TOPEKA (KSNT) – THE ROCK Conference by Reentry Reframed helps support those reentering society following incarceration by providing resources and skills.
“The idea to start the reentry conference came in 2021 from the Shawnee Reentry Council,” Melissa Goodman Vice President of Reentry Services told 27 News. “We wanted to create a place for statewide public advocacy to enhance support and improve reentry services.”
The Topeka nonprofit Reentry Reframed hosts a podcast by the same name. Goodman hopes its content will strengthen people and communities by helping individuals cultivate hope and redefine their lives. The podcast features guests who have experienced the reentry process first-hand like ex-convicts, certified clinical trauma professionals, rehabilitation program leaders and artists.
Goodman believes reentry for ex-convicts is happening every second of every day, and that breaking the cycle of incarceration means obtaining gainful employment, housing, reintegration with family and developing a prosocial support network in the community.
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“There’s so much stigma around the formerly incarcerated reentering society, and there’s so much that people don’t know about,” Goodman told 27 News. “Whether you know it or not, if you work in the public works you’re a part of the reentry process.”
The conference will feature topics like the impact incarceration has on families, educational opportunities, second chance employment and more. Additionally, there will be a Reentry Simulation on Aug. 26, which will give attendees a chance to understand the challenges people face when reentering society.
Goodman wants people to know that the deadline for registration is being extended to August 15, and that you can register for the simulation, the conference, both or even just a one day pass. This event could not happen without Stormont Vail, and they have been incredible sponsors since the conference began. If you have any questions about the event you can reach out to the organizers on their website.
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THE ROCK Reentry Conference organized by: Annie Buckland from Stormont Vail Health, Mitch Flower from the Shawnee County Department of Corrections, Melissa Goodman from Mirror, Rodney Harmon a Reentry Advocate, Justin Knutzen from the Shawnee County Department of Corrections, Melody Lawrence from KU TRIO Educational Opportunity Centers, Kelli Martinez from Mission Creek Consulting, Frederick Morrisette a Reentry Advocate, Noel O’Neil from Kansas Federal Public Defenders, Lisa Pasilas from the Kansas Department of Corrections, Kori Thiessen a Reentry Advocate, Jimmy Zirkle from the Shawnee County Community Corrections.
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The conference is set to take place on Aug. 27 and 28 at the Stormont Vail Main Campus located at 1500 SW 10th Ave, Topeka, KS 66604. There are limited spots remaining, but you can register for the conference and simulation here.
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