Opening Ceremony for the New Reentry Service Office at Houtzdale

Deputy Secretary for the Office of Field Services Kelly Evans had a vision, and it involved changing how the Reentry process is handled at the SCIs. Evans wanted an environment open to any inmate who needed information, guidance, education and a solid plan for returning to their communities. When she restructured the Bureau of Offender Reentry, she put staff to the task of making her vision a reality. 

Superintendent Barry Smith volunteered to be the first SCI to collaborate with reentry staff and develop the Reentry Service Office based on the new model. Smith was so supportive and open to the idea; he dedicated a room and resources immediately. DOC and parole staff worked together to get everything ready for celebrating the official opening.

On Jan. 15, staff gathered at SCI Houtzdale and heard from DOC Secretary John Wetzel, Executive Deputy Secretary for Community Corrections and Reentry George Little, Evans, Smith, Director Reentry Operations Missy Repsher and Parole Manager Pannebaker. Everyone was invited to tour the new RSO and ask questions of Reentry Parole Agent Tanja Hayles and Social Worker Ashley Mackey.