MILFORD, Pa. — The Pike County Commissioners are establishing a local Reentry Coalition to help reduce recidivism among inmates at the Pike County Correctional Facility, and to ensure that a follow-up plan is in place that creates opportunities for former offenders to move forward in life.

A kickoff meeting of the coalition was held on Feb. 19 at the Pike County Training Center, in Lords Valley, Pa. A series of four more meetings will be held from now through May to develop a strategic plan, and set the stage for a collaborative approach to reentry. The project is supported by a $15,000 grant from the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency.

“Coalitions such as this are working all across Pennsylvania to make our communities safer by helping offenders to reenter society as productive individuals,” said Pike County Commissioner Steve Guccini. “The coalition will support the great work currently happening at the Pike County Correctional Facility (PCCF).”

The recidivism rate in Pike County is 19 percent as compared to 76 percent nationally, according to PCCF Warden Craig Lowe.

“Our team is dedicated to making Pike County safer for everyone,” Lowe said. “We welcome this opportunity to strengthen our partnerships, which help to reintegrate offenders into society.”

Consultant Melanie G. Snyder has been hired to guide the newly forming Reentry Coalition in Pike County. Snyder provides strategic planning and facilitation services to similar entities in other regions and states.

“Melanie brings a proven track record of success on similar processes in other Pennsylvania counties,” said Matt Osterberg, chairman of the Pike County Commissioners. “This process is about reintegrating returning citizens by breaking the vicious cycle of crime and repeated incarceration.”

Snyder is the author of "Grace Goes to Prison: An Inspiring Story of Hope and Humanity" (Brethren Press, 2009). She is a certified instructor for the Annie E. Casey Foundation’s Healing Communities model, a National Institute of Corrections certified offender workforce development specialist, and a restorative justice mediator.

The next meeting of the Reentry Coalition will be from noon to 4 p.m. March 26 at the Pike County Training Center, in Lords Valley, Pa.

For more information about the Reentry Coalition, contact the Pike County Commissioners at 570-296-7613.