Geauga Citizen Circle to host monthly meeting Sept. 18

Geauga Citizen Circle to host its first monthly meeting on Sept. 18.

Re-entering society after incarceration is no easy task. Geauga Citizen Circle is a group of local professionals and community residents whose mission is to provide resources that will educate, motivate, support and increase opportunities for productive and successful lives after release, according to a news release from the organization.

Geauga Citizen Circle meetings are open to any previously incarcerated individual and family members residing in Geauga County.

“I see the need for Geauga Citizen Circle daily, witnessing the overwhelming challenges and requirements offenders face when I assist them in transitioning from the Geauga County Safety Center back into the community. Geauga Citizen Circle will be their support by linking them to resources that are best suited to help them succeed.” said Tiffany McNamara, Reentry Care coordinator, Family Pride of Northeast Ohio.

The Geauga County Reentry Program was launched in 2017, as a partnership between United Way Services of Geauga County, Family Pride, Geauga County Sheriff’s Office, and Ravenwood Health. This program began supporting individuals in the local jail by employing a transition care coordinator within the jail and providing workforce development and life skills classes. Establishing Geauga Citizen Circle was a coordinated effort by United Way and the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Corrections (ODRC) to expand that support into the community.

“I am eager and excited to be involved with Geauga Citizen Circle.” said McNamara. “Citizen Circle is vital to the Reentry Program and the community. It offers individuals much-needed connection to the community and allows the community to reduce recidivism rates by helping our neighbors succeed.”

Geauga Citizen Circle members were recruited by United Way to attend the 2-day ODRC facilitated training in June 2019, to increase their understanding of the various barriers previously incarcerated individuals face. They are now better equipped to support them in areas such as; employment, education, housing, medical care / mental health treatment, substance abuse treatment, marital / family issues, and transportation.

Monthly meetings are held on the third Wednesday of each month from noon to 2 p.m. at Geauga County Public Library Administrative Center, 12701 Ravenwood Drive, Chardon.

To schedule an appointment or for more information, contact Tiffany McNamara at tmcnamara. familyprideonline.com or 440-279-1339. Walk-ins welcome with 12:45 p.m. arrival time.

For information on becoming a member, contact Shannon Cullinane at 216436-2043 or email scullinane@uws.org