In-Person Transition Coalition Held at Great River Landing

By Christen Donley

Transition Coalitions take place throughout the state on revolving dates regularly. These meetings serve to bring together the greater reentry community of nonprofits, federal, state, and county agencies that all serve people leaving incarceration. Since COVID, these in person meetings all moved to a virtual space and although still impactful meetings, missing the in person connection that organically takes place when face to face.

Last Friday, on 8/11, we were able to gather at Great River Landing, the new location of 180 Degrees. Seventeen organizations from the Twin Cities set up tables and shared swag, flyers, and information about their individual services and programs with other organizations that attended. For the first time in over 3 years, we were able to connect with each other, shake hands, and make actual human connections that will serve to support the people we all want to see succeed once returned to the community.

It was a team effort. Commissioner, Paul Schnell, Kelley Heifort, Kate Erickson, JoAnn Brown, and the community stability team along with transition coordinators, behavioral health release planners, Employ, and O4C were all in attendance. We (MNDOC staff) were joined by about 75 individuals from community non profits.

The next in person Twin Cities Coalition will be hosted by Goodwill Easter Seals in St. Paul on October 13th from 9:30 - 11:30. You may sign up to attend here.

Supportive Housing for Men Exiting Prison - 180 Degrees | Turning Lives Around

Transition Coalition Meetings / Department of Corrections (mn.gov)