First Restored Citizens Summit to be held

In an effort to help those struggling with addiction, formerly incarcerated or with a felony record, the Alcohol and Drug Addiction Services Board of Lorain County will hold its first ever Restored Citizens Summit. The summit will take place from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., April 26, at First Lutheran Church, 1019 W. Fifth St. in Lorain. Wendy Caldwell, a recovery employment specialist for the Alcohol and Drug Addiction Services Board, said 12 employers (half of which are felony-friendly) and at least 15 resources have been nailed down for the summit as of April 17. “This is Lorain County’s first opportunity to bring these resources together and provide employment opportunities to these populations,” she said. Resources include everything from education, substance abuse, mental health, child support and family care. “We’ve tried to cover the gamut,” said Caldwell, who has worked on reentry programs since 2002. The opportunity for the summit arose after the Alcohol and Drug Addiction Services Board received an Ohio MHAS Sequential Intercept Mapping Workforce Development Grant, allowing the board to organize a Workforce Development Training Series. The series includes two other trainings, including Bridges out of Poverty, and Workplace Stability in addition to the summit. Caldwell said the core planning team has consisted of representatives from countless organizations, including the Nord Family Foundation, Lorain County Common Pleas Court, the Philanthropic and Community Coalition to End the Opioid Epidemic and Lorain County commissioners. “There’s a lot of willingness and passion,” Caldwell said on organizing the summit. “You have to be diligent.” The summit will begin with an opening speech from Barry Buck, a counselor with Clearview Local Schools. Breakout session will include job readiness, employer incentives and intervention points. Breakfast and lunch will be provided, as well as a mini job fair and additional breakout sessions after lunch. Caldwell said the main purpose of the event is to provide insight on resources in the county. “I think there’s a huge need,” she said. “There are so many people who need services but are not aware of where they are or how to obtain them.”