A re-entry simulation will give local residents a first-hand look at the struggles faced by those who have recently been released from prison, and is one of several events planned this week as part of Re-entry Awareness Month.
"The simulation will highlight the struggles those in re-entry face, such as obtaining their driver's license, a job, not having transportation, needing counseling/treatment, juggling court dates and probation meetings – the list is long," said Debbie Watts, vice president of community impact at the SHARE Foundation, which organized the event.
Kristin Higgins, an associate with the University of Arkansas Extension Service, said those who attend today's simulation will be given the identity of someone going through the re-entry process – someone who was recently released from prison or jail – along with tasks they have to complete over four 15-minute "weeks."
Attendees will visit some of the 14 stations – representing jobs, the DMV, school and other places former inmates interact with through the re-entry process -- that will be set up to help them complete their tasks
Higgins explained that the simulation is based off a similar program used by the West Virginia Department of Justice. She said putting oneself in the shoes of someone who was formerly incarcerated can help raise awareness about the challenges that come with re-entry.
"The majority of people in prison come home... and this is what they're going through," she said.
The challenges faced by those who have been incarcerated are many. Between acquiring identification, finding a job, a way to get to one's job, safe shelter and regular visits with a parole officer, the struggles could be overwhelming.
Watts said the SHARE Foundation invited law enforcement officers, city and state officials, attorneys, clergy people, business owners and leaders, bankers, employers, landlords and parole officers to today's event "to experience firsthand what it is like to jump through these hoops with limited resources."
"It is the hope that processes can be streamlined to make re-entry more successful and slow the rate of reincarceration," Watts said.
Today's program is limited to 20 participants, and as of Tuesday afternoon, only three slots remained open. The program begins at 2:30 p.m. and will be presented on the South Arkansas College East campus, Higgins said.
"We talk about communities and what they need to succeed... As a community, you have to have a conversation about these needs," Higgins said. "Success of a community depends on its people."
On Thursday, the SHARE Foundation will present a come-and go re-entry resource fair from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at St. John Missionary Baptist Church, 1018 Wilson St. Local and state organizations that work with the formerly incarcerated will be on hand to provide information about resources that can help in someone's re-entry journey. The event is free and open to the public.
For more information about either re-entry event or to get involved in local re-entry efforts, contact Watts at 870-881-9051 ext. 2 then ext. 4.