Tonya Bailey, Ohio Benefit Bank counselor and Americorps VISTA Leader with the Ohio Association of Second Harvest Food Banks, talks with a Sandusky County inmate about community resources available to assist him in making the transition out of incarceration.
This morning, fellow Americorps VISTAs Kylee, Beth and I went to Fremont, Ohio, for a Reentry Community Resource Fair hosted by the Sandusky County Reentry Task Force.
We checked eligibility for government assistance programs like food stamps and did applications for recently released and soon-to-be-released Sandusky County inmates.
(Check out the cartoonish black-and-white striped jumpsuits. I didn't realize they still used those!)
The Ohio Benefit Bank Mobile Express was also there, busy doing Quick Checks and applications.
Reentry Resource Fair in Fremont at Sandusky County Job and Family Services
We, the Ohio Benefit Bank, were in our own little side room, but the main fair, above, was huge and had a nice turnout!
Plus, a dozen area businesses generously donated gift certificates to be used as door prizes...Thanks!
We were also available to help with resumes and job searches, but, alas, no takers this time.
Last month, at a similar fair in Henry County, we were able to assist several ex-offenders learn to use a computer, write resumes, find job postings, and fill out applications.
