By WMBD TV
BLOOMINGTON – The community is invited to participate in a reentry simulation on Thursday.
The YWCA’s Labyrinth program works with previously incarcerated women. So, YWCA McLean County, the Bloomington/Normal Hub of Envisioning Justice, a project of Illinois Humanities joined together to host the reentry simulation.
The public event will give participants a look into the life of the previously incarcerated when trying to reintegrate back into society. According to the YWCA the simulation will “spark ideas for improving policies, workplace practices, and community support systems.”
Participants will be provided a life card detailing criminal history, housing and employment. They will also receive a list of tasks they must finish under supervision.
Then for two hours, participants will replicate four weeks in the life of a returning citizen. They’ll maneuver through services including probation, the bank, court and social services.
Kara Powell, YWCA Labyrinth Program Director, said sometimes people don’t understand the obstacles others face when navigating back into society after incarceration.
“If we haven’t experienced incarceration personally or if we don’t know someone who has, I think it’s really easy to think, okay, so they are out and, you know, get a job, get a place to live and move forward. You know, take care of yourself and all of that. And the reality is it’s just not that easy,” she said.
Powell said one of the barriers people face is not having a birth certificate, ID or any other documentation needed to get a job.
In a press release, The YWCA said, “Successful reentry benefits more than just individuals. By supporting returning citizens, we reduce recidivism, strengthen neighborhoods, and create safer, more resilient communities.”
The event is March 20 from 3 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at the Bloomington Public Library.
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