Connecticut U.S. Attorney's Office Participates in National Reentry Week Events

New Haven – As part of an ongoing effort to make our criminal justice system fairer, more efficient and more effective at reducing recidivism and helping formerly incarcerated individuals contribute to their communities, the Department of Justice has designated the week of April 24-30, 2016, as National Reentry Week.

“The Justice Department is committed to reducing recidivism and making our communities safer,” stated U.S. Attorney Deirdre M. Daly.  “A major part of this commitment is assisting those who have served time in prison transition to being productive and law-abiding members of society.  Too often, returning citizens face impregnable barriers as they compete for jobs, seek to attain stable housing and support their families.  Successful reentry programs benefit all of us.”

National Reentry Week events are being held in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands.  U.S. Attorney’s Offices alone are sponsoring more than 200 events, and federal Bureau of Prisons facilities are holding more than 370 events.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Connecticut is participating in four National Reentry Week events:

• On April 27, members of the U.S. Attorney’s Office, U.S. Probation Office and the Federal Public Defender’s Office are speaking to inmates at FCI Danbury about federal government reentry initiatives.
• On April 28, the City of Hartford is presenting a panel discussion titled “Life After Lockup: Stories of Success,” at the Hartford Public Library, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
• On April 29, the U.S. Attorney’s Office is hosting “A Brighter Future: Jobs for Returning Citizens,” in New Haven.  Panel discussions will include returning citizens who are now employed, employers who have successfully hired individuals with criminal records, and workforce development providers who have implemented programs to prepare these individuals for employment.
• On April 29, the Bridgeport Reentry Collaborative will be hosting its 5^th Annual Bridgeport Reentry Awards Ceremony at Housatonic Community College, at 6:00 p.m.  The ceremony is a celebration of the collective success of former offenders, advocates, and businesses who have demonstrated their commitment to effective reintegration.

For more information about these programs and the U.S. Attorney’s Office reentry initiative, please contact Holly A. Wasilewski, Reentry & Community Outreach Coordinator, at 203-821-3833 or holly.wasilewski@usdoj.gov.