Vision Statement: The vision of Mercer County Reentry Coalition (MCRC) is to see a county-wide collaboration of community-based organizations representing workforce development, wellbeing, advocacy, and family support services to help justice-involved individuals.
Mission Statement: The mission is to provide skills and resources to help justice-involved individuals remake, reclaim and restart their lives.
HISTORY
In 2022, the staff of T.A.S.K, The Father Center NJ, and Workwell Partnership began regular meetings to discuss employment opportunities for their clients and share valuable information on partners and non-profits, focusing on identifying employers. By October 2023, the coalition expanded to include additional organizations from governmental and corporate sectors, growing continuously. This group's focus has evolved to take a holistic approach to reentry efforts in Mercer County, covering pre-release, release, and reintegration programs, resources, and opportunities. Commendably, the former Mercer County Reentry Task Force significantly advanced second-chance initiatives, and one of the MCRC's main goals is to continue this vital mission in the community.
MCRC REENTRY STRATEGY/APPROACH/ALIGNMENT
Pre-release: Programs and resources needed by returning- citizens (Justice Involved Individuals) prior to release from prison/jail, so that they are prepared for the outside world.
Release: Programs and resources needed by returning- citizens (Justice Involved Individuals) immediately after release.
Reintegration: Programs, resources and opportunities needed by returning- citizens (Justice Involved Individuals) to be fully reintegrated into society.