About

Good reentry is good for everyone

The foundation of a good reentry system is collaboration. After two years of research and development, the Bucks County Reentry Coalition was established in November 2019. Forged through the collective efforts of government, nonprofit and community partnerships, the Coalition represents nearly every facet of the reentry system in Bucks County. We are grateful for the dedication and contributions of more than 80 Coalition member agencies that are focused on improving our community through successful reentry.

The reentry process starts during incarceration by connecting individuals to the resources and support they need to plan for eventual release and successful transition to the community. Resources continue to be readily available upon release—from employment resources and connecting to service providers for physical, emotional, financial, transportation or housing needs, to veterans services, substance abuse treatment, legal representation, prosocial mentoring, and more. Our centralized resources make it easier for reentrants to access the support they need every step of the way.

Happy family with two girls

Our Mission

The mission of the Bucks County Reentry Coalition is to enhance collaboration among community and professional partners working with formerly incarcerated individuals to encourage broad-based community support for reentry services. The Coalition provides information and access to resources for these individuals.

Our Vision

Our vision is for all returning citizens to successfully transition into the community by utilizing the necessary resources and support, to engage in prosocial behavior, and to remain free as law-abiding citizens.

Bucks County Reentry Coalition Goals:

  • Enhance reentry services with Adult Probation & Parole and the Department of Corrections
  • Increase awareness of education, employment, and other reentry resources
  • Improve employment opportunities for returning citizens
  • Improve affordable housing options for returning citizens
  • Improve mentoring and family services
  • Identify behavioral and physical health providers and supports, as well as pathways to access such resources, to facilitate more comprehensive, coordinated reentry planning in support of returning citizens

Man speaking to room full of people

Reentry Coalition Executive Committee

as of November 15, 2022

Coalition Chair
Michael Harrison, Bucks County Adult Probation & Parole Department

Coalition Vice-Chair
Lou Emanuele, Bucks County Department of Corrections

Reentry Coalition Subcommittees and Chairs

employment

Education and Employment

Co-Chair Jessica Peterson
PA CareerLink® Bucks County

Co-Chair Dr. Christi Smith
R Street Institute

Family meeting with counselor

Family Services/Mentoring

Co-Chair Megan Cohen
The Grace Project

Co-Chair Jonathan Lewis
Life Abundant, Inc.

Physical and Behavioral Health

Physical and Behavioral Health (mental health/substance abuse)

Co-Chair Heidi Gordon
The Council of Southeast Pennsylvania

Co-Chair Jane Cramer, Bucks County Department of Behavioral Health/Developmental Programs

housing

Housing

Co-Chair Murielle Kelly
Family Service Association of Bucks County

Co-Chair Katey Marseglia
Bucks County Division of Human Services

data

Data

Chair Lou Emanuele, Bucks County Department of Corrections

subcommittee meeting

Addressed by all subcommittees

  • Victim rights
  • Restorative justice
  • Racial, economic, and other disparities
  • Transportation barriers
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