Re-Entry

A two-day conference to help community members facing obstacles to employment gain the skills and resources needed to obtain and maintain employment. 

Below is the schedule for our last Re-Entry conference. Check back in February 2025 for details on the next one.

Monday, April 22, 10 a.m.-1 p.m., Library Partnership Branch 

• Participate in breakout sessions covering: housing, mental health, substance use and recovery as well as employment. Special assistance will be available for those who have served in the US military. 

Tuesday, April 23, 10 a.m.-1 p.m., Library Partnership Branch 

• Acquire workforce re-entry materials such as transportation resources, interview clothing, library cards, and identification, as well as connect with over a dozen wide-ranging local service providers. 

Day 1: Breakout Sessions and Speakers

Topic	Location
Housing and Stability: Tracey Brown, Grace Marketplace Maria Johnson, Gainesville Housing Authority	Library Meeting Room
Mental Health and Wellness: Emily Westerholm, Released Re-Entry Program	PSF Meeting Room Picking up the Pieces: Exploring Post-Incarceration Trauma and Wellness This session will provide an overview of the impact that incarceration can have on one's mental health and wellness when they return from prison or jail. We will discuss solutions for adjusting and connecting to the community and how we can shift the trajectory of stigma for those who have been justice-involved.
Managing Substance Use Disorders : Lacie Campbell, Oxford House Senior Outreach Coordinator Jeffrey Siegel, Oxford House	Studio
Employment and Education: Karen Black, DOC, Probation and Parole Tonda Hawkins, HireQuest Direct Freddie Jones, Gainesville Housing Authority Resa Morris, CareerSource North central Florida	Teen Room
Veteran Affairs: Eligibility and Resource Reva Scippio, Veteran Affairs Kenneth Boggs, Alachua County Veteran Services	Study Room

Housing and Stability

Tracey Brown, Housing Manager, Grace Marketplace

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Tracey Brown has been a dedicated member of the housing team at GRACE Marketplace since 2019. Throughout this time, he has found innovative ways to create housing opportunities for individuals with multiple barriers, which has allowed him to help move over 1,000 people into housing since joining the Housing Team. To accomplish this, Tracey has built and fostered relationships in the community with not only local landlords and property management companies, but various organizations as well. Tracey’s dedication to helping folks get off the street and into housing goes beyond GRACE Marketplace as well – he currently serves as a board member of the Neighborhood Housing and Development Corp (NHDC) and Released Reentry. When he’s not advocating for our neighbors experiencing homelessness, Tracey spends his time relaxing with his family, going to the beach, as well as playing and watching sports! 

Contact: tbrown@gracemarketplace.org 

 

Maria Johnson, Gainesville Housing Authority

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 Maria Johnson is the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Intake Specialist for the Gainesville Housing Authority. Johnson is a Mississippi native with shared experience to many justice impacted individuals; at age 13, Johnson found herself addicted to drugs and by 21 a functional addict with three kids and a husband. 

At the age of 30, Johnson was sentenced to four years in the Department of Corrections, where her life was completely transformed for the good. 

Now eight years sober, Johnson oversees the authority’s housing programs to ensure the authority remains in compliance and the greater community receives access to safe, quality, and affordable housing.

Contact: MariaJ@gnvha.org 

 

Mental Health and Wellness

Emily Westerholm, Mental Health Therapist/Executive Director of Released

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Emily Westerholm has been dedicated to empowering individuals impacted by the criminal justice system for over two decades. Emily’s commitment was sparked by her brief encounter with incarceration and state supervision in 1997. Since her criminal justice exposure, her commitment has deepened through her academic and professional trajectory. Studying substance use disorders and mental health counseling led her to work in nine Virginia Department of Corrections facilities, four regional jails in Virginia, and Alachua County Jail in Gainesville, Florida.

Emily has worked in a substance abuse treatment center, community clinics, street outreach for substance use, and a crisis center. During her tenure, Emily has provided thousands of individuals with direct service and worked as an administrator, including but not limited to evidence-based programming to address substance use disorders, mental health & wellness, anger management, career & professional development, parenting, grief and loss, and community re-integration.

Currently, Emily serves as the executive director of Released reentry program, facilitating evidence-based groups and workshops. In addition, she works as a mental health therapist, specializing in trauma and substance use disorders. Emily holds her Master’s Degree in Mental Health Counseling and is a Registered Mental Health Counseling Intern in Florida. She is a member of the American Counseling Association and Society of Criminology-Critical Criminology & Social Justice Division. In 2019, Emily received the Local Champion Award from Virginia Commonwealth University for her work establishing the first regional Harm Reduction program. The Department of Health summary of her program evaluation stated, “This site is by far the most organized, welcoming, and productive site I have observed in five states. I was extremely impressed with the organization and flow of services. Participants were treated with exceptional respect and dignity, and it was obvious the staff is committed to this project.”

