Building a future!: A Reentry Program Forever

Jacob Spellis, Willie Knighten, David Nalls & Karyn McConnell | September 21 | 1:30-2:30 PM | Room 2582

Goodwill has been awarded a $1.36 million federal grant to provide training, case management, mentoring, and employment services to incarcerated adults transitioning back into the community. Goodwill will serve approximately 170 men and women who are in work release programs, recovery houses, and residential release centers. They have placed many individuals back into the work force. In addition, the program is operated by all restored citizens who have served time incarcerated.

Presentation Objectives:

·         Describe the program that Goodwill will introduce as a result of federal grant funding

·         Describe the reasons and importance of effectively integrating citizens returning from prison back into the community

About the Presenters

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Jacob Spellis, MSW, LSW

Jacob Spellis holds his Masters in Social Work from the University of Michigan. He has a vision to revamp and reform the criminal justice system and currently serves on multiple criminal justice councils, and is a board member of the Reentry Coalition. He works at Empowered for Excellence and Goodwill Industries.

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Willie Knighten, CDCA

Willie Knighten, Jr. is a native of Toledo, Ohio and currently works in behavioral health, mentoring, and re-entry. Willie spent 13 years in prison before being exonerated by the late Judge Skow. He strongly advocates for responsible fatherhood and healthy marriage. Willie also has a Toledo TED talk, and is an anti-gang activist.  

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David Nalls, CDCA

David Nalls is the lead case manager at New Concepts, a member of the Ohio Citizens Advocacy group, and sat on the board to create peer support in the state of Ohio. He is a trainer and case manager of Empowered for Excellence and has a degree in business. He is pursuing his BSW at Spring Arbor.

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Karyn McConnell, JD, CDCA

Karyn McConnell obtained her Juris Doctor from Case Western Reserve University School of Law. She maintained a general law practice for 9 years until 2007. Her fire was lit to work in the field of re-entry while incarcerated for Aggravated Theft in 2008. Karyn is the Employment Program Coordinator for Goodwill.

2017Anna SchrammJacob Spellis, Willie Knighten, David Nalls & Karyn McConnell21:1:30