A one-stop-shop for the recently incarcerated has a new headquarters and is looking to expand its resources. The Big Bend AFTER Re-entry Coalition held a recent grand opening for its new Welcome and Wellness Center on East Bradford Road.
The Coalition's Elaine Webb said the new center in the ECHO complex is meant to feel more like a cozy den than a typical office.
"(To) Create more of a welcoming social environment. So hosting monthly potlucks or having open drop-in hours so people can come and have some cookies and chat."
But beyond the socializing, Webb said the purpose is to work with the Leon County Sheriff's Office RISE program and other groups that offer services for those recently released from incarceration.
"Any community organization, even if they're providing services in their own location, if applicable to people re-entering from incarceration, we'd love them host their programming here as well."
She explained that will provide a single point of recovery for those building a new life "on the outside."
