Mock Interviews Held To Benefit Returning Citizens

Recognizing its previous declaration of one week in April as “National Re-Entry Week” the United States Department of Justice identified the last week of April 2017 for United States Attorney’s Offices throughout the country to host or attend events related to the issue of individuals making the transition from prison back into the community.

The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Georgia (USAO-MDGA) likewise recognizes the importance of the success of this transition both to those returning to society and to local citizens in reducing recidivism and making our communities safer. The USAO-MDGA is pleased to announce its participation in re-entry events in the Macon-Bibb County community and its ongoing collaboration with the Macon Reentry Coalition (MRC), a local nonprofit organization that connects returning citizens with a variety of resources to assist in that vital transition. The Macon Reentry Coalition is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, promoting a collaborative effort among federal, state, and local agencies, mentors and advocates, faith-based and philanthropic organizations, and community resource partners to empower returning citizens.

On Friday, April 28, the Macon Reentry Coalition will host its monthly meeting at 9:00 a.m. at the Salvation Army Chapel (2312 Houston Avenue). This meeting provides agencies and organizations the opportunity to information share and address issues affecting returning citizens.

On that same day, at 1:30 p.m., a mock job interview project for individuals re-entering society from both state and federal prisons will be held at Dismas Charities (722 2nd Street). Volunteers will serve as interviewers to give the participants valuable job interviewing experience to assist in their efforts to successfully enter the workforce.

“Macon-Bibb and the Middle Georgia region contain vast and critical resources to help ensure the successful reintegration of our returning citizens,” Macon Reentry Coalition CEO Todd Robinson noted. “Many of these men and women are talented, hard-working individuals that just need counsel and direction. Since 2008, the Macon Reentry Coalition has brought resources together to help reentrants become productive citizens who can support their families. Stronger families equates to a safer community.”

Questions regarding any of the events or the Macon Reentry Coalition can be directed to Brittney Kish Lightsey, Reentry and Community Outreach Coordinator for the United States Attorney’s Office, at 478-621-2735 or Brittney.Kish-Lightsey@usdoj.gov.