The P2R Training and Resource Center, Inc. Newsletter

Mission Statement:

P2R’s mission is to provide a multipurpose facility that will assist marginalized populations with real resources to improve their socioeconomic condition and promote independence.

Vision Statement:

P2R Training and Resource Center, Inc. is committed to providing a safe place where underserved community members can receive the necessary support to access wrap-around services, employment assistance, and programs that enhance a better quality of life.

Guiding Principle:

P2R’s focus is to help individuals “RECOVER” from “ALL” life circumstances through strength-based case management, evidenced-based programming, and mentorship.

$8,000+ Grant Awarded

THANK YOU!

On Wednesday, May 11, 2022 - The 100 Women Who Care About Lorain County Organization presented P2R with a check for $8,000.00 that will help promote services for prisoner reentry.

P2R Executive Director, Wendy Caldwell gave a compelling speech to the 100 Women at their April meeting and was awarded the money to assist homeless ex-offenders returning to Lorain County.

The funds will be used to provide interventions to prevent recidivism, promote public safety, improve economic conditions and strengthen family units. Thank you 100 Women Who Care for your support and belief in our cause.

Program Launch:

Chance to Change Prisoner Reentry

On Thursday, May 19, 2022 - P2R Training and Resource Center, Inc launched our Chance To Change Prisoner Reentry Program. Mr. Walter Atwood, our Reentry Specialist is the facilitator. This program is an initial effort to reach formerly incarcerated men and women, providing them with an opportunity to gain insight into improving their socioeconomic status.

The attendees listened intently as they were advised by Inez James, member of the Board of Elections and President of Democratic Women of Lorain, regarding the civic responsibility to vote. Information about the eligibility process to seal criminal records was provided by Henry Waker from Walker Foundation. Our guest speaker, Damian Calvert of Building Freedom Ohio gave a riveting presentation about overcoming trauma, accountability, and successful reentry by 'Being Ready.'

Other organizations represented were the Salvation Army of Oberlin and Goodwill Industries of Elyria. P2R received donations from Defense Soap of Vermillion, Living Word Church of Lorain, and New Day New Vision Healing Ministry of Lorain. The event was catered by Blessed & Highly Flavored. We were honored to have a special guest in the person of Candice Williams, the Ohio State Director of Alliance for Safety and Justice. We would like to thank all those who came out to support the launch in person or by donation. Door prizes, hygiene products, and resource information bags were given to each reentry participant.

This highly successful event is the beginning of ongoing services at P2R dedicated to supporting ex-offenders returning to our community. For more information about Reentry Services contact Walter Atwood at P2R (440) 434-8080.

Walter Atwood

Damian Calvert, Speaker

Outreach “Boots on the Ground”

P2R has been able to do outreach at several local food banks in Lorain and Elyria. By doing outreach, we have identified residents in need of our services. We provide resource information about our services at the following Food Banks: Elyria Hospitality Center, Beyond The Wall Church of Elyria, Divine Destiny Church of Elyria, and God’s Kngdom Worship Center of Lorain.

P2R participated in a Resource Fair on Saturday, May 21, 2022, sponsored by Lorain County Information and Connection (LINC) @ the Lorain County Community College Spitzer Conference Center. This event was created by the Lorain County Juvenile Court to highlight agencies offering services to youth in Lorain County.

On May 21, 2022, P2R participated in “The Root Cause of Homelessness” - an event sponsored by The Northeast Coalition of the Homeless. This event was a tour that took us through the neighborhoods of Cleveland where gentrification is prevalent and subject matter experts gave us the history of the housing crisis in Northeast, Ohio.

boots on the ground homeless coalition .jpg

Winners Circle

Kerri Canter - Kerri became engaged in services at P2R soon after her release from prison. Met with many barriers in reentering society, Kerri committed herself to the services at P2R. She attended recovery support meetings and worked alongside her Peer Support Specialist to gain her footing in the community. She completed our REO Program (Recover Employment Opportunities) and was immediately employed with Summit Valley Services in August 2021 to present. Whenever Kerri was met with a challenge she never hesitated to ask for help. These proactive measures allowed Kerri to accomplish successful reentry and 11-months of recovery. Kerri is very active within our agency and has future aspirations to work in veterinarian services. Her continued success earns her a spot in P2R’s Winner Circle.

Luis Acosta - Luis has taken advantage of our supportive services and successfully reentered society after incarceration. He completed alcohol/drug treatment and resided in sober living. This client routinely uses peer recovery support to overcome obstacles which enabled him to celebrate a year of sobriety. His success has helped him continue employment, obtain transportation and secure housing within a 6 month period of receiving services at P2R. We are super excited for Luis’ accomplishments and especially his willingness to ask for help when faced with uncertainty. We applaud Luis and count him in P2R’s Winner Circle.

Employer Highlight

THANK YOU!

Summit Valley Services- began recruiting P2R clients in July of 2021. In August 2021, P2R partnered with Summit Valley and referred 4 graduates from our employment class (REO) to provide janitorial service at the Lorain County Fair in Wellington. Our relationship flourished and they have embraced many P2R clients as employees. There are currently (4) P2R clients on staff at this agency. Summit Valley provides construction site clean-up and commercial janitorial services.

We here at P2R Training and Resource Center, Inc are grateful for this collaboration. By completing our REO Classes clients are vetted for employment connections and Summit Valley is one of our premier employers. For more information about REO and Workforce Development contact P2R (440) 434-8033.

“New In Recovery Meeting”

Betty Gibson came to P2R as a client in October 2021 and expressed a sincere desire to become a Certified Peer Support Specialist. She completed the REO classes and then diligently began the process to become a peer specialist. Betty is responsible for bringing AA meetings to P2R on Tuesday at 7 pm and Saturday at 7:30 pm. Her enthusiasm for recovery is met with relentless work with women in recovery.

Betty completed the peer courses in record time and signed up for the 40

hours of training, then went on to test for her certification. In the interim Betty obtained a position at P2R as a Peer Specialist and in May became a Certified Peer Support Specialist.

Her dedication shows in all the work she puts into ensuring clients have a chance at recovery. Betty started a weekly meeting “New In Recovery” at P2R for clients using the curriculum from Celebrate Recovery. The curriculum entails incorporating biblical principles with 12 Steps. This highly impactful meeting invokes spirit-led discussions and plants a seed of hope for recovery.

CONGRATULATIONS BETTY - Job Well Done!