By Gary C. Rhodes
“Jonathan” was a 30ish, prematurely graying man that I met about 7 years ago through an embryo faith-based reentry program named Transitional Aftercare Network. He was serving the tail-end of a drug possession sentence at Piedmont Correctional Institute, and was approaching his release date.
During his time at Piedmont, “Jonathan” had rewired the facility based upon his background as an unlicensed electrician, and he also was proficient in heating and air conditioning. His release plan was to reside and obtain transportation with his elderly, disabled mother.
“Jonathan” was much more well-prepared for a successful release than most. Although he would only have about $45 upon release, he had housing and a good employment outlook. Like most inmates similarly situated, however, he had some barriers to overcome. His identification might be expired. He had an old detainer in South Carolina had not been dismissed as he was led to believe should have happened. And lastly, due to the drug-related conviction, he was ineligible for SNAP benefits (as well as public housing), which would place an enormous hardship on his mother’s limited and fixed income of less than $1,000 per month.
“Jonathan” was one of the fortunate reentering individuals. With a couple of telephone calls, we were able to contact his public defender. who arranged for the case in South Carolina to be disposed of before his release. We also, thanks to some local resources, were able to identify some area contractors who could use his aptitude in electronics. Insofar as I am aware, “Jonathan” has succeeding in rebuilding his shattered life.
“Jonathan” is only one of at least 400 men and 100 women who return to Rowan County each year from the North Carolina penal system. These numbers do not include those persons serving short sentences in local custody. Many have expired identifications, no housing, no transportation and no employment prospects, each factor which, in addition to past dependency issues, make successful release and chances of reoffending less likely.
This past week, the Salisbury Post reported that Rowan County had decided not to pursue creation of a Rowan County Reentry Council. Reentry councils are based upon a model reentry program adopted about 10 years ago by the North Carolina Department of Public Safety in an effort to address issues experienced by reentering persons in a effort to curtail recidivism. The theory is to provide 1-2 years of seed money of $150,000-$250,000 to hire a director of the program and an employment specialist to identify and work with persons in the key areas of housing, transportation and employment. After that organizational period, the local community is expected to continue funding. There are a number of effectively functioning reentry councils in operation in North Carolina. Furthermore, these and similar programs have prove to be very effective. (For a comprehensive study, see a 2022 study on effectiveness of reentry programs at unc.edu.)
The decision by the Rowan County government is the third failed attempt in the last ten years to establish a Reentry Council in Rowan County. The previous efforts were through a multi-county reentry provider and, later, a group of committed and passionate grass-roots community citizens, which was ready to go forward when curtailed by COVID-19. The stumbling block in each instance was the inability to identify sustaining funding to assure the stability of the program.
A Rowan County Reentry Council should be a cost-effective component in the mix of social services programs to protect and enrich the community. In past efforts, this program has gained support of law enforcement, District Attorney for the Middle District of North Carolina local judges and prosecutors, and Senator Thom Tillis. Contrary to some public sentiment, reentry is a win-win initiative, offering gains both for the individual (and families of individuals) and the community at large. It is difficult to believe that a community as well endowed with resources as our county cannot step forward to make the Reentry Council a reality.
— Gary C. Rhodes
Rhodes is an attorney in Salisbury.
