Two Pittsburgh-area Reentrants Share Successes

​The Pennsylvania Department of Corrections (DOC) works with several community partners throughout the commonwealth to assist reentrants upon release from incarceration as they work to reintegrate into society.  One of these partners, Lydia’s Place and Workforce Development through Renewal Inc. in Pittsburgh, recently share letters from two reentrants who provided updates on their progress.

Rico Carter credits Lydia’s Place with helping him secure the housing that allowed him to earn his Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), achieve gainful employment, and even have the time to give back to the community by donating to a local food bank.

Laurel Womak sent a hand-written letter of appreciation to staff that supported her during her lowest point – newly released from prison, recovering from a brain aneurysm, and unable to find work. Now happily employed and with stable housing, she wants others who may be in a similar situation to know that change is possible and encourages them to “live their dreams.”

Congratulations to Rico and Laurel on their successes.

Read more:

Rico’s Letter

Laurel’s Letter