News Detail

Franklin County Recognizes Reentry Week

Commissioners

April 18, 2025

Representatives and supporters of the Franklin Together Reentry Coalition joined the Franklin County Commissioners in declaring April 21-25, 2025 to be Reentry Week in Franklin County during the commissioners’ April 16 public board meeting.

CHAMBERSBURG, Pa. – The Franklin County Commissioners have proclaimed April 21-25, 2025, to be Reentry Week in Franklin County and are encouraging residents to support individuals who are returning to their communities after being released from jail.

More than 73,000 Pennsylvanians are estimated to be incarcerated; another 171,000 are under community supervision. Locally, an average of 125 individuals are released from the Franklin County Jail each month. As these individuals reenter society, they can face a complex transition and often encounter hurdles regarding employment, housing, transportation, substance abuse treatment and mental health care.

The Franklin Together Reentry Coalition works to build a system of care that empowers and supports justice-involved individuals and their families in achieving success while lowering recidivism and improving public safety. The organization strives to reduce stigma, bias and cultural stereotypes while working to engage the community by offering peer groups, supportive services and other resources to assist those returning from incarceration.

“Reentry Week is a time to draw attention to the services and opportunities that are available to those who were formerly incarcerated as well as to inspire others to support their efforts to turn their lives around,” said Franklin County Commissioner Chairman Dean Horst. “Doing so not only demonstrates our humanity as individuals but ultimately benefits our communities by reducing recidivism and helping ex-offenders become successful contributing members of society.”

As part of Reentry Week, the Franklin Together Reentry Coalition is collecting donations of cleaning supplies, personal care items and gift cards for reentry citizens from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. April 22 at South Central Community Action Partnership, 533 S. Main St., Chambersburg. The public is also invited to a Community Film Night at 6 p.m. April 24 at the Capitol Theatre, 159 S. Main St., Chambersburg. Guests can see the film “Home/Free” and participate in a panel discussion on getting involved in reentry efforts. The Reentry Coalition also welcomes the public to its Gathering of Hope at noon April 25 at the Franklin County Visitors Bureau, 15 S. Main St, Chambersburg. This event celebrates the accomplishments of those who are successfully rebuilding their lives in local communities. For a full list of events and initiatives, visit the Franklin Together Facebook page, www.facebook.com/FranklinTogether.