Monday, April 26th
Entrepreneurship, Work, & Housing
Finding living wage employment and affordable housing are significant barriers for returning citizens as they re-enter society. Experts in the reentry field will discuss progress, opportunities, and how we can improve the system.
9:00 AM – 9:10 AM
Welcoming & Intro
Introduction and welcome to Reentry Week by County Administrator Ken Wilson and Deputy County Administrator Joy Bivens.
9:00 AM – 10:00 AM
Employment, Training, and Opportunities
Hosted by: Building/Driving Futures; Center for Employment Opportunities; Justice Through Code
Join Building/Driving Futures, Justice Through Code, and CEO as they share about their programs and how they connect returning citizens to trainings and high in-demand employment opportunities.
11:30 AM – 1:00 PM
Need a Job? Start a Business!
Hosted by: Kim Knights of Columbus Empowerment Group
It is well documented the challenges justice involved individuals face when trying to find employment. What is also known, but not highlighted enough, are the successes this group experience when starting their own businesses. Join leaders from the Central Ohio African American Chamber of Commerce, Columbus Empowerment Corp., Columbus Urban League's MSBRI and the Small Business Development Center for a panel discussion about entrepreneurship.
1:00 PM – 2:30 PM
A Place All Your Own
Hosted by: Dana Davis – ARCH Business Network Manager
How can a returning citizen transition from renting to owning? Panelists including a realtor, mortgage broker, restored citizen homeowner, and housing alliance director will speak on this subject. Topics include the path to homeownership, overcoming credit barriers, and available financial assistance programs.
3:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Don't Go Home Without It
Hosted by: Lisa Morgan – Reentry Coordinator, ODRC Office of Reentry
Lisa Morgan presents on the “Don't Go Home Without It” wallets for returning citizens project by the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction.
7:00 PM – 8:00 PM
I AM Reentry
Hosted by: Mujeddid Mohammed of IMPACT Community Action
Panelists will share their lived experience reentering and pursuing their dreams as entrepreneurs. Information will be available for starting a business, getting a minority business certification, loans and other assistance. The premiere of two mini-documentaries will also be featured.