A Brief History of The Re-Entry Coalition, Inc., Carrollton, GA
On May 11, 2011, the organization formerly known as Carroll county NAACP Re-Entry program officially reorganized as the Re-entry Coalition, Inc., and since then, obtained nonprofit status.
The Re-Entry program has a long and rich history of reintegrating former prisoners into the Community, reducing prison recidivism (the tendency of a convicted criminal to reoffend) and improving public safety. This is accomplished by providing support and connections to needed services in the community after prisoners have been released from prison, and providing programs inside the prison prior to their release date.
Re-Entry Coalition, Inc. is entering into it’s 7th year working collaboratively with The Georgia Department of Corrections providing the Re-Entry program to the community serving over 1,300 clients. The Assistant Director, Narvis Farris served for four years as the first African American Deputy Sheriff of Carroll County, and started addressing the needs of offenders in jail. Robert Jackson was the NAACP state wide coordinator for three years. They recognized the alarming high rate of recidivism in Carroll County and their determination led them to take action.
In 2004 an article appeared in the local newspaper describing a man who was scheduled to be released from prison but had no place to go. Back then prisoners with no approved housing were not released. Through Mr. Farris and Mr. Jackson’s leadership, the team assembled and started addressing this issue. Because of their leadership they have been able to assemble a team of volunteer staff for the past seven years giving their time and expertise to the organization. Their dedication is unwavering and should be commended to commended for volunteering for seven years without receiving compensation for their time.
RECI partners with a variety of local Stakeholders and Partners. They work with RECI to provide services and support in counties across the State of Georgia. It is staffed by an amazing group of people who are really working hard to make a difference in our community. Volunteers and donations are greatly appreciated. Not only does RECI accept monetary donations but there is also need for food, personal hygiene items, clothing appropriate for job interviews, and time.
