Aaron Poynter, Director, Reentry and Employment Services Branch of the Office of Adult Education in the Education and Labor Cabinet delivered a very positive and encouraging update on the programs successes and expansion in the state at last weeks Cumberlands Workforce Development Board meeting. The Reentry Program works on a variety of levels helping people overcome the barriers caused by having a criminal record.
”We started in Russell County,” said Poynter. “This all started right here, and it’s amazing— with your support.”
Kentucky’s Reentry program is getting national attention for its success and rapid adoption. “Last year was a year of growth. We went for 12 to 58 counties across the Commonwealth. Every single week we are getting expansion requests,” said Poynter, adding that in the last year the program directly impacted over 2,100 individuals.
Poynter is getting requests for presentations from federal, state, and local levels. Poynter emphasized how his team is consistently developing ‘best practices’ by evaluating outcomes and asking questions.
To end his report, Poynter presented plaques of appreciation to two of the programs founding supporters, Russell County’s County Attorney Kevin Shearer and Myra Wilson, Director of Cumberlands Workforce Development Board. “These are two individuals that have been extremely instrumental in everything we’ve done… and impacted people they will never meet — changed lives.”
