OCTOBER HIGHLIGHTS

October was a month of connection and community for the ORC, filled with client engagement, strategic planning, celebrations, and resource fairs. See below to explore our latest offerings, community highlights, and upcoming workshops!

Events Calendar

Resource Map

MEET THE 2026-2027 ORC INTERNS

My name is Juliana and I am pursuing my masters in clinical social work at Boston University. This education has allowed me to blend clinical practice with macro-style work, meaning that I not only gather an understanding of helpful interventions on an individual level, but also of the overarching systems and environment we live in.

I have lived in Connecticut my whole life so this move to Boston has been so much fun as I get to explore the city’s charms and vibrant atmosphere.

So far, I have been developing case management skills by providing direct client support along with resumé revisions and community connection building.

My classes throughout my undergraduate and now graduate career have instilled a passion in me for the criminal justice system, restorative justice, and prison reform. I am so grateful for this opportunity and look forward to learning and growing as much as possible!

My name is Jayden and I am a student pursuing my masters in social work on the macro track at Boston University. I'm from Attleboro, MA. I chose Boston University because they have one of the only programs in macro social work in Massachusetts - a branch of social work that focuses on systems change, policy, community organizing, research, and advocacy.

At the ORC, I'm currently researching criminal justice policies, developing employment pipelines, building relationships with community partners, helping implement the ORC's strategic plan, and exploring organizations for connection opportunities.

Per my educational program, I will remain at ORC until graduation in August 2027. As a first-generation college student, I believe in expanding opportunities by dismantling oppressive power structures and empowering marginalized communities towards positive change.

PITCHFEST BOSTON

In October, the Office of Returning Citizens (ORC) participated in the inaugural PitchFest Boston, a new initiative connecting City of Boston offices with local university faculty to identify opportunities for short-term research collaborations.

ORC presented the following research question: How do one-size-fits-all services fail to address the multi-dimensional needs of returning citizens, and what gaps exist in service delivery?

We recognize that every reentry journey is unique and that successful reentry requires support that reflects the diverse and interconnected needs of each individual. Through this research, ORC hopes to better understand where current service delivery falls short and identify opportunities. This includes examining systemic barriers that can make accessing essential reentry resources, particularly employment and housing, more challenging.

PitchFest Boston provided a valuable opportunity to share ORC’s mission and highlight our commitment to addressing service gaps, improving access to resources, and expanding pathways to successful reentry. We look forward to learning later this fall whether our proposal is selected for a research collaboration with a local university!

BLUE HORIZON 8-WEEK REENTRY WORKFORCE INFO SESSION

On November 18th, the ORC is hosting an informational session for the Blue Horizon 8 Week Re-entry Workforce Training Program.

Please join us from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 pm in the ORC Resource Room at 30 Dimock Street, Roxbury, MA 02119

During this info session, participants will have the opportunity to learn more about the 8-week program, ask questions of facilitators, and register in person!

The 8-week program will begin on December 7th and will run Monday through Thursday from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 pm. Topics when enrolled will include OSHA-10 training, job placement support, and more!

Click here to complete the intake form!