The Charles County Detention Center hosted their 3rd Annual Reentry Fair on Friday, June 26. More than 50 volunteers representing about 25 organizations from the community set up booths in the gymnasium at the Detention Center to share information with inmates that may assist them upon their release.
While the primary responsibility at the Detention Center is to keep inmates secure, Corrections staff members also offer inmates access to many organizations geared toward helping them improve their lives. Master Sergeant Tracy Williams, Classification/Transitioning Supervisor for the CCDC, said “Our Re-entry Fair brings together a variety of resources and serves as an opportunity for inmates to explore options for assistance with transitioning back into the community, with the ultimate goal being to reduce recidivism”.
The Reentry Fair was initiated three years ago by then Cpl. Ryan Taylor, a Classification Officer at the CCDC, whose vision was to have vendors meet at one time at the jail to talk with inmates about important services that could enable them to make better choices upon their return to the community. Cpl. Taylor has since been promoted to Sergeant while Cpl. Chris Clemons has taken on the responsibility of organizing the Reentry Fair. “We have received very positive feedback from the 112 inmates who participated this year,” said Cpl. Clemons. “They enjoyed the event and found it very helpful.”
“We are very proud of the work we do here at the Charles County Detention Center,” said Director Susan Rice. “While our main objective is the safety of our inmates while they are here, it is vital that we educate them about the tools that are available upon their release.”
Sheriff Troy Berry, who attended the event, said “It was fantastic to see these organizations from within our community as well as officers come together to create a positive environment to share information with inmates. It is important that they know that when they are done serving their sentence, they have the support of people who want them to succeed.”
Participating vendors included: Catholic Charities – Welcome Home Program; Charles County Literacy Council; Natural Innovation and Solution Services; Human Capital Investment Services; Salvation Army; Charles County Department of Health; Charles County Department of Social Services; Charles County Government Department of Community Services; Charles County Public Schools Lifelong Learning Center; Connect Southern Maryland/Health Partners; Anathoth House, Inc.; Department of Veterans Affairs; Veterans Affairs Medical Center; SLS Ministries, Inc.; Fort Washington Baptist Church; Grace Lutheran Church & School; Department of Public Safety & Correctional Services – Parole and Probation; Health Partners, Inc.; Lifestyles of Maryland Foundation, Inc./Robert J. Fuller House; Maryland Department of Labor, Licensing & Regulation (DLLR); Pathways Inc.; Point of Change Jail & Street Ministry; QCI Behavioral Health; Southern Maryland Community Network, Inc.; and Walden Behavioral Health.