Contact: releasedreentry@gmail.com 

 

Managing Substance Use Disorders

Lacey Campbell, Oxford House 

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Lacie Campbell came to Oxford House in 2021 after losing everything (including custody of her youngest daughter) to substance use disorder. By December of that same year, she had reclaimed her life and her daughter, and was offered a position working for Oxford House Inc. In her first two years, Lacie opened seven Oxford Houses in Alachua and Marion County. In 2023 she was promoted to Senior Outreach Coordinator supervising four outreach workers in different counties across Florida.

 

Jeff Siegel, Oxford House Re-Entry Coordinator

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Jeff Siegel battled alcoholism and substance use disorder for decades. He finally broke the cycle of incarceration, return to use and homelessness by seeking help in 2020. After treatment, Jeff moved into the 1^st Oxford House in Gainesville and began working a 12-step program of recovery. After 2 years as a member, Jeff was hired by Oxford House Inc as an Outreach Worker, opening multiple houses across the state. Today he works as a Reentry Coordinator helping our returning citizens find safe, comfortable housing and showing them that recovery is possible.

Contact: jeff.siegel@oxfordhouse.org

 

Employment and Education

Karen Black, Government Operations Consultant/Employment Specialist, Florida Department of Corrections 

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Karen is with Probation and Parole for Circuit 8, which includes Alachua and the five surrounding counties. Karen assists justice involved individuals in obtaining employment, education and training opportunities and other valuable community resources and social services. The goal is to reduce recidivism and create safer communities by providing wrap around and other supportive services to our population and their families. Karen has been with Probation and Parole since 2019 and has over 30 years of sworn law enforcement experience having served with the Starke Police Department and the Ocala Police Department, retiring as a lieutenant. Karen also served in state law enforcement as a Sworn Criminal Investigator in the Tampa area and as a Law Enforcement Inspector with the Office of Inspector General. Karen is an avid pet lover and enjoys reading, cycling, and snowmobiling.

Contact: karen.black@fdc.myflorida.com 

 

Tonda Hawkins, HireQuest Direct

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With over 20 years of management experience, Tonda is a seasoned professional dedicated to driving success and growth. For the past 3 years, she  has been an integral part of the team at HireQuest Direct, where she has consistently demonstrated her ability to lead and inspire those around her. Tonda is passionate about helping individuals achieve their full potential and thrive in their roles. Her strategic mindset and strong work ethic have allowed her to make a significant impact in all aspects of her Career. Tonda is committed to continuous learning and development, always seeking new ways to improve and excel in her field. 

Contact: thawkins@hirequestdirect.com

 

Freddie Jones, Gainesville Housing Authority

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Freddie Jones is the Lead Resident Services Specialist for the Gainesville Housing Authority. Jones and his team serves families on each of the authority’s housing programs as well as the greater Gainesville. 

Jones is a University of Florida graduate and Miami native who oversees the Resident Services Department. Resident Services provides case management, coaching, and service coordination to families while coordinating programs and events to empower socio-economic development and community uplift. 

Contact: FreddieJ@gnvha.org

 

Resa Morris, CareerSource North Central Florida

                                                              

Veterans Affairs: Eligibility and Resources

Reva Scippio, Veterans Affairs

Kenneth Boggs Alachua County Veteran Services

 

Closing Speaker
Donna Lord, Parole Advocate, Women's Transition Program

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Donna Lord is a local parole advocate and volunteer trainer. She regularly speaks to audiences across the North Central Florida area and has been a pioneer in equal rights for women involved with the justice system through the establishment of the Women's Transition Program. This program helps women become familiar with services and skills to promote a better reentry effort.     

Day 2: Panel Discussion

 

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Mary Farrell, Florida Department of Corrections, Sr. Probation Officer: Mary Farrell is a Senior Probation Officer with the Florida Department of Corrections. She was worked for the Florida Department of Corrections for 19 years. Ms. Farrell has worked with the Division 5, Mental Health Felony Forensic Court for the past 7 years. This is a specialty court with an emphasis of assisting mentally ill clients become restabilized and in compliance with the mandates of probation, so that the person may knowingly adhere with what the court has ordered. 

