Reentry resource fair by NCWorks Career Center of Lenoir County held at The Gate
NC Works Career Center of Lenoir County was at The Gate to promote a resource fair to target and assist justice-involved individuals and their families to connect with community resources available to assist with their reentry.
“What we were trying to do today was to pool resources,” said Tracey Price. “Lenoir County has a lot of resources out there for people who are reentering the community either from prison, jail, or on probation or parole.”
The event was open to the public and not just individuals that have been involved in the justice system.
“It was a wonderful event with great resources,” said Colleen Kosinski, Administrator for Adult Accountability and Recovery Court. “We are learning there are resources out there and it is important that the community learn the importance of providing resources to support people in recovery. This only makes our community stronger and safer in the long run.”
Partners that were involved in the event:
Housing: Kinston Housing Authority, Hope Restoration, Friends of the Homeless Shelter
Mental Health: Eastpointe, Dixon Social, Vocational Rehab, Port Health
Social Action: Kinston Teens, Freedom on the Inside, Project ID
Employment: NC Works Career Center, Temporary Agencies
Support Services: Inter-Church outreach (I-COR), SEANC
Financial Services: Greater Kinston Credit Union
Transportation: Lenoir County Transit
Education: Lenoir Community College
Faith-Based: L.I.V.E.
“I know how important being given a second chance is,” said Price. “I’ve been in recovery for almost 13 years and I’ve had barriers in place because of a past record. I know how important it is for individuals to be given a second chance.”
At the April 5, 2022 City Council Meeting, Mayor Dontario Hardy proclaimed the second week of April as Re-Entry week. Flight Café Food Truck from the Pitt Greenville Airport came to the event and donated food to everyone involved.
NCWorks Career Centers in Greene, Jones, and Lenoir counties provide comprehensive employment and training services for job seekers, training seekers, and employers in a convenient, one-stop career center. The Gate is a faith-based community center, which empowers youth to take ownership of their decisions, so they can change their lives.
