Beyond Bars: Rebuilding Lives Through Citizen Circle | Episode 220

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The Summit County Citizen Circle stands as a beacon of hope for justice-impacted individuals seeking to rebuild their lives after incarceration. In this powerful conversation with co-leaders Lisa Dolan and Shawn Bonner, we explore how this innovative program has become a model for reentry support across Ohio and beyond.
Every second Thursday, this remarkable collaboration brings together over 50 different service providers who set aside competitive interests to focus solely on helping participants overcome barriers to successful reintegration. "We all play nice on the playground," Lisa explains, capturing the spirit that has made Summit County's approach so effective that justice-impacted individuals from other counties are actually relocating to access these resources.
The impact is evident in the program's 2024 statistics: 80 justice-impacted participants served, hundreds of bus passes distributed, thousands of dollars in clothing and hygiene assistance provided, and countless moments of profound human connection. "Grown men in tears," Shawn describes, "because they did not know that they're feeling the love." Rather than prescribing rigid paths forward, Citizen Circle empowers participants to create their own "redirection plans" based on individual needs and goals.
What truly sets this program apart is its commitment to meeting people where they are without judgment. "In the land of second chances, leave pride outside the door," Shawn advises participants. This philosophy acknowledges that recovery isn't linear – setbacks happen, but the support remains consistent. As Lisa affirms, "If you relapse whether it's due to addiction or just life happens, it's okay. Come back to us when you're ready."
Want to get involved or need support? Contact Lisa Dolan at 330-208-3829 to learn more about participating, volunteering, or attending their biannual resource and job fairs featuring second-chance employers. Don't miss their next event on May 15th at the Chapel in Akron!

• Citizen Circle meets the second Thursday of each month (February-December) and serves 8-10 individuals in approximately four hours
• Transportation was the top need in 2024, with over 321 day bus passes and 23 monthly passes distributed
• Employment support and housing with rental assistance ranked as the second and third most needed resources
• The program provided $3,900 in clothing assistance and $850 in hygiene products in 2024
• Summit County's robust reentry resources have attracted justice-impacted individuals to relocate from other counties
• Unlike many social service environments, providers work collaboratively rather than competitively
• Participants create "redirection plans" rather than "reentry plans," emphasizing choice and empowerment
• The program combines tangible resources with emotional support in a judgment-free environment

"Don't let your past define what your future looks like. Don't give up on you."

#socialimpact #citizencircle #crimereduction #prisonreform #communityengagement #recidivismreduction #secondchances #socialenterprise #nonprofitorganization #reentryprogram #communityoutreach #socialchange #justiceequity #crimeprevention #socialinnovation

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