MEDIA ADVISORY                                                                                                                                                     September 14, 2009

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Website Features Tools to Assist in Offender Reentry

(Columbus) – On Wednesday, September 16, 2009, Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction (DRC) Director Terry J. Collins will chair the next quarterly meeting of the Ohio Ex-Offender Reentry Coalition.  The Coalition, formed after the signing of HB130 by Governor Ted Strickland, is comprised of both statutory and at-large members. At the meeting, Director Collins will spotlight www.ReentryCoalition.Ohio.gov, the new website for the coalition. The site is designed to enhance communication by providing open access to current and useful information about offender reentry in Ohio and throughout the country.  The site will provide electronic access to public reentry forums and events. In addition, the site will offer timely updates about the Coalition’s activities, including its operating procedures and by-laws, meeting schedule, minutes, published reports, committee work, and other-related news items. The site will also feature information about local reentry coalition efforts across the state.

“The target audience for this website will be ex-offenders and their families, as well as the many state and local partners who are involved with the issues and challenges associated with the reentry transition,” stated DRC Director Terry J. Collins.   “These external partners will be able to utilize the many tools available on this site to ease the barriers faced by those returning from prison.”

For more information about the Ohio Ex-Offender Reentry Coalition, please visit our website at www.ReentryCoalition.Ohio.gov, or contact the DRC Public Information Office at (614)752-1150.