Event Features Job Fair, Skills Workshops, and Dress for Success Mobile Unit
GOLDSBORO, N.C. — Wayne Community College is hosting a comprehensive Re-Entry Program event this Wednesday, October 29th, designed to help justice-impacted individuals successfully transition back into the workforce and community.
Program Overview
The Re-Entry Program, led by Renita Dawson, Vice President of Workforce Continuing Education and Community Engagement at Wayne Community College, brings together businesses, government agencies, and nonprofits to provide essential resources for individuals who have been released from jail or prison.
“There are over 20,000 people that are released from jails in North Carolina every year, and they’re coming back to our communities,” Dawson explained during a recent radio interview. “We’re kind of that hub that can help connect them to all the people that are doing great things in our community.”
Event Details
The October 29th event will take place at Wayne Community College and will be divided into two main components:
Morning/Afternoon Workshops (Walnut Building)
- Time: 11:00am to 2:00pm
- Resume writing skills
- Interview preparation
- Professional development training
- Mobile Dress for Success unit on-site
Job Fair (Wayne Learning Center Building)
- Time: 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
- Seven committed employers participating
- Networking opportunities
Special Feature: Panel Discussion
The event will also include a panel discussion featuring Re-Entry Program participants who will share their experiences with employment in the community, offering valuable insights and inspiration to attendees.
Who Can Participate?
The program is open to anyone who has been justice-impacted, regardless of:
- The level of offense
- How long ago the incarceration occurred
- Whether they are recently released or released years ago
“Simply be justice impacted,” Dawson said. “It does not matter what level, and it does not matter how long ago.”
Addressing Critical Needs
The Re-Entry Program addresses both immediate and long-term needs, including:
- Basic necessities (clothing, food, shelter)
- Housing assistance
- Employment connections
- Education and training opportunities
- Community resource connections
“Housing is a huge issue,” Dawson noted. “But then they want to be connected to resources, and we’re kind of that hub that can help connect them.”
How to Get Involved
Individuals can participate in several ways:
Self-Referral: Those interested can refer themselves directly to the program without needing a referral from another agency.
For the October 29th Event:
- No pre-registration required (though RSVP is optional)
- Simply show up at Wayne Community College
For General Program Information:
- Phone: 919-739-6930
- Website: www.waynecc.edu/reentry
- Complete the intake form available on the website
Referral Sources
The program accepts referrals from multiple sources, including:
- Family members
- Friends
- Probation officers
- Parole officers
- Self-referrals
Mission and Impact
“We want to make sure that people are aware that they can refer themselves,” Dawson emphasized. “You don’t have to be referred, but you can pick up the phone and call us and just say, I need a helping hand, and we can serve you. Again, we’re connecting the dots in our community, and that’s what it’s all about.”
The Re-Entry Program represents Wayne Community College’s commitment to serving all members of the community and providing second chances for those working to rebuild their lives after incarceration.
For more information about the Re-Entry Program event on October 29th or to learn about ongoing services, visit www.waynecc.edu/reentry or call 919-739-6930.
