Each year more than 3,000 people return home to Cuyahoga County from jail and prison. They face a litany of challenges – from finding housing to stable employment.
That’s why community organizations and Cuyahoga County’s Office of Reentry shine a light on those barriers through an annual series of events focused on solutions. Reentry Week starts a week from today on Monday, April 22.
Along with events such as resource and job fairs, cooking demonstrations and live performances, organizations will connect with formerly incarcerated people and their families throughout the week. The Portraits of Strength photo exhibit, which highlights overcoming hardship and the importance of second chances, will also be displayed at several of the week’s events.
Here are some of the week’s highlights.
Monday, April 22
Support from the Inside and Out: Youth and Family Reentry Resource Fair
The Ohio Department of Youth Services, MAGNET and other community groups will provide resources for families and youth affected by the juvenile justice system. Attendees can ask experts legal questions and learn about education and career opportunities. They can also attend workshops to learn about workforce development, rehabilitation and juvenile bindovers.
4 to 8 p.m. at MAGNET, 1800 E. 63rd St.
Registration encouraged. Fill out this form to register.
Wednesday, April 24
A Day in the Life: A True Life Sentence
“A Day in the Life” will be a live performance that shows the impact of collateral consequences, meaning the barriers created through laws that make it difficult for people to reintegrate into their community after they’re released from prison. Writers and performers will show their experiences in trying to find a job and housing and trying to volunteer. Their stories will show how collateral consequences affect families and communities as well. Expert panelists will answer questions about how people can help advocate to remove some these barriers.
6:30 to 8:30 p.m. (doors open at 6 p.m.) at Urban Community School, 4909 Lorain Ave.
Registration encouraged. Fill out this form to register.
Friday, April 26
Charles R. See Forum on Reentry at the City Club
The 2024 Charles R. See Forum on Reentry’s keynote speaker is Yusuf Dahl, Fair Chance Housing Advocate. Dahl is a former president of Wisconsin’s largest apartment owners’ trade association. He is also leading a national effort to repeal legislation that imposes a lifetime denial of fair housing protections to people with a drug distribution conviction.
Visit cityclub.org to buy tickets or register to watch online.
Doors open at 11:15 a.m. The speech and online viewing starts at noon at the City Club of Cleveland, 1317 Euclid Ave., Suite 100.
Saturday, April 27
Fresh Start Fair: Your Path to a Better Record, Employment and Resources
The event will include information on expungement and record sealing, job opportunities with second-chance employers, and other resources.
Registration encouraged. Fill out this form to register.
1 to 4 p.m. at John F. Kennedy High School, 15111 Miles Ave.
Learn more: Those with criminal records are 10 times more likely to experience homelessness, and those who are homeless are more likely to be arrested, according to the Eight Point Plan for Housing Justice in Cuyahoga County. A committee studying the housing needs of people who have been incarcerated put the plan together. Find more details about housing challenges and possible solutions in the report.