Re-entry group to aid inmates

Coalition to start operations soon to help with transition from incarceration

After two years of preparation, the Blair County (Prison) Re-entry Coalition plans to begin operation soon.

It's time, even if there isn't yet a "perfect plan," said a coalition member at a recent meeting.

The organization intends to help inmates newly released from Blair County Prison obtain housing, employment, family and mentoring support, parenting assistance, education, care for their physical and mental health along with rehabilitation treatment, if necessary -- coupled with overall case management for the releasees.

Ideally, the group's interaction with the inmates will begin even before their release -- but failing that, as soon as possible afterwards, so releasees can be taken "in hand," said temporary coalition Chairman Ken Dean.

The coalition doesn't want inmates on "Day 1, (asking themselves) 'where am I sleeping tonight?'" Dean said.

"It's about getting two steps ahead (of the situation), instead of being behind the 8-ball," said Trisha Johnson, director of the Blair County Department of Social Services.

The organization still must make a few final revisions to a single-page flier that will provide critical information -- mainly phone numbers and addresses for the social service agencies the releasees will need.

Members of the Pennsylvania Prison Society could disseminate copies of the flier during their monthly rounds in the jail, said society and coalition member John Grove.

The flier could also perhaps be posted in the jail, another member suggested.

The hope is that a call or visit to any of the agencies would serve as a gateway to all the other agencies and services.

Instead of being let out into a chilly uncertainty about where to turn, the coalition hopes to provide instead "a warm handoff," Dean said.

Mirror Staff Writer William Kibler is at 814-949-7038.