Perry County PREP Center recently held a resource fair for participants of its programs helping probationers and parolees to reenter society.
“Jobs are a crucial component to successful reentry,” said Bureau Director Cam Ward. “If someone recovers from their underlying mental diagnosis or substance use problem, they need stable employment. Data shows good employment greatly reduces the possibility of someone reoffending. I am thankful for all the public and private stakeholders who have partnered with us on this effort.”
The fair was made possible through a partnership of the Alabama Bureau of Pardons and Paroles with J.F. Ingram State Technical College, Alabama Power, the Economic Development Partnership of Alabama, and the Alabama Community College System.
With events like these it is hoped that state recidivism can be reduced and that Alabama’s workforce participation can increase.
A stakeholder presentation was held featuring District 24 Senator Bobby Singleton, District 22 Senator Greg Albritton, Field Representative Kelli Wolfe on behalf of U.S. Sen. Katie Britt, and Black Belt Outreach Coordinator Byron Evans on behalf of U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell.
Additionally, presentations were given by ISTC President Annette Funderburk, ACCS Vice Chancellor of Adult Education David Walters, Alabama Power’s Vice President of Workforce Development Jerry Grissom and Workforce Development Coordinator Jason Watters, Bureau Director Cam Ward, and business leaders.
Graduating PREP participant Joseph Goodwin also gave a presentation.
Tours were given of the Alabama Experience, or ALEX, a mobile exhibit that features interactive kiosks and informational pieces, as well as a tour of the ISTC mobile classroom, an educational resource for participants.
"This dream is becoming a continuing reality to reduce recidivism — to increase our participation rate," said Alabama Power Workforce Development Coordinator Jason Watters. “We’re doing that one person at a time.”
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