Many initiatives are in place throughout Newport News to enhance reintegration of citizens returning from incarceration. The Newport News Sheriff’s Office, in partnership with the Virginia Workforce Center, sponsors “A New Beginning - A Second Chance Workshop,” which is designed to assist individuals returning to communities from incarceration.

The workshop updates and connects citizens to post-release re-entry services provided by the Sheriff’s Office. The program helps to reduce recidivism, substance abuse, and homelessness while improving health and wellness, employment, family connectedness, and collaboration. The workshop is held the fourth Friday of every month at 10 a.m. at the Virginia Workforce Center, 600 Butler Farm Road in Hampton. During the two-hour workshop, guest speakers from the Legal Aid Society and the Division of Child Support Enforcement are available to advise returning citizens on how they can assist in their transition. Participants are encouraged to enroll in the Sheriff’s post-release re-entry program to start receiving services they may not have been aware of.

Anyone who has come in contact with the criminal justice system is eligible to participate, regardless of where they reside. For more information, contact Peggy Howard, executive director, community outreach/programs at the Newport News Sheriff’s Office by e-mail at phoward@nnva.gov or call 757-926-8086.