Central Ohio Reentry Week
A Week of Conversation, Connection & Community
Uplifting those impacted by the justice system through community events, resources, and collaboration during Second Chance Month.
Reentry Week takes place during April, which is officially recognized as Second Chance Month.
During Reentry Week each year, Central Ohio organizations, returning citizens, and reentry professionals come together to host a diverse set of community events that celebrate returning citizens, and unpack the intricacies of the justice system as we know it.
We hope that you join us in this celebration as we support our friends, family, and community members who have been incarcerated.
Community Pop-Up Schedule
Community Pop-Up— Individuals can get FREE birth certificates and ID vouchers. Also available:
- ✓Government funded phones
- ✓Primary One/Medicaid
- ✓Medical appointments
- ✓Food pantry (fresh produce, canned goods)
- ✓Education & Employment Connections
- ✓Public assistance benefits
Reentry Week Schedule
April 24th – April 28th
Monday, April 24
View Details →Data + Information + Analysis = Impact | 12pm
Presentation about data and measurements by Franklin County's Office of Justice Policy & Programs.
Tuesday, April 25
Community Pop-Up | 12pm – 3pm | St Stephen's Community House
Public assistance benefits, vaccine appointments, government funded phones, and job opportunities.
Released: Art and Freedom | 6:30pm – 8pm | Vanderelli Room
Multi-disciplinary art exhibition highlighting the importance of expression and creativity in the restoration process.
Wednesday, April 26
View Details →Advocacy Day at the Statehouse | 9am – 2pm
Join ARCH and other justice reform advocates for a day of education and action around current legislation.
Meanings From The Bench | 12pm – 1pm
Q&A with Judges about a day in the life of the justice system.
Thursday, April 27
View Details →ODRC Video Inreach Session | 9am – 10am
Special edition of the Video Inreach Program highlighting successes and lessons learned in reentry.
Reckoning with Reentry and Repair | 12:30pm – 2pm
Anti-violence scholar Danielle Sered joins local justice experts for a conversation about restorative reentry.
Friday, April 28
View Details →Policy & Practice sessions exploring legislation and justice reform.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Central Ohio Reentry Week?
Central Ohio Reentry Week is an annual series of community events held during April, which is officially recognized as Second Chance Month. The week brings together local organizations, returning citizens, and reentry professionals to host panels, workshops, and community pop-ups.
Events cover topics ranging from employment and housing to faith-based support and juvenile justice. The goal is to celebrate returning citizens and explore ways to improve the justice system for everyone involved.
All events are free and open to the public, welcoming anyone interested in supporting reentry efforts in the Central Ohio community.
When does Reentry Week take place?
Reentry Week takes place during April each year, coinciding with Second Chance Month. Events are typically scheduled from Monday through Friday during a designated week.
Each day of the week focuses on a different theme, such as entrepreneurship and housing on Monday, juvenile justice on Wednesday, faith and relationships on Thursday, and policy on Friday.
Who can attend Reentry Week events?
All Reentry Week events are open to the public. Returning citizens, family members, service providers, employers, faith leaders, legal professionals, and anyone interested in supporting reentry efforts are encouraged to attend.
Whether you are directly impacted by the justice system or simply want to learn more about reentry challenges and solutions, there is a session designed for you.
What organizations participate in Reentry Week?
Over 40 organizations participate in Reentry Week, including government agencies like the Franklin County Board of Commissioners and the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction. Nonprofits such as IMPACT Community Action, Healing Broken Circles, and the Columbus Urban League also contribute.
Community organizations, faith-based groups, legal aid providers, and employment services round out the coalition of participants working together to support returning citizens.
How can I get involved with Reentry Week?
There are several ways to get involved. You can attend events during Reentry Week, volunteer with one of the participating organizations, or spread the word about the week's activities through your social networks.
Organizations interested in participating can reach out through the Central Ohio Restored Citizens Collaborative. Individual volunteers are also welcomed at community pop-up events where services like ID vouchers and job connections are provided.
What is a Community Pop-Up event?
Community Pop-Up events are resource fairs held during Reentry Week where individuals can access free services. These include birth certificate assistance, ID vouchers, government-funded phones, Medicaid enrollment, food pantry items, and employment connections.
Pop-ups are designed to reduce barriers that returning citizens often face when reintegrating into the community. They provide a one-stop-shop for essential services in a welcoming environment.