Mississippi Correctional Institute for Women hosts re-entry resource fair

PEARL, Mississippi — The Mississippi Correctional Institute for Women hosted a resource fair March 26 for inmates within three months of release, offering support and connections intended to ease their transition back into the community, the Mississippi Department of Corrections said.

Organized by Major Williestine Guise, the event featured booths from state and private organizations that provided information, encouragement and re-entry resources for women preparing for release, MDOC officials said.

Participants included representatives from the MDOC Re-Entry Team, Hope Psychiatric Consultants of Pearl, VitalCore Health Strategies, Surge Staffing Company, Brown Bottling Group and Wayne-Sanderson Farms. Attendees also spoke with the dean of Hinds Community College and the director of Crossroads Transitional Living Facility, officials said.

Booths offered pamphlets, brochures and networking materials. After the fair, MDOC Deputy Commissioner Kelley Christopher delivered remarks intended to encourage and motivate the women. The department said attendees also received a special meal and time to talk about their future plans.

Officials thanked Superintendent Katrina Reid for supporting the event and said they hope to include more vendors at future fairs. Re-entry programs aim to connect people leaving incarceration with housing, education, employment and health services to support successful reintegration. We will provide more information as it becomes available.