BY DEBBIE PAGE

Leadership Statesville is sponsoring an Incarceration Re-entry Simulation on Thursday, March 2, at the Statesville Fitness Center.

Pre-registration is required for this event, which runs from 9 a.m. to noon. Seats are limited.

The goal of this simulation is for attendees to gain an understanding of the significant obstacles faced by men and women attempting to navigate society and the justice system upon their release from incarceration and returning home to their communities.

Walking in the shoes of one who is returning to society gives invaluable insight for professionals who are tasked with helping those individuals as they rebuild their lives.

After a re-entry simulation held last June, Partners Community Engagement Specialist Jerry Campbell said participants reported that the event changed the way they looked at these people’s experience.

“It’s a ‘wow’ experience,” said Campbell, “and it connects to the homeless population because many leave prison with no support or resources.”

Campbell encourages elected officials, court system staff, lawyers, helping agency staff, and government agency employees who work with this population to consider signing up for the event.

Community Resource Coordinator Pam Navey called the event “life-changing in your work, in your thoughts with the people you deal with.”

Each participant will have an assigned “character” with specific challenges and criminal background, meager financial resources, and a “life” card that directs the tasks that must be completed each week.

Participants work through stations, all of which require a transportation ticket, with many also requiring identification documents (Social Security Card, Birth Certificate, State ID).

Stations include employment, social services, Social Security (disability, vocational rehabilitation, family support), “chance,” discount medical care, transportation, rent, food assistance, court, probation, drug screening, check cashing, ID station, churches (food, NA/AA, clothing), quick loans, bank, super center shopping, career center and GED resources, paid plasma donation, counseling and treatment, and the library (job and transportation resources, IDs, computer access, educational workshops, applications, resumes).

During the four 15-minute simulations of one month’s tasks, participants will use their scant resources as they navigate the stations to meet their various weekly needs, try to find jobs, pay bills and child support, and attend required drug screens, support meetings, and counseling sessions. On top of these barriers, some stations will throw curves that set them off the path to self-reliance.

LEARN MORE

Contact Campbell at JCampbellII@partnersbhm.org for more information on attending this event, which is geared to those who assist or have contact with recently incarcerated people through their work or through their decision-making duties as an elected official.