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Board hears updates on workforce and reentry grants, including New Leash on Life pilot
Summary
Staff reported outcomes and upcoming events for multiple grant-funded reentry programs: the First Step workforce course (EDSI), New Leash on Life (six‑month intensive program pairing participants with shelter dogs), PHMC reentry services, and an April 24 job fair tied to placement outcomes.
A county reentry administrator told the Jail Oversight Board that the First Step workforce development program (run by EDSI) concluded cohort 23 in March with four men completing the course, cohort 24 began March 10 with seven men, and five First Step graduates received employment offers at a March 24 job fair.
The administrator said cohort enrollment includes women meeting individually with career coaches until a full cohort can be formed, and reminded the board that George W. Hill's second annual job fair is scheduled for April 24 from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m.
New Leash on Life, a six‑month grant‑funded reentry program, is in week 11 of its first cohort. The program pairs participants with shelter dogs for on‑site training, job‑readiness and life‑skills workshops for the first 12 weeks, followed by community internships and client services. The county secured two years of grant funding to serve 72 participants across six cohorts; the administrator said Drexel University will provide analysis under a memorandum of understanding that is not yet finalized and that the program was supported by grant funding obtained with assistance from Congresswoman Scanlon's office.
Public Health Management Corporation (PHMC) reentry staff provide individualized reentry planning, peer specialists and case management with services continuing for 60 days after release; the administrator said four parolees and one currently incarcerated person accepted PHMC services in March. Additional program updates included veteran engagement, a decision‑making course (10 participants), and probation/parole liaisons ordering 63 releases to inpatient treatment during the quarter.
Ending: staff said they will continue to provide program metrics to the board and that future cohorts and longitudinal outcomes will be tracked as grant funding continues.
