Resource fair will explore ways to help newly released offenders; others succeed

IDAHO FALLS, June 27, 2018  — An event aimed at making Idaho safer by helping newly released inmates succeed after they are released from prison is coming up next month in Idaho Falls.  

The event is the Community Information and Resource Fair – Idaho Falls. The fair will provide representatives from community organizations and government agencies an opportunity to network and explore ways they can work together to reduce recidivism.  The fair will also provide a forum to explore ways to help people who have not been convicted of a crime but need help with issues like addiction, mental illness, housing, transportation and employment.

The fair will be held:       

Thursday, July 12, 2018, 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.

ISU Bennion Student Union Building

1784 Science Center Drive, Idaho Falls, Idaho

The participants will include:

• Secular and faith-based organizations offering recovery programs, transition and support services

• City, county and state government agencies and law enforcement

• Non-profit organizations providing such items as clothing and bikes to those in need

• Organizations offering self-help programs, food, clothing, housing and referrals

• Community mental health and medical services

• Veterans resources

The public is invited with the purpose of the fair to:

• Offer a networking forum for community organizations to promote and learn about transition, re-entry, and support services for offenders returning to the community and those in the community who stand in need of assistance

• Provide case managers, ex-offenders, families, parole/probation officers, volunteers, mentors, and workforce and employment consultants an opportunity to identify and understand available community resources

• Identify offender-friendly resources to enhance existing resource manuals

• Educate the public of the critical need to develop sustainable partnerships to ensure safe communities in Idaho

For more information contact:

Stephanie Taylor-Silva: steptay@idoc.idaho.gov (208) 528-4220

Tayvia Hansen: tayviahansen@gmail.com (319) 331-8364

Jeff Kirkman: jkirkman@idoc.idaho.gov (208) 573-5432