April is Second Chance Month
From Our Director
Second Chance Month is a crucial time to recognize the power of redemption and the role our communities play in creating pathways for successful reentry. Each year, a significant number of individuals in York County return from incarceration, often facing significant barriers to housing, recovery, employment, and education. Without support, these obstacles increase the likelihood of recidivism, impacting families and public safety. As a community, we must move beyond to embrace rehabilitation & redemption, ensuring that returning citizens have access to the resources they need to rebuild their lives. “Second Chance Month highlights the importance of providing justice-impacted individuals the opportunity to a successful reentry through education, employment, recovery, health, and community support. By promoting reentry programs and reducing barriers, we create safer communities and empower people to build productive, meaningful lives.”
Creating a reentry-friendly York County requires intentional investment in programming that addresses the challenges of reintegration. Workforce training, mental health services, legal aid, and mentorship are necessary tools for building a stronger, safer, and more inclusive community. When we provide returning citizens with meaningful opportunities, we don’t just change individual lives; we uplift families and create long-term economic and social benefits. It is important to restore dignity, hope, and community in the reentry process, ensuring that every person has the chance to contribute and belong.
By working together—businesses, policymakers, service providers, and residents—we can foster a culture of second chances and prove that York County is a place where everyone has the opportunity to succeed.
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I am optimistic about the progress we have made as a county and will continue to lead these efforts with a community driven appraoch.
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Chawna Griffith-Myers
York County Reentry Coalition
Executive Director
Congratulations to Our New
Advisory Board Members.
In December 2024, YCRC Partners and Members voted on 2 board vacancies representing the interests of Education/Employment & Mental Health. Congratulations to Allison Shipley of MHIDD and Connie Ogle of HACC.
Meet our New Team Members
Liz Bliss
Liz Bliss rejoins the Reentry Opportunity Center as a Case Coordinator with Pennsylvania Counseling Services. As a change advocate, Liz guides clients through the reentry process, helping them understand "what reentry means to you." She supports individuals in developing reentry plans & goals to overcome perceived obstacles, whether it involves job searches or acquiring identification documents.
Liz emphasizes that her "WHY" stems from having the choice of coming to work each day. Building client trust is a vital aspect of her role that she approaches with seriousness, believing it can be life-changing. For Liz assisting clients on this journey is not just a job; it’s a genuine passion.
Her dedication to "being part of the hard work, breaking down barriers, and fostering positivity" is a valuable quality she brings to the ROC team. Liz’s unmatched energy is essential to the important work taking place at the ROC. We are excited to welcome Liz back to Team R-O-C, and we believe that 2025 will be brighter with our "Super Hero" ready to help individuals discover their strengths and superpowers.
Welcome back, Liz!
Thomas White
Thomas White is currently the coordinator for the Adult and Juvenile probation work crew. At the ROC, he will continue to support juvenile and adult probation clients who need help navigating their community service and restitution requirements. By keeping track of their progress, Thomas helps individuals realistically manage their obligations in an efficient manner.
Thomas is driven by a desire to inspire and motivate those on probation to actively contribute to their communities, despite any past justice involvement that may have had negative effects. In this capacity, he often acts as a mentor to youth and young adults, leveraging his extensive knowledge of York County—a quality that we greatly appreciate for engagement at the ROC.
At the ROC, Thomas is eager to use his personal experiences to connect with individuals, guiding them through any court-ordered obligations both before and after their release. He believes that post-release success and awareness of community resources are crucial, and he aims to help clients bridge the gap to access these essential connections.
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Welcome Thomas!
Jasmine Smith
Jasmine Smith joined the team as the ROC's new Reentry Specialist. Having been with York County government for 3 1/2 years, Jasmine joins the team after previously working with the Court's self help department. Jasmine has a passion for helping others and as she continues to pursue a Criminal Justice Degrees hopes to develop as a reentry professional.
Jasmine is driven and hopes to contribute to the team by assisting clients with removing perceived barrier to improve their quality of life post incarceration. Understanding and advocating for individuals to have adequate resources for mental health, substance use, and community support, are vital in this work which Jasmine is ready to help assist.
At the ROC, Jasmine is eager to assist in the operations of the Reetry Opportunity Center and during quarterly coalition meeting to continue the increased visibility and community awareness of the mission.
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Welcome Jasmine!
2024 Reentry Simulation
The Reentry Opportunity Soft Opening Ribon Cutting on April 18th
Located at 3400 Concord Road (rear)
ROC OPENING
DID YOU HEAR ABOUT SkillUP?
It's an an initiative being led by the Department of Labor and Industry and PA CareerLink.
This a free, online job skills training program that is available to all Pennsylvania residents. Job seekers can explore career pathways, view local job postings, register for free online learning, and receive workforce services.
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