Reducing Recidivism event scheduled...

MIFFLINBURG — Union County Criminal Justice Advisory Board (CJAB) will host the “Reducing Recidivism: Collaborating for Success” interactive mini conference in September.The event will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Sept. 11 and 12 at the Rusty Rail Brewing Company, 5 North 8th St., Mifflinburg. This no-cost two-day conference is open to service providers and community members involved in prison reentry in Union County, and it aims to strengthen local collaboration and provide practical tools to support successful reentry and enhance community safety.Day one will include welcome remarks from President Judge Lori Hackenberg, an interactive reentry simulation, a fair-housing training for landlords and community partners, and keynote speaker Yusuf Dahl, who will talk about his journey from incarceration to real estate developer and fair-housing advocate.Day two will open with remarks from Union County Judges Michael Piecuch and Jeffrey Rowe, followed by engaging workshops on mental health, treatment, housing, employment, victim services and more. Featured speaker Rick Parsons will present on how attendees can incorporate evidence-based practices to improve successful outcomes in reentry before giving attendees a chance to speed network at the end of the day.Breakfast and lunch will be provided for all attendees on both days.“We are excited to offer this opportunity to learn about the challenges people with criminal backgrounds face as well as the local resources we have to support their success, including housing, mental health and recovery resources, and more,” Sharon Leon, executive director of the Union County Housing Authority and co-organizer of the conference, said.Union County CJAB was established in 2006 with the mission to address community criminal justice issues from a systemic and policy perspective and to recommend ways in which public safety agencies, the courts and private stakeholders can effectively and collaboratively deliver criminal justice programs throughout Union County.To learn more about the conference or register, contact Susan Jordan at sjordan@svmediation.org or call 570-837-9563.— JUSTIN STRAWSER