Department of
Health & Human Services

Long Beach, CA – This September, the City of Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services (Health Department) Reentry Advisory Council will host Re-envisioning Reentry in Long Beach 2023, a series of symposia focused on the issues and challenges faced by community members after being released from jail or prison.

"In Long Beach, we recognize that the true measure of our city's strength lies in how we uplift every community member,” said Mayor Rex Richardson. “Shining a light on supportive services for those returning from incarceration is not just a step towards reintegration – it is a stride towards a safer, more inclusive and more united Long Beach.”

The series will be comprised of three events throughout Long Beach, each with their own intended focus and target audience. Registration is required and is available online. The number of participants per session is limited and will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis.

• HR Professionals and the Reentry Workforce
  Sept. 14, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Long Beach City College Pacific Coast Campus (1305 E. Pacific Coast Hwy.), Building GG, Room 238, 2nd floor.
  The symposium is intended for human resources professionals, business proprietors and others who are in hiring positions. Representatives from the business community, along with City, State and Federal officials, will discuss challenges faced by the reentry community around hiring practices.
• Rebuilding Foundations: Reentry Housing Resource Fair and Symposium
  Sept. 16, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Long Beach City College Pacific Coast Campus, Building QQ, Room 112, Dyer Hall.
  People impacted by the justice system are invited to learn about reentry housing services at the housing resource fair and gain insights from community stakeholders regarding facts and tips for navigating housing services in Long Beach during a panel discussion. The panel will include representatives from various Long Beach public entities and community-based organizations.
• Reentry Service Provider Forum: Creating Successful Reentry in Long Beach
  Sept. 20, 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., Greater Harvest Church of God in Christ (1144 Olive Ave.
  This engaging forum will focus on guiding reentry service providers in navigating peer support and wraparound services for reentry in Long Beach.

“During the development of the Racial Equity and Reconciliation initial report, community members called out for stronger reentry services to support formerly incarcerated people,” said Director of Health and Human Services Kelly Colopy. “We continue to work alongside the Long Beach Reentry Advisory Committee, community members and service providers to create pathways for people as they are coming out of the criminal justice system. This year's series of symposiums is another step closer to our goals.”

These events align with Goal 2 of the Framework for Reconciliation, which calls upon the City to develop and strengthen a network to support formerly justice-involved residents.

The Long Beach Reentry Advisory Council was formed in May 2022, with a mission to establish and maintain solutions for recidivism reduction rooted in collaboration to create a system of accountability for community members, community-based organizations, educational systems and government agencies. The Council includes community members with lived experience, reentry service providers, faith-based organizations and representatives from Long Beach City College, Los Angeles County and the City of Long Beach.