Many individuals can find themselves released from prison but locked out of work. Successful reentry programs give former offenders opportunities to support themselves through legitimate and productive work, reducing recidivism and improving public safety. But finding employment or being able to start a business is only part of the equation. Research reveals many barriers that inhibit someone’s ability to be successful upon reentry. In this Uplift Kitsap we shine a spotlight on the work of the Port Gamble S’Klallam Tribe’s Welcome Home Reentry Program within Kitsap County. This program models a human dignity approach to reentry—providing healing, hope, and opportunities—for those who are and have been incarcerated to become contributing members of society and embrace a positive future.

Highlights

How reentry programs can support a healthy and thriving community
Involving businesses in reentry and creating opportunities to increase quality of life and reduce recidivism.
Presenter:

Janel Mcfeat

Janel Mcfeat is the Project Manager/Strategic Planner for the Second Chance Act Community-based Adult Reentry grant. She holds a BA in Social Work from Pacific Lutheran University and is pursuing a master’s in Social Work. She has worked 20 years in case management, victim advocacy, restorative justice, Tribal probation and reentry, court services, and does strategic planning for human dignity reentry models. Ms. Mcfeat is certified in Moral Resonation Therapy, Trauma Informed Care, tapping to reduce PTSD, Conflict Resolution, and in White Bison 12 Step Medicine Wheel. She is also qualified in Correctional Assessment and Intervention System™ and is a Restorative Circle Practitioner. Ms. Mcfeat presents this human dignity reentry model to state and national audiences in hopes that the culture of corrections will shift to more restorative practices and a human dignity reentry model will be infused into jail and prison systems throughout the country.