Last year, approximately 650,000 inmates were released from American prisons. The federal government estimates that, within three years, roughly 40% of those former prisoners will be back behind bars. The recidivism rate is much lower in Ohio, at about 27 percent, yet it is still a constant and concerning problem. Here to discuss efforts to help ex-offenders reenter society and maintain a lifestyle that keeps them from offending again and going back to prison are Diana Hoskins, director of the Hamilton County Office of Reentry; John Harris with the Episcopal Diocese of Southern Ohio; and Charles Pfizenmayer from Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish.
The Absalom Jones celebration and symposium on race, gender and economic equality will take place February 14. One of the workshops will be on the Second Chance Act, with presenters Aaron Pullen and Diana Hoskins. For information, click here.
The Immaculate Heart of Mary Social Action Commission is facilitating a nine-session series on prison reform, beginning February 17. For information, click here.