Lake County Reentry Coalition to Host Reentry Resource Fair in October

September 30, 2015
PAINESVILLE, Ohio— The Lake County Reentry Coalition will host its first Reentry Resource Fair on Friday, October 9 from 1-4 p.m. at Beacon Health in Mentor. The event is sponsored by United Healthcare Community Plan.

The Lake County Reentry Resource Fair will provide an opportunity for those who have been involved in the legal system including past incarceration in jail or prison. Participants do not have to be on probation or parole to attend. Individuals with felonies or misdemeanors on their records from the past or those recently returning are encouraged to participate.

The fair is a chance for participants to connect with resources that promote successful reintegration into the community. Participants will have the opportunity to engage with local agencies and companies that offer services that encourage a positive transition back into Lake County, plus on-site networking. There will be agency booths, workshops and raffles. Workshop topics will include housing, wellness, expungement and child support.

“The Lake County Reentry Coalition is excited to bring an event of this scale to the community,” said Michelle Mezaris, Lake County Reentry Co-Coordinator. “Over 25 local agencies will be available to assist participants with their individual needs. The event is designed to support those living in Lake County with a legal history by providing information and opportunities to re-engage with employers and service providers. The focus is on positivity and networking.”

For additional information, please contact Mezaris at Lifeline, Inc. at 440-354-2148 or michellem@lclifeline.org The Lake County Reentry Coalition formed as a result of the identification of an underserved population and distinct gaps of services needed to meet the needs of those reentering the Lake County community. The Lake County Reentry Coalition formalized in 2012 with the support of the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Corrections. The Coalition leads the County’s reentry movement through its comprehensive strategic plan and through engaging with key community entities to develop innovative plans to support successful reentry for exoffenders and the promotion of safer communities.

Lifeline for the Empowerment and Development of Consumers was founded in 1973 with the mission of helping Lake County residents by providing them assistance and life skills programming that is designed to increase self-sufficiency. In 1980 Lifeline became a participating agency of the United Way of Lake County, UWLC, and in 1987 was designated a community action agency by the Ohio Development Services Agency, ODSA. In 2008, Lifeline was designated as a mental health agency by the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services.

Today Lifeline continues with the same mission of helping Lake County’s low-income residents break the cycle of poverty and make the transition from agency-dependency to self-sufficiency. Lifeline’s current programming includes services in the healthcare, housing & energy assistance, information & referral services and consumer education & job training areas. Our motto is ‘helping people, changing lives.’ Lifeline is currently funded by the UWLC and by grants through the ODSA, the Lake County Board of Commissioners, the Lake County ADAMHS Board, Lake County Department of Job & Family Services, the City of Mentor, the Western Reserve Junior Service League and through private donors.