Waymart Hosts Annual Career and Reentry Fair

More than 200 inmates nearing their release date attended SCI Waymart’s annual Career and Reentry Fair on Sept. 21. Attendees had the opportunity to network with private employers, agency employees, parole staff, housing experts, and a college representative to determine how to successfully navigate one’s choices and needs as a reentrant. Inmates were attentive and eager to learn about opportunities available to them in various regions of the commonwealth. Some of the presenters offered to return to Waymart to speak with students in Pathway to Success and Building Trades/Carpentry.

Principal Michelle Lipko and Cosmetology teacher Tami McCollum were able to discuss a former student/reentrant with parole staff from the Scranton Office. It was satisfying to hear that WAM’s efforts “inside” yielded tremendous success on the “outside.”  Superintendent Mark Wahl explained current recidivism statistics to the participants in one session by calling 5 of them to the podium and stating that 3 will likely reoffend and return to a facility — but that events such as a Career and Reentry Fair will lower the number that return. He said his goal is to see everyone get out and stay out!

This event epitomized teamwork as staff from many departments collaborated to bring a safe and meaningful event to WAM’s soon-to-be reentrants.  Students in restaurant trades made cookies for the presenters.  Food services provided cookies and water for the participants.