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To recognize April 24-April 30 as National Reentry Week in Columbus
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WHEREAS, each year, over 600,000 individuals return to their communities from State and Federal prisons; and
WHEREAS, the challenges facing formerly incarcerated people during their transition back in to society are numerous, including finding and maintaining employment, locating safe and affordable housing, obtaining reliable transportation, accessing healthcare, and dealing with the trauma of reentry which can lead to recidivism; and
WHEREAS, an individual’s conviction history should not unfairly exclude them from fair access to public benefits, including the right to vote; and
WHEREAS, working with formerly incarcerated people to create opportunities for them to lead healthy and productive lives benefits both their families and local communities; and
WHEREAS, federal, state, and local government must work towards establishing programs and policies focused on removing the barriers that prevent formerly incarcerated people from thriving in the 21st Century Economy; and
WHEREAS, the Columbus City Council continues efforts to help those with justice-involvement lead successful lives and to expunge and seal certain criminal records so that people can overcome their past; and
WHEREAS, by focusing on prevention, reentry, and equitable social supports, we can ensure a community that is a place of second chances and opportunity; and
WHEREAS, Central Ohio is rich with numerous agencies and organizations who are dedicated to supporting those touched by the justice system; and
WHEREAS, coalitions including the Central Ohio Restored Citizens’ Collaborative, the Franklin County Office of Justice Policy and Programs, and Accompanying Restored Citizens with Hope are sponsoring Central Ohio Reentry Week 2022, a collaborative week-long event celebrating successes and highlighting the importance of effective reentry practices and policies; and
WHEREAS, every person deserves dignity and the opportunity to unlock a brighter future, especially those that have paid their debt to society.
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
That this Council does hereby, recognize April 24 - April 30, 2022 as Reentry Week in the City of Columbus and commends the collaborative efforts of all those involved and their ongoing mission to uplift and support restored citizens throughout the Central Ohio region.