During the COVID-19 pandemic, Vocational Life Skills (VLS) grantee ReConnect is doing great work to keep the incarcerated population at the Community Corrections Center-Omaha (CCC-O) and other facilities engaged using long-distance learning. ReConnect Executive Director LaVon Stennis Williams wasted no time implementing two self-guided classes, Success Prep and Keys to Success. These classes have been well received by the participants. Williams also recently donated treats to CCC-O to show her appreciation for the teammates there she works with. ReConnect is also working with CCC-O to make masks for the Omaha Housing Authority.

ReConnect participant Irvin Surber, who previously worked in the CSI sewing shop at the Omaha Correctional Center, said, “I want to give back to the community and help during the COVID-19 pandemic. I’m really passionate about sewing. This fills up my spare time and I am able to learn more about my sewing techniques. ReConnect has helped me in the past and this is one way I can give back to them.”

ReConnect is a great example of people rising to the occasion to make a difference. Reentry Administrator Grace Sankey-Berman is honored by ReConnect’s dedication to the Nebraska Department of Correctional Services. She noted “Williams is self-motivated and a tireless advocate for reentry.”

"LaVon Stennis and ReConnect Inc. are great partners of the NDCS and the CCC-O," said CCC-O Warden Ryan Mahr.

ReConnect Inc. assists inmates with their transition back into the community through their Right Start and Ready for Work programs. The Right Start program is facilitated each Tuesday evening at the CCC-O. The Ready for Work program is offered at the ReConnect Inc. offices. Both programs were modified to provide services to groups of 10 or less. ReConnect Inc. assists men who are close to entering the work release program in completing resumes and job applications. ReConnect Inc. has aided inmates in obtaining professional or business type attire for job interviews. They have helped inmates obtain steel toed boots, tools or other types clothing or equipment that were needed as a condition of employment. ReConnect Inc. donated clear back packs for inmates who are entering the work release program to carry their lunches, coats or work clothes in while they travel to and from the institution. They have donated hygiene and snack items to the facility to assist inmates. In addition to all of the services provided to the CCC-O, ReConnect Inc. has begun a Family Matters program that provides information about resources that are available to inmate families. In short, ReConnect Inc. always finds a way to fill every need we have.

Thank you for what you do! #TellOurStory #ReEntry #ThankYou