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Local Reentry Council reports 57 participants, focuses on jobs and housing supports
Summary
The new multi-county Local Reentry Council (LRC) reported early results: 57 people enrolled, monthly trainings on life and job skills, employer engagement and plans for apprenticeships and expungement clinics.
A newly formed multi-county Local Reentry Council presented an update to the Beaufort County Board of Commissioners, reporting that 57 people have enrolled in services and that the program is prioritizing employment, housing and training as it scales.
Candace (presenter) said the council — serving five mostly rural counties — began operations January 15 under a state grant awarded to Agape Health Services and local partner Konuja Community Solutions. The LRC, titled “New Direction Local Reentry Council,” provides direct services and referrals to people with justice involvement, including housing assistance, transportation, training, medical services and employment supports.
Candace said monthly trainings cover life skills, financial and digital literacy, resume building and mock interviews, and that the program issues completion certificates. Employer engagement activities include a reentry employer event held in April and partnerships with local employers identified as open to “second‑chance” hiring, including Waffle House, Hardee’s and Speedway. The council is pursuing apprenticeships, stipends for trainee participants and a series of employer outreach events scheduled before the fall.
Housing remains a challenge, the presenter said: available shelter beds and specialized placements are limited across the five counties. The council plans to create an advisory/advocacy committee, pursue an expungement and driving‑license clinic, and coordinate with district judges and sheriff’s offices. The LRC’s current intermediary is Agape Health Services; the operational office is in Winterville with a flex office in the county. The presenter said the current grant for the fiscal year is $152,000 and that the program will seek sustainability options beyond the three‑year grant term.
Commissioners and staff asked about referrals (both self‑referrals and probation/parole referrals accepted) and office locations; the presenter said the LRC is working to establish flex offices in each county to improve access.
