Re-entry program highlights success stories and nonprofit seeks explanation for lack of recent city funding

Captain Lammore Howard and Officer Robert Horn introduced the Annapolis Police Department’s Positive Impact Program (PIP), a re-entry initiative that partners with the Maryland Re-entry Resource Center and vocational providers to move returning citizens into employment and housing.

A three-minute video summarized PIP’s four-step pathway from transition through partnership and training to sustainable independence. Presenters said PIP has served more than 300 participants, provides free vocational training (automotive repair, CDL and HVAC among others), and connects clients to housing and substance-abuse treatment through partner agencies.

David Ball, a program participant and current case manager, described being incarcerated at 16, serving 41 years and then entering re-entry services after his release. He credited Officer Horn and partner organizations for housing, training and job placement that led to his current work supervising transitional housing and doing outreach.

Vanessa Bright, founder and executive director of the Maryland Re-entry Resource Center, told the committee her organization has worked with PIP and other partners for years but received no funding in the most recent city allocation. “I recently found out that we got no money under this last one,” Bright said; she asked the council to explain why and requested follow-up. Chair Liberty and other committee members said they would check the budget line and respond.

Committee members praised the program’s results and asked about enrollment and whether people who were out of custody for months or years could still access services; presenters said the program accepts participants at different stages and is preparing to graduate its 18th cohort in August.

Vanessa Bright’s funding question was left for staff and council follow-up rather than answered on the spot.