Wake County Reentry Organizations Unite for Reentry Month

Wake County Reentry Organizations Unite for Reentry Month
Data shows sharp reduction in recidivism among those receiving reentry support

RALEIGH, N.C. – April 6, 2026 – April marks Reentry Month across North Carolina. Wake Local Reentry Council with support from Capital Area Workforce Development is hosting The Wake Reentry Resource Exchange on Thursday, April 24, 2026 from 10 a.m. 2 p.m. at the Wake County Commons in Raleigh. It will be a networking and resource-sharing experience designed to strengthen access to adult reentry and juvenile justice resources in Wake County.

Timing couldn’t be more crucial. According to the NC Department of Adult Corrections, from 2024-2025 over 32,000 people were incarcerated, almost 63,000 on probation and another 11,511 on parole. The statewide recidivism rate is approximately 40% with Wake County performing better at 24%. Recidivism for Wake LRC clients is just 10% which validates the importance of reentry services to the community.

Reentry experts with lived experience will provide insight into the emotional, mental, and social challenges individuals face after incarceration which are often misunderstood as a lack of motivation or unwillingness to engage. This panel discussion will help attendees better understand the needs of individuals and families seeking services. The event also features 38 service providers. Areas of expertise include behavioral health, housing, basic needs, workforce development, employment, education, economic stability, legal services, and more.

“This is more than just an event — it’s a movement to transform how we support people reentering society,” said James Johnson, program manager with Wake LRC. “By uniting around shared goals, we can drive lasting change and reduce recidivism in our communities.”

Individuals can register to attend at https://reentryexchange2026.eventbrite.com

About Capital Area Workforce Development
CAWD is the intermediary of Wake Local Reentry Council. CAWD is a public-private partnership and 501(c)3 funded by the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) of 2014. Through collaborations with business, government, education and others, the organization has developed state and nationally recognized workforce programs, connected businesses to workforce resources, the education system, and helped thousands to gain employment. CAWD serves Wake, Johnston, Chatham, Lee and Orange counties in the Triangle region of North Carolina.

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