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Lancaster County proclaims April 2026 as National Re-entry Awareness Month; graduate credits program with turning life around
Summary
The board approved a proclamation recognizing April 2026 as National Re-entry Awareness Month and heard testimony from Derek, a program graduate, who described addiction treatment, community corrections support and 29 months of sobriety.
Lancaster County commissioners voted April 7 to proclaim April 2026 as National Re-entry Awareness Month and expressed appreciation for community corrections staff who run re-entry programs.
Jeff Kilpatrick, with Lancaster County Community Corrections, introduced program staff Taran Toiver (program manager) and case worker Megan Knip and invited a program graduate, Derek, to share his experience. Derek said he faced multiple felony charges and a “projected path to prison” two years and five months ago, but credited the county re-entry program with providing treatment, a case manager and structure that helped him get sober. "I've been sober now 29 months," Derek said, describing the program as a "last ditch effort" that gave him a personal connection and practical support.
Commissioners thanked Derek for his testimony, highlighted the program's role in improving public safety and moved to adopt the proclamation. The board approved the proclamation by roll call.
Jeff Kilpatrick framed the county partnership with community corrections staff and re-entry supports as improving public safety and helping formerly incarcerated people successfully return to the community. The proclamation recognizes the county's community corrections director and re-entry staff and encourages community support for re-entry activities.
The board's approval places the proclamation in the county record; program staff noted no new county budget commitment tied to the proclamation vote at this session.
