From Where I Sit…
“I say there is no darkness but ignorance.”
-William Shakespeare
Unlocking Potential: The Case for Successful Prison Re-Entry Programs
“I say there is no darkness but ignorance.”
-William Shakespeare
Unlocking Potential: The Case for Successful Prison Re-Entry Programs
Re-Entry had its day at the Chamber’s April Monthly Membership Meeting held at the Berks Technical Institute (BTI), Lewisburg on Monday of this week. Our meeting, typically held on the third Wednesday of each month was nudged a few days to accommodate an invitation from the U.S. Department of Justice-Bureau of Prison’s to participate in their first Re-Entry Simulation which was held at the Federal Prison Camp-Lewisburg.
Why would the Chamber get involved with prison re-entry issues? By and large, successful re-entry will likely play a big role in solving our chronic workforce shortage issues. Sure, compassion plays a role as well. But slowing and hopefully stopping the ‘revolving door of incarceration’ which has characterized our justice system for more than a generation, is frankly unsustainable. We must do better. Your Chamber gladly takes up this challenge.
Successful prison re-entry programs are not only a matter of justice and compassion—they're a smart investment in public safety, workforce development, and community prosperity. Every year, more than 600,000 individuals are released from state and federal prisons across the U.S. Without adequate support, many faces insurmountable barriers to employment, housing, healthcare, and even transportation. Re-entry programs help remove these barriers and pave the way to lasting reintegration.
Studies consistently show that well-structured re-entry programs reduce recidivism, saving taxpayers millions in incarceration costs. These programs connect returning citizens with job training, substance abuse treatment, mental health care, and mentorship opportunities. With support, individuals can shift from surviving to thriving, becoming productive workers, parents, neighbors, and leaders.
Local economies also benefit. In many areas, including the Greater Susquehanna Valley, employers are facing critical workforce shortages. Re-entry initiatives create a pathway for previously incarcerated individuals to fill job openings, particularly in trades and skilled labor fields where training and apprenticeships can make an immediate difference.
Beyond the economics, re-entry programs reaffirm a core American value: that everyone deserves a second chance. Communities that invest in re-entry aren’t just being generous, they’re wise. They’re reducing crime, restoring families, and strengthening the fabric of their neighborhoods.
By working together, our best days lie just ahead.
Post-Script: I would be remiss if I didn’t recognize a few people who really added to our day of re-entry conversations and simulations. First off, thank you to TeaJay Aikey, President & CEO of the Central PA Chamber for attending our Chamber Member Meeting. It’s always good to spend time with a fellow business/community leader. TeaJay told us about the re-entry activities that her Education Association is undertaking which gives us hope that our valley could soon be viewed as ‘re-entry friendly.’
Our Bureau of Prisons hosts, mentors, and trainers Mandy Ball and Zach Wert, who worked very hard to include nearly a dozen community representatives from community builders, educators, probation officers, and local wardens in the Re-Entry Simulation which we conducted with a large group of inmates and a couple of community leaders.
Finally, and most importantly, Rep. Jamie Flick (R-83rd). Our Williamsport-based state representative was slightly south of his own district, but he carved a big chunk of time out of his day to be with us, attending our monthly meeting and then serving as an ‘inside’ (that would be an inmate) participant during the Simulation. Re-entry is hard. Our friend and highly effective representative departed from our day together with a better understanding of the challenges that a formerly incarcerated individual might experience daily. Thank you, Rep. Flick, for your participation and for being a voice of reason and a person of principle on our behalf. Well done.
