This Re-Entry Simulation will provide participants with an understanding of the significant obstacles faced by men and women attempting to navigate social systems and correctional supervision upon their release from incarceration. To walk in the shoes of one who is returning home gives invaluable insight for professionals and local policymakers tasked with helping those individuals achieve a successful reentry.

Participants experience the first month of post-release life. Each participant assumes the identity of an ex-offender and receives a packet of materials, including a “Life Card.” The “Life Card” explains the reentrant’s criminal background, current living situation, current job situation, and the specific weekly tasks that must be accomplished in order to avoid the risk of being sent back to prison for non-compliance with the requirements of his or her supervised release. The simulation begins with an explanation and instructions from the facilitator and the reentrants then set out to try and navigate their new lives.

Between each of these segments (at the end of each “week”) reentrants return to their housing locations, which can be home, the halfway house, homeless shelter or jail, depending on how successful they have been in satisfying the conditions of their release and accomplishing their assigned tasks. They then engage in a guided discussion with the event facilitators debriefing them with regards to their experiences and helping them reflect on their successes and failures.

We are asking that anyone interested in becoming a part of the systemic change the Kenai Peninsula Re-Entry Coalition and Alaska Department of Corrections are building around justice-involved men, women, and youth. This Simulation will offer two ways to participate:

1. Walk in the shoes of a re-entrant by accepting a persona and navigating services and support systems.
2. Take your place among social service agencies, treatment providers, business owners, and correctional staff to represent the supportive systems in-place throughout the Kenai Peninsula.

For those that have participated in a re-entry simulation in the past, we promise to provide a fresh look at re-entry tailored to the State of Alaska and Kenai Peninsula. Please RSVP with your desired role by March 1, 2022. We look forward to an insightful and fun Saturday with all of you!

• Visit our Website
• Learn More about the Re-Entry Simulation here.