Reentry Resource Center

BCPS/BerksConnections operates the Reentry Resource Center: a one-stop location for ex-offenders returning to our community from the Berks County Prison, as well as State and Federal institutions. BCPS staff also begin to aid successful reentry prior to release by assisting inmates at the Berks County Prison. The BCPS/BerksConnections comprehensive reentry strategy includes:

• Conducting a comprehensive needs assessment to identify specific critical areas of need;
• Gathering information from throughout the community to provide information and referrals about local programs and services to aid reentry;
• Matching each individual’s identified needs with appropriate referrals and then following up to ensure needs are sufficiently addressed.

BCPS/BerksConnections also aids individuals upon their release with basic services, from assisting with obtaining proper identification and transportation to providing a starter kit of toiletry items.

In addition, BCPS is the founding member of the Berks Community Resources Network , a group of over 35 non-profit social service and government agencies that work with individuals involved in the Berks County criminal justice and juvenile justice systems. BCPS publishes a comprehensive members’ Guide to Services, identifying existing criminal justice related programs and services that is distributed to agencies throughout the community.

Ready to Succeed Employment Workshops

BCPS staff work in conjunction with the Berks County CareerLink staff to provide an introductory job training workshop for inmates at BCP. The six-week workshops run for 2 – 3 hours per week and include resume writing, job search skills and mock interviews. Graduates can follow-up with more intensive assistance at CareerLink after release.

Volunteer Programs at Berks County Prison

One-to-One Mentoring - Volunteers are paired with residents of the Berks County Prison in one-to-one relationships. The volunteer provides the support of friendship and acts as a proper role model for the resident in order to help them prepare for their release back into the community.

 Educational Tutoring - Volunteers work as tutors in four major areas to improve the literacy and education of prison residents: teaching illiterate persons to read; teaching English as a second language; tutoring remedial reading, writing and spelling skills; and G.E.D. tutoring.

Group Fellowship Events - Ongoing monthly events allow community-based volunteers to have informal social visits as well as planned educational and seasonal activities for the inmates.