 

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Samantha Howell, Three Rivers Legal Services, Pro Bono Director: Samantha Howell is the Pro Bono Director at Three Rivers Legal Services. She has over a decade of experience in creating and managing pro bono programs, with experience at three statewide organizations. Samantha serves on the Eighth Judicial Circuit Bar Association Board and its Pro Bono Committee, the Eighth Judicial Circuit's Pro Bono Committee, the Florida Bar's Public Interest Law Section's Advocacy and Homelessness sub-sections, and the Florida Pro Bono Coordinators Association (FPBCA). Samantha also serves on the board of the National Association of Pro Bono Professionals. She is admitted to practice in the state courts of Florida and New York, and in the Southern District federal courts of New York and Florida. Samantha has a B.A. in Political Sociology from Whitman College and obtained her J.D. from Albany Law School. She is the recipient of the 2022 Kay B. Meyers Pro Bono Coordinator Award from the FPBCA. She also received the 2014 Supervisor Award from the Albany Law School Pro Bono Program, and the 2017 Public Citizen of the Year Award from the New York State Chapter of the National Association of Social Workers.

 

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Leonides Morales, Volunteer, Released Reentry: Leo identifies as a  42 yr old Hispanic-Middle Eastern man, who has a huge love for his  family. Leo was in the penal system for 24 years, and was released for the very last time September 2, 2019. He has 7 children and 3  grandchildren, and an amazing partner who  supports him and lifts him  up. Leo chose to volunteer with Released to show people there is a life  after incarceration and it’s better than we think. 

 

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Jeff Siegel, Reentry Coordinator, Oxford House: Jeff Siegal battled alcoholism and substance use disorder for decades. Jeff was able to break the cycle of incarceration, returning to use, and homelessness, by seeking help in 2020. After treatment, Jeff moved into the 1^st Oxford House in Gainesville and began working a 12-step program of recovery. After 2 years as a member, Jeff was hired by Oxford House, Inc. as an Outreach Worker, assisting with opening multiple houses across the state. Today, Jeff works as a Reentry Coordinator, helping our returning citizens find safe, comfortable housing and showing them that recovery is possible. 

Contact: jeff.siegel@oxfordhouse.org

Day 2: Confirmed providers

 

Alachua County Crisis Center

Alachua County Library District Literacy Program

CareerSource of North Central Florida

Center for Independent Living North Central Florida

DCF Hope Florida

Early Learning Coalition of Alachua County

Holy Trinity Identification Services

Human Rights Coalition of Alachua County

Meridian Behavioral Healthcare, Inc.

Oxford House

PSF-Network for Resource Centers

Released Reentry Program

Santa Fe College AHEC

Suwannee River 

Veterans Affairs

Documents to bring:

 

• Community ID from the Human Rights Coalition of Alachua County
  • Requirements: 

1. Photo Identification: valid or expired driver's license, national ID card, passport, prison or jail ID, military ID, school ID, etc.
2. Proof of Address: utility bill, bank statement, rental contract
3. Proof of Age: passport, birth certificate, **NOT a driver's license**

 

• Alachua County Library Card
  • Requirements:

1. Valid Photo Identification
2. Proof of Florida residency

Registration for this event is now closed.

Have questions?

Contact Alachua County Library District at literacy@aclib.us or 352-334-3929, and Library Partnership Resource Center at 352-334-0160.

Monday, May 13, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m., Headquarters Library, Meeting Room A

Open to all job seekers. Meet with potential employers and representatives from community resource providers to access training, benefits, and more.

Job seekers, you do not have to attend the Re-Entry Partnership Conference to attend the Job and Resource Fair. 

Participating organizations

 

AARP Foundation/SCSEP

Alachua County Board of County Commissioners

CareerSource North Central Florida

Coca Cola Beverages Florida

Community Spring

ESS Education

Greater Gainesville Chamber of Commerce

LifeSouth Community Blood Centers

Love Reigns Medical Training Center

Park Meadows Health and Rehab Center

Released Re-Entry

Tacachale

UF Health HR

University City Church of Christ Recovery Ministry

U.S. Small Business Administration

Veteran Affairs Employment Services

Vocational Rehabilitation

Your business is invited!

*For Businesses and Community Partners:

You are invited to the Community Job and Resource Fair! Participation is free and includes parking, six-foot table, chairs, and WiFi. 

Register here to have a table at the Job Fair! Employer registration closes May 6. 

Have questions?

Contact the Alachua County Library District at literacy@aclib.us or 352-334-3929, and the Library Partnership Resource Center at 352-334-0160