Across the state of West Virginia, people returning from jail and prison to their communities face obstacles including the ability to obtain a driver’s license or state issued identification card, stable housing, stable employment, reliable transportation, and navigating the requirements to comply with probation or parole supervision.
In West Virginia, there are 772 collateral consequences to having a criminal record. Including federal consequences, there are over 1,800 barriers to successful reentry. The majority of these affect a person’s ability to earn a living wage or access programs and services. This is overwhelming, even with the assistance of state coordinated resources, but it is nearly impossible with no coordinated efforts, for a smooth transition from recovery to reentry. Reentry must become an integral part of discussions around recovery as the success of one depends on the success of the other.
The REACH Initiative was formed to provide collaborative community support for justice impacted people, to address reentry barriers, and coordinate related services and resources while empowering these individuals to become criminal justice reform leaders and organizers in their community, region, state, and nation. The vision of the REACH Initiative is to Restore justice impacted people by empowering them to lead and organize and Attain Connections through Hope for a better future.
To meet these goals, the Reach Initiative formed Community Reentry Councils in West Virginia to identify barriers and connect resources across the state. Two Reentry Specialists coordinate these councils and assist in guiding individuals to needed resources. The REACHback Reentry Navigator Program has been developed to train and empower formerly justice impacted and involved individuals to be volunteers to reach back and help the next person exiting the justice system to navigate the barriers they faced upon reentry. Additionally, REACH assists individuals with referrals to stable and permanent housing. For more information, visit https://wvreentry.org or call 855-WV-REACH to speak to a Reentry Specialist.