 ‘make it happen teams ‘.
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July 14 Meeting Summary (48 attendees) 10 am to 12 noon)
Presenters
1. Robert Kantor - Parole - Employment and Community Projects
2. Rev. Pam Jones - Retreat Preparations - Structure and Guidelines for the county-wide ReEntry Taskforce findings and recommendation report - Part 1.
Retreat purposed to design a structured report (Goal: draft in below format)
The ECRTF wishes to acknowledge Essex County's reentry efforts, to address issues surrounding
the formerly incarcerated that return to Essex County communities and the capacity and accessibility of
services available to them.
Acknowledgments & Introduction
Members of Task Force
Executive Summary
National Perspective
Local Perspective
Essex County's Response to Challenges
Findings and Recommendations of the Task Force
Phase 2
Ongoing and Special Projects Related to the Formerly Incarcerated
References
3. Juvenile ReEntry - Earl Best - Street Doctor & Guest
Our six (6) 'Make it Happen Teams' met in break-out sessions to further review and discuss county-wide findings. Outcomes for each team were presented as a closing task to ensure everyone's awareness and to obtain additional input from participants of other teams. The focus of each team is as follows:
Team 1. Case Management / Referral Services Pre Release & Post Release/Data System/Recruiting Clients/Client Duplication
Team 2. Employment /Training /Bonding Services / Employer Tax Credit Incentives/Life Skills, Mentoring, Prison Ministry, OJT
Team 3. Housing/Food/Clothing/ TransportationTeam 4. Family Reunification & Child Care
Team 5. Fines/Child Support Arrears /Legal Services
Team 6. Benefits/Health Care/Substance Addictions / Mental Health/HIV
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JUNE 14, 2009 MEETING SUMMARY (46 attendees)10am - 12pm; New Vision FGBC, 209 4th Ave., E.O. NJ
Presenters: Greetings on Behalf of Bishop André L. Jackson of New Vision FGBC, meeting host; Opening Remarks by: CIC, Inc. the Essex County Reentry Task Force Coordinators, Ibrahim Shariff - State Of NJ Parole Board, Emanuel Page, Div. Of Labor and Workforce Development, Robert Kantor - State Of NJ Parole, Janelle Jackson & Ingrid Johnson - Presenters regarding the City of Newark, Reentry Services
We thank all for becoming members of the Essex County ReEntry Task Force. We are particularly excited about the unconventional ideas and approaches that are stemming from your 'Make It Happen Teams'.
Results shared - Data & Opportunities Revealed from Data Collected in Survey
Participating Cities in Essex County: East Orange, Newark, Harrison, Montclair, Orange, South Orange, West Caldwell, West Orange
Other participating cities who provide reentry services in Essex County: Kearny, New Brunswick, Trenton
Types of Participating Organizations:Community Development, Community Colleges, Employment, Faith-Based, Financial, Foundations, Health, Housing, Legal, Mental Health, One Stops, Training, Recovery, Schools, Social Services, Government - Local & State, State and Local Agencies, Universities
Opportunity for grass root org. training – certificate in reentry services from a recognized institution
Opportunity for Support Services after hours and weekends – unfunded and not connected to re-entry platform but play an important role as the safety net with frequent client interface
Information Exchange: A means of becoming more informed about the provider network – who’s who, referral process , and process for an agency/services to be added to the existing provider lists
DOL Life Skills /Training Certification
Help grass root orgs. work with DOL to become eligible for contracted services.
Capacity Building:
· Opportunity for development corps. to establish a process to partner with community & faith based orgs. interested in assisting with housing
· Expand a formal fee for service contract for agencies to be compensated for documented housing, employment, ID’s, transportation and aftercare mentoring services. Use a lead agency approach.
· A need for a formal network of community and faith-based mentoring and aftercare services
· Internet Data Base – A data collection system - Update services by use of a universal ID number for clients
Meeting Outcomes: Some Guidelines Established For The Task Force
When presenters are invited, they are purposed to share information that is required for our understanding in order for our teams to make the right recommendations and to be appropriately informed. Questions posed to our presenters need to be succinct, written down on an index card and passed in to the facilitator. If your questions are not answered readily due to time constraints, we will email the answers or call you regarding the answers at a later time. Our goal is to try our best to get an answer to each participant making inquiries. Everyone's time is important and questions specific to you or your organization will be answered, but outside of the task force forum. We will do our best to get all questions answered.
Your comments are welcomed in the meetings. We all know what does not work, so our goal is to avoid turning our meetings in to complaint sessions. Our goal is more progressive in that we seek to identify existing service gaps along with making recommendations for remedy and solutions. Following presentations, our teams meet to brainstorm for solutions. For an effective use of our time, note that some matters need to be tabled in the team sessions for a more diligent pursuit during our retreat. This way, not too much time is taken away from other matters we need to address in our 45 minute team meetings conducted at the end of each monthly task force meeting.
