By Ian Matthew Harrington, CHW, MBA, Health Disparities Specialist, Access Community Action Agency
WINDHAM, CT — Last Tuesday, the Windham Community Center was a hub of empathy and advocacy as the community individuals and organizations gathered for the “Rally for Reentry.” Hosted by the Windham Reentry Council under the leadership of Katherine Sanders, the AIC Program Director, the event aimed to bolster support for individuals reentering society post-incarceration and to spotlight the systemic reforms needed to facilitate this transition.
Emcee Ian Matthew Harrington, seamlessly wove together the afternoon’s events which featured heartfelt guest speeches, enlightening stories, and poignant interviews. Each segment echoed the event’s core themes: the urgent need for systemic change, the communal journey toward resilience and healing, and the fundamental right to dignity and self-worth for all individuals.
Harrington, well-regarded for his dynamic engagement, opened the event by framing the conversation around the necessity of systemic changes and bid the audience to keep in mind ‘what’s next?’ throughout the event. He emphasized that effective reentry programs require not only legislative advocacy but also a transformation in community attitudes toward formerly incarcerated individuals. Harrington’s call to action was clear: communities must actively dismantle the physical and interpersonal barriers that impede successful reintegration.
Empowering Voices:
To begin, Mary Rose brought a deeply personal and spiritually empowered perspective to the group, focusing on the mental health challenges faced by many during the reentry process. She discussed the often-overlooked emotional and psychological toll that incarceration takes on individuals and the ongoing impact it has upon release. Rose advocated for comprehensive mental health services that are seamlessly integrated into reentry programs, emphasizing that healing from trauma is critical for successful reintegration. Her advocacy underscored the necessity for systems that not only address the logistical needs of reentry but also the emotional and psychological rehabilitation of those affected.
Rich Hernandez spoke from his experience working directly with reentry populations, focusing on the critical role of self-esteem in his successful reintegration. Hernandez discussed the barriers that he faced when seeking employment post-incarceration, such as stigma and the lack of supports such as housing. He called for more employers to participate in “second chance” hiring practices and for the development of job training programs tailored specifically to the needs of reentering individuals prior to release. Hernandez’s practical approach highlighted the need for community and corporate partnerships in creating sustainable employment opportunities.
Helen Scanlon later presented a moving case for educational opportunities and peer support as a cornerstone of successful reentry for women through the lens of her 12 years as an Intervention Specialist in the Alternative in the Community (AIC) program. By sharing success stories and anecdotal data, Scanlon highlighted how access to emotional education and skills training post-incarceration significantly lowers recidivism rates and improves overall outcomes post-release. She called for expanded awareness around the difficult journey for women reentering a society that holds unhealthy expectations of them. Scanlon’s message was best summarized in her own words: “When we invest in helping women to reclaim their lives and their power, communities heal.”
Jenavive Bass captured the audience with her poignant poetry, using her words to paint a vivid picture of the reentry experience and personal empowerment. Her poems touched on themes of courage, isolation, redemption, and the struggle for acceptance in a world that often seems indifferent to the plight of those who have been incarcerated: “There’s always a message in the mess.” Bass’s powerful delivery and emotive words served as a stark reminder of the human stories behind the statistics, bringing to life the emotional depth of the journey toward redemption and acceptance for individuals and communities.
Josh Habib shared his harrowing yet transformative journey through addiction, crime, and multiple incarcerations, providing a raw and candid perspective at the “Rally for Reentry.” Having faced the cyclical nature of release and re-arrest, Habib emphasized the harsh realities of reentry without stable support systems, recounting nights spent under bridges or in dumpsters when no shelter was available. His experiences underscored the pivotal moments when, isolated and alone, he chose to confront and change his life direction. Despite his deep struggles, Habib communicated a strong message of ownership over his actions and a refusal to criticize the justice system unnecessarily, recognizing its role despite its imperfections. His journey from hopelessness to becoming a mentor and advocate for others facing similar paths highlighted the profound potential of personal transformation and the critical need for supportive structures that extend beyond prison walls.
Tyler Fairbanks addressed the audience with his presentation of the challenges and opportunities to improve the reentry experience and the role that the community played in this journey. Fairbanks’s well-researched account provided insight into the barriers for the recently released (namely regaining trust, dignity, and finding community support), and he detailed the profound impact that community support can have in overcoming them. His account was a testament to the opportunities that exist for our community to lean into empathy and support our returning siblings in a way that empowers and enables meaningful reintegration.
In the final interview, Christine Trombino spoke passionately about the power of community support in the reentry process. Sharing her own experiences with the criminal justice system, Trombino highlighted how peer support networks were crucial to her successful reintegration, explaining why this is her labor of passion to help those facing these challenges now. Her story was a testament to the event’s thesis that healing and resilience are journeys that the entire community must undertake together, supporting each other every step of the way.
Even Emcee Ian Matthew Harrington had a story to share. “Our Coffee Connection,” a non-profit in Rochester, NY provides a supportive space for women in recovery, many of whom have been affected by incarceration. This program provides work skills training and ongoing group support for recovery efforts. It offers a sense of community for those navigating life’s complexities, embedded in the faith that supportive interactions can build bridges and promote healing. His call to action of “What will we build?” reflected the event’s overarching theme of communal responsibility in the journey of reintegration.
Each of these speakers offered informed insights from their own journeys. Key points included the challenges of securing employment and housing post-release, the stigma that often shadows former inmates, and the critical role of mental health support. Each narrative reinforced the idea that systemic overhaul is essential, and that community-driven support is critical to ease the transition.
Culinary Contributions:
The discussions were complemented by an array of dishes from Garibaldi’s and cookies from Subway, which attendees enjoyed. This hospitality underscored the community’s warmth and the collective effort to create an inviting and supportive atmosphere at the rally. Participants even took part in a backpack build where critical hygiene and care items were arranged for distribution to those in need. Community and
Organizational Support:
The Rally achieved success thanks to the combined efforts of numerous dedicated organizations, including Access Community Action Agency, Hartford Health Care, Eastconn, Windham Area Interfaith Ministries, Senior Resources Agency on Aging, Windham Pride, UConn, Windham Region Transit District, Favor, Windham Town Council Members, Community Health Network of CT, and Disability Rights Connecticut. These organizations brought their unique expertise and resources to the event, ensuring its impactful outcome.
Tremendous gratitude goes to Angela Fournier, the Windham Community Center Director of Human Services, and Liz Meyers, the Assistant Director of Human Services, for their stewardship and unwavering support for the Rally. A special acknowledgment goes to the Windham Reentry Council, chaired by Katherine Sanders, the AIC Program Director, for organizing this community-empowering gathering.
Conclusion:
The Rally for Reentry was more than just an event; it was a powerful call to action for systemic reform and a reminder of the community’s role in fostering an environment where dignity and self-worth are accessible to all, regardless of past mistakes. The shared stories and discussions from the Rally left participants inspired and more informed about the critical role we all play in supporting reintegration efforts, truly embodying the idea that resilience and healing are communal responsibilities.