The end of a prison sentence begins new challenges for those being released back into society. A resource fair in Frenchtown on Saturday, Nov. 18 aimed to make that transition easier for everyone involved.
From housing to employment, those released from prison face an uphill climb to rebuild a normal and successful life. Which is why the Big Bend AFTER Reentry Coalition, chaired by Anne Meisenzahl, was created nearly a dozen years ago.
"The Big Bend Reentry Coalition offers case management and all kinds of wonderful services."
The coalition held a resource fair on Saturday at Frenchtown's Laverne Payne Community Center. Tamara Lockley runs peer support groups to help those who were on the inside adjust to life on the outside.
"The most important thing is to give them hope an encouragement. So to have someone come out and help them to have another chance at life, that's the greatest opportunity and gift to give those that are coming from incarceration."