The reentry task force retreat is purposed to professionally articulate comprehensively the reentry services in Essex County and present ideas and recommendations in the form of tasks along with assigned responsibilities and timelines to accomplish the goals for remedy. The established teams will work together to make written recommendations, along with indicators that demonstrate how tasks are being executed using timelines for task implementation. The tasks will be prioritized. The retreat is tentatively scheduled for Saturday, August 15th from 10 am to 4 pm .
Tasks and Accomplishments from the June 2009 Meeting:
The presenters in the June meeting will assist in closing some existing gaps immediately:
City of Newark ReEntry: The City of Newark presenters will provide service provider information for all city reentry grant recipients to establish the Essex reentry task force participants' awareness. This will minimize duplication in services and build capacity for task force organizations to increase effective collaborative partnerships for enhanced reentry services. This bridges the awareness gaps and service gaps that currently exists. Timeline: Information will be made available by the July 2009 task force meeting.
Ibrahim Shariff/Parole will share more details regarding a new development relating to prescription drug aftercare services. This will assist Essex to increase effective aftercare solutions as it relates to continuum care for health related reentry services. This is being rolled out in June and more will be shared in the July 2009 meeting. By August 2009, formal information regarding this service will be provided to the Essex ReEntry Taskforce participants.
Robert Kantor/Parole will share more as it relates to employment matters - a concern the task force desires to address. He will provide a presentation in the July task force meeting regarding Port Authority who will embrace the hiring of the formerly incarcerated. This will bridge the awareness gap for task force participants and provide a means of tangible access to this as potential employment opportunities for the task force participants' clients.
Our 'Make it Happen Teams' focus.
Team 1. Case Management / Referral Services Pre Release & Post Release/Data System/Recruiting Clients/Client Duplication
Team 2. Employment /Training /Bonding Services / Employer Tax Credit Incentives/Life Skills, Mentoring, Prison Ministry, OJT
Team 3. Housing/Food/Clothing/ Transportation
Team 4. Family Reunification & Child Care
Team 5. Fines/Child Support Arrears /Legal Services
Team 6. Benefits/Health Care/Substance Addictions / Mental Health/HIV
We thank each team for their diligence and outcome reports provided in the June 19th meeting. We realize that everyone's schedule is busy and your attendance is greatly appreciated!
Next Meeting: Tuesday , July 14, 2009Location: New Vision Full Gospel Baptist Church, 209 4th Ave, E.O. NJ Corner of 4th Avenue & Grove Street Time: 10 am 'til noon
Essex County ReEntry Task Force Countywide Partners
Activity and Human Performance
Author - Kirby Hanson - 'I Am More Than A State Number'
Blessed Ministries Inc.
Bridge To Recovery (BTR)
Bright Horizons Community Development
Church at Shalom, Inc.
Communities In Cooperation, Inc.(CIC) formerly Churches In Cooperation, Inc.
City of East Orange
City of Irvington
City of Newark
City of Newark Economic Development
City of Newark Department of Health & Human Services
Community Education Centers
Community Education Centers - Alumni
Councilman of East Orange, NJ
East Orange Weed & Seed
Essex County One-Stop Re-Entry Program
Essex County Probation
Essex County Prosecutor's Office
Exceptional Concepts
First Hopewell Missionary Baptist Church
Fresh Start
Galilee Missionary Baptist Church
Goodwill Industries
Greater Newark Business Development Consortium
Greater Newark Business Development Consortium
Happy Hands Foundation
Hyacinth Aids Foundation
In The Hands of A Woman Ministries, Inc.
Integrity Inc.
Intensive Supervision Program (ISP)
Irvington Neighborhood Improvement Corp.
Kintock Group(Columbus House)
Legal Services of NJ
Liberating Word Ministries
Macedonia AME Church
My Sistahz Keeper Association
New Canaan Community Development, Inc.
New Dimensions CDC
New Jersey Association on Correction (NJAC)
New Jersey Commission for the Blind & Visually Impaired
New Jersey Institute for Social Justice (NJISJ)
New Vision Full Gospel Baptist Church
Newark Gospel Tabernacle
Newark Public Schools
Newark Renaissance House
North Jersey Community Research Initiative (NJCRI)
Operation Focus
Opportunity Reconnect/Essex County College
Protestant Chaplain
Renaissance Church of Newark
Rutgers Newark – Paul Robeson Center
Rutgers Police Institute
Single Stop/Essex County College
St. James AME Church
St. James Social Service Corp.
State of New Jersey Department of Corrections Chaplaincy Network
State of New Jersey Department of Law and Public Safety
State of New Jersey Department of Law and Public Safety
State of New Jersey Department of Public Advocate
State of New Jersey Office of the Attorney General
State of New Jersey Parole
State of New Jersey Parole Board
Street Warriors
Supporting Our Sisters
Team Resurrection Inc.
The Council – Reentry from the Streets
The First Occupational Center of NJ
The Nicholson Foundation
University of Medicine & Dentistry New Jersey
Violence Institute of NJ at University of Medicine & Dentistry New Jersey
US Pretrial Services
US Probation Office
Weequahic Park Association
West Ward Collective, Inc.
Yes Lord Ministries
