By Matthew Estes, Communications Director
MONTGOMERY – On Wednesday, October 12, six Alabama agencies met for the 2022 Reentry Seminar at the Alabama Department of Archives and History. This event provided essential continuing education training credits for officers across the Bureau’s statewide field offices and day reporting centers.
Secretary Fitzgerald Washington from the Alabama Department of Labor spoke about the historically low unemployment rate, along with the strong job market and the need for jobs for formerly incarcerated. Job placement is an effective way to reduce recidivism.
Alabama Department of Veteran Affairs Deputy Attorney General Beverly Gebhardt presented on the multitude of services available for veterans, many of whom make up the population of justice-involved individuals. “You are the tip of the spear,” said Gebhardt in reference to officers. “You have the opportunity to impact the lives of those who walk into your office.”
Mental health professionals Anthony Reynolds, Nicole Walden and Maegan Huffman from the Alabama Department of Mental Health spoke about the many resources available for justice-involved individuals who are having a crisis. They also provided officers with much-needed information on available mental health crisis centers statewide. “No single treatment is appropriate for everyone,” said Walden.
Additionally, AltaPointe Treatment Coordinator Brandie Johnson addressed improving officer mental health and ways to prevent burnout.
Director of Reentry Services Rick Vest from Ingram State Technical College spoke on behalf of President Annette Funderburk about how ISTC, one of the Bureau’s primary program providers, uses educational resources and technical skills training to motivate clients and place them in quality careers. “Right now people are willing to give second chances,” said Vest.
Food Assistance Director Brandon Hardin from the Alabama Department of Human Resources spoke on behalf of Commissioner Nancy Buckner about welfare and food assistance support programs provided by the agency. These programs can be used to increase the quality of life for justice-involved individuals and their families, reducing recidivism.
This event was made possible thanks to the coordination of Executive Assistant to the Director Jill Stallworth. The Bureau thanks the Alabama Department of Archives and History for providing the venue for the event.
