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Sharon Resident Provides Jobs for Reentrants, Connects Positively with Center Staff

December 06, 2018 12:00 AM
By: DOC Staff

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Sharon CCC -- 2018 December workers 1.jpgJim Landino, a resident of Sharon, Pa., owns a local property management company called RECON LLC. RECON's vision is to acquire vacant properties and revitalize them to attract new commercial and residential opportunities to downtown Sharon.

A flagship project of RECON's was the development of LuLu Beans Café, which came to life when Landino and his finance, Jen Krezeczowski began remodeling a vacant building on the corner of Sharpsville Avenue and State Street in Sharon. The plan was to develop and design a modern café serving a variety of coffees, teas, pastries and healthy meal options in a modern relaxed atmosphere which promoted guests to gather and visit with each other. 

During the initial stages of this project one reentrant from the Sharon Community Corrections Center (CCC) walked up to the jobsite, introduced himself and asked Landino if help was needed, as he had experience in a variety of construction trades. This initial introduction eventually turned into that reentrant becoming a full-time employee of RECON and his earning a significant amount of responsibility in the project and eventually the company.

Sharon CCC -- 2018 December worker welding.jpgFrom this one reentrant interaction and hiring, Landino continued to include Sharon CCC reentrants, who were skilled in a variety of building trades, into future projects. Presently, RECON employs six reentrants in a variety of trades such as welding, masonry, electrical, landscaping and equipment operation. 

As the number of reentrants RECON employed through the Sharon CCC grew, so did the relationship that center staff developed with Landino.

"The most impressive quality that Mr. Landino possess is his willingness to reach out to individuals whom others may easily overlook, while empowering them to apply the skills and knowledge that they have to improve their lives and the lives of their family members," said William Murray, director of the Sharon CCC.  "He acknowledges that the reentrants in this program have at one point in their lives made a poor decision with significant consequences; however, he does not allow that decision or the person's current address define them as who they are or who they can become with the proper support system around them."

Landino has not only welcomed the reentrants of the Sharon CCC into his company, but has welcomed them into his personal life. He considers them friends and invests his time and attention in them not only when they are working but into their overall reentry. 

"Mr. Landino and his vision to revitalize vacant buildings in Sharon has extended out into revitalizing the lives of those around him," Murray said. "We at the Sharon CCC are grateful for the opportunities and support that he has provided the reentrants of this program, and we continue to look forward to working with him in his vision to improve the community in which we live."   



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