The Virginia Peninsula Regional Jail is looking to make reentry into society a smoother process for its inmates.
The jail announced in a news release it would host a reentry fair for its inmates on Friday, featuring organizations and agencies specializing in housing, employment and services.
Those three areas can be the most challenging aspects of reentering society after spending time in jail or prison, according to the news release.
“This is a great opportunity for several of our inmates who will be released in three months, six months, or even a year, to get facetime with individuals who work with the very agencies and organizations that can help them transition successfully from an incarcerated life to an independent life as a productive citizen,” said jail Superintendent Tony Pham.
The organizations and agencies attending the reentry fair will help connect inmates with resources they’re eligible to receive, such as veterans benefits and low-cost or emergency housing.
The organizations can also help connect them with businesses who are willing to work with people who were convicted of crimes.
The Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles will be at the fair, as well as private organizations such as REAL LIFE and Virginia Cares, both of which help formerly incarcerated people reenter society.
Some private employers will also be on site to offer on-the-spot interviews for inmates so they can increase their chance at having a job ready and waiting for them when they are released from jail.
“This event has the potential to help a lot of people,” Pham said. “I’m looking forward to expanding on this to help even more inmates next year.